(Courtesy of YU) “I decided to transfer to Yeshiva University for a lot of reasons,” said Shoshana Braverman, a student who previously attended the University of Michigan. “The main reason is that I felt a level of discomfort with the combination of religious values, academic balance, the war breaking out in Israel and the campus climate.”
Added Braverman, “After seminary, my values changed tremendously, and the culture at Michigan is not one that necessarily aligns with the religious morals and values I took on.”
Her experience is emblematic of the warm, welcoming and Torah-focused environment transfer students are looking for at Yeshiva University, where all students are embraced and guided for personal and professional success.
Ethan Oliner, who transferred to YU from Cornell University, was alarmed by the rampant antisemitism on campus. “My days were spent fighting Jewish hate, putting up hostage posters which were subsequently torn down or defaced, supporting Israel against outrageous anti-Israel legislation at the student assembly, and also responding to death threats against the Jewish community,” he said.
Students and parents alike are clearly recognizing the value of a Yeshiva University education, which combines a world-class yeshiva with a world-class university. In today’s climate, where Jewish students nationwide face rising antisemitism and anti-Israel hostility, YU is recognized as an institution that is safe and supportive — physically, emotionally and spiritually.
“As the world’s flagship Jewish university, our commitment to the values of the Jewish people is drawing students and families to us in record numbers,” said Rabbi Dr. Ari Berman, president of Yeshiva University. “At a time when college enrollment is declining nationally, when Jewish students and their families are facing fear and antagonism, they understand the high quality of our education and our commitment to student success.”
Central to YU’s student undergraduate experience is the exposure to great Torah faculty. Yeshiva University is the proud home of world-class Roshei Yeshiva and Torah educators who regularly interact with and teach undergraduates.
“Learning Torah in an organized setting, with hundreds of other students around, is amazing,” said Oliner. “The Beit Midrash is so welcoming, and everyone has been so kind and helpful so far.”
Leo Rahmey, a recent transfer student from Brandeis University, decided to attend YU because, as he explains, “I missed the Torah learning that I was used to from my year in yeshiva in Israel, and YU offers high-quality Torah learning while having a great secular program as well.”
In addition to being known as a welcoming university, YU is also known for its students landing impressive positions at some of the world’s hottest companies. Recent YU graduates can be found at prestigious companies such as Amazon, Meta, Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan Chase and Google.
“I am studying political science and want to have a career that will enable me to help Israel and the Jewish people,” said Oliner. “Yeshiva University has professors and alumni that excel in those fields. This university is the best place for me to be able to achieve those aspirations.”
Another draw for students is YU’s medical school acceptance rate, which is twice the national average. As Braverman explained, “Since the beginning of my college journey, I thought about switching to Stern; however, it was hard to resist the temptation to want to stay in Michigan because of its esteemed reputation and high academic status.” Once she found out that Stern’s medical acceptance rate was extremely high, in fact, higher than Michigan’s, “it was an obvious decision that I would probably excel and have more opportunities at Stern based on the environment and the way I learn best.”
At Michigan, Braverman was a very active member of the Jewish community and pro-Israel community on campus. Regarding the current challenges facing Jewish students at secular colleges in the United States, Braverman said, “Freedom of speech is extremely important on any college campus, but it should not be at the cost of the safety of students on campus. YU is very prominent in emphasizing that anti-Zionism is antisemitism when other universities are trying to separate the two, which is apparent through their actions.”
The growing number of transfer students and increase in highly qualified applicants have also expanded the need for donors to fund the scholarships and facilities necessary to meet this critical moment in our community. For this semester alone, YU had to lease a new midtown residence building to help accommodate the record number of students who started Stern college this spring and additional housing is needed for the coming fall. Alumni and friends are recognizing this urgent need and annual giving is up 44% which will help support the future of our community.
As demand for a YU education continues to rise, the flagship Jewish university remains committed to delivering an exemplary, purposeful education grounded in core Torah values and proudly offering a unique educational opportunity that is inspiring more students to make YU their home.
