Brown University Overview
Brown University is a leading research university distinguished by its unique Open Curriculum. Students design their educational paths, exploring a wide range of subjects before focusing on a particular area. A Brown education encourages creativity, intellectual risk-taking, and entrepreneurial problem-solving. Graduates leave College Hill prepared to address societal challenges globally.
Location:
One Prospect St, Providence, RI 02912
Website: brown.eduAbout Brown:
- Athletics Division: NCAA Division I-FCS
- Athletics Conference: Ivy League
Brown University Rankings
Niche rankings are based on data from the U.S. Department of Education and millions of reviews:
- Colleges with the Best Professors in America: #3 of 1,503
- Best Colleges for Public Health in America: #3 of 284
- Best Colleges for English in America: #4 of 889
See All Brown University Rankings
Admissions
- Application Deadline: January 3
- Acceptance Rate: 5%
- SAT Range: 1490-1580
- ACT Range: 34-36
- Application Fee: $75
- High School GPA: Considered but not required
- Early Decision/Early Action: Yes
- Accepts Common App: Yes
Cost and Financial Aid
- Net Price (Average): $26,723/year
- Average Aid Awarded: $55,847/year
- Students Receiving Aid: 55%
Explore:
Academics
- Professors: Grade A+ (Based on accomplishments, reviews, and salary)
- Student-Faculty Ratio: 7:1
- Evening Degree Programs: No
Popular Majors
- Computer Science: 250 Graduates
- Economics: 215 Graduates
- Computational and Applied Mathematics: 178 Graduates
Student Life
- Full-Time Enrollment: 7,189 undergraduates
- Part-Time Enrollment: 450 undergraduates
- Undergrads Over 25: 1%
- Pell Grant Recipients: 14%
Polls and Student Feedback
Word or Phrase to Describe Students:
- Passionate (44%)
- Uniquely themselves (16%)
- Non-judgemental (12%)
Greek Life: 48% say it’s average and doesn’t affect the social scene.
Varsity Sporting Events: 62% say they’re attended but not a huge part of campus life.
Campus Facilities
- Athletics/Recreation Facilities: 63% highly rate the facilities.
- Dining Facilities: 54% highly rate the dining options.
- Performing Arts Facilities: 74% highly rate the arts facilities.
Campus Highlights
- 100% of freshmen live on campus.
- Day Care Services: Not available.
- Take a Virtual Tour of Brown University
Post-Graduation Outcomes
- Median Earnings (6 Years After Graduation): $67,500/year
- Graduation Rate: 95%
- Employed 2 Years After Graduation: 91%
- Confidence in Job Placement in Field: 91% of students feel confident.
Unique Aspects of Brown
The Open Curriculum
Brown allows students to explore interests without a rigid core curriculum, fostering creativity and academic freedom.
Life After Brown
Graduates are entrepreneurial thinkers and leaders, well-prepared for challenges globally.
Diversity at Brown
Brown emphasizes an inclusive environment, attracting students from various backgrounds.
Social Media Highlights
- Instagram Post Example:
“Join Brown senior Sarah for a day in her life—exploring historic books at the John Hay Library, enjoying dining hall bites, and discovering the sights of Rhode Island!”
Follow @brownuadmission
General Information
What is Brown University known for?
Brown is known for its Open Curriculum, allowing students to create their unique academic pathways and encouraging interdisciplinary studies.Where is Brown University located?
Brown is in Providence, Rhode Island, at One Prospect Street.What makes Brown University’s Open Curriculum unique?
The Open Curriculum lets students take courses they are passionate about without general education requirements, fostering academic freedom.What is the acceptance rate at Brown University?
The acceptance rate is 5%, making it highly selective.How diverse is Brown University’s student body?
Brown prioritizes diversity, with students from over 80 countries and various cultural backgrounds.What is the history of Brown University?
Founded in 1764, Brown is the seventh-oldest university in the U.S. and a member of the Ivy League.Is Brown a public or private university?
Brown is a private research university.What is the average class size at Brown University?
The average class size is around 20 students, promoting close interaction with faculty.Does Brown University have a religious affiliation?
No, Brown is a secular institution.What athletic division is Brown University in?
Brown competes in NCAA Division I-FCS and is part of the Ivy League.
Admissions
What is the application deadline for Brown University?
The Regular Decision deadline is January 3, and the Early Decision deadline is November 1.What is the early decision acceptance rate at Brown?
The Early Decision acceptance rate is typically higher than Regular Decision, averaging around 15%.What standardized test scores do I need to get into Brown?
Competitive applicants typically have SAT scores between 1490-1580 or ACT scores between 34-36.Does Brown University require SAT or ACT scores?
Brown is test-optional, but students can submit scores if they strengthen their application.How do I apply to Brown University?
Applications are submitted through the Common App with additional Brown-specific essays.What is the minimum GPA required to apply to Brown?
While there’s no official minimum, most admitted students have GPAs of 3.9 or higher (unweighted).Does Brown University accept transfer students?
Yes, Brown accepts transfer students, with an acceptance rate of around 5% for transfers.How competitive is admission to Brown?
Brown is extremely competitive, with an overall acceptance rate of just 5%.Does Brown offer admissions interviews?
Yes, interviews are offered through alumni, but they are optional.How can I schedule a campus visit or tour?
Visit the admissions website to book an in-person tour or explore their virtual tour.
Academics
What are the most popular majors at Brown University?
Popular majors include Computer Science, Economics, and Public Health.What is the student-to-faculty ratio at Brown?
The ratio is 7:1, ensuring close faculty-student interaction.Does Brown offer online courses?
Yes, Brown offers limited online courses, primarily for graduate programs.Can I design my own major at Brown University?
Yes, through the Independent Concentration program, students can design their majors.What is the academic calendar like at Brown?
Brown operates on a semester system, with a unique shopping period for course selection.Are there evening or weekend programs at Brown?
No, Brown does not offer evening or weekend undergraduate programs.What research opportunities are available for undergraduates?
Brown offers extensive undergraduate research opportunities across all fields.Does Brown have study abroad programs?
Yes, Brown has partnerships in over 40 countries for study abroad opportunities.What is the grading system at Brown?
Brown uses a Satisfactory/No Credit (S/NC) option alongside traditional grades.Are there any mandatory general education requirements at Brown?
No, students design their curriculum with no core requirements.
Financial Aid
Does Brown University offer financial aid to international students?
Yes, international students are eligible for need-based financial aid.What percentage of Brown students receive financial aid?
Approximately 55% of students receive financial aid.How do I apply for financial aid at Brown?
Submit the FAFSA, CSS Profile, and required tax documents by the deadline.What is the average financial aid package at Brown University?
The average aid package is around $55,847 per year.Are there merit-based scholarships at Brown?
Brown offers need-based financial aid only, not merit-based scholarships.Can I work on campus to help pay for tuition?
Yes, students can participate in the Work-Study program.What is the tuition cost at Brown University?
The total cost of attendance is approximately $83,000 per year, including tuition, fees, and living expenses.Does Brown have a tuition payment plan?
Yes, Brown offers a monthly installment plan.How does Brown support low-income students?
Brown’s “The Brown Promise” eliminates loans in financial aid packages for low-income families.Are there specific scholarships for certain majors at Brown?
No, scholarships are based on financial need, not specific majors.
Campus Life
Do all freshmen live on campus at Brown?
Yes, all freshmen are required to live on campus.What housing options are available for students?
Brown offers traditional dorms, suite-style housing, and off-campus options for upperclassmen.Is Brown a residential or commuter school?
Brown is primarily residential, with most students living on or near campus.What dining options are available on campus?
Students have access to multiple dining halls, cafés, and food trucks.Are there vegan or vegetarian meal options?
Yes, Brown offers vegan, vegetarian, and allergen-friendly meal plans.What transportation options exist for students at Brown?
Brown offers a shuttle service, and public transit is easily accessible.Is Brown’s campus safe?
Yes, Brown prioritizes safety with 24/7 campus police and emergency alert systems.What student organizations are available at Brown?
Over 400 student organizations, including clubs for arts, politics, and service, are active on campus.What role does Greek life play at Brown?
Greek life is present but low-key, with about 12% of students participating.Are there athletic or recreational facilities on campus?
Yes, Brown has state-of-the-art gyms, pools, and recreational facilities.
Post-Graduation
What is the average starting salary of Brown graduates?
The average starting salary is $67,500 per year.What career fields do Brown graduates typically enter?
Popular fields include technology, finance, public health, and academia.How many graduates go on to pursue advanced degrees?
About 25-30% of graduates pursue advanced degrees immediately.What is the employment rate for Brown alumni?
Approximately 91% of graduates are employed two years after graduation.Does Brown offer help with job placement?
Yes, through the CareerLAB, which offers resources like résumé workshops and networking events.
Academics (continued)
What is the student workload like at Brown?
The workload is rigorous but manageable. Students often balance challenging coursework with extracurricular activities.Can students audit classes at Brown?
Yes, students can audit classes with instructor permission.Does Brown offer dual-degree programs?
Yes, Brown offers dual-degree programs like the Brown-RISD Dual Degree with the Rhode Island School of Design.What study resources are available to students?
Students have access to libraries, tutoring services, and the Writing Center.Are language courses offered at Brown?
Yes, Brown offers a variety of language courses, including lesser-taught languages.Can students take courses at other universities?
Yes, through programs like Cross-Registration with the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD).Does Brown provide academic advisors?
Yes, every student is assigned an academic advisor to guide them through their studies.What research opportunities are available for undergraduates?
Undergraduate research is a priority at Brown, with funding available through programs like UTRA (Undergraduate Teaching and Research Awards).What is the faculty composition at Brown?
Brown boasts a diverse and accomplished faculty, with many being leaders in their respective fields.What percentage of students graduate on time?
Approximately 95% of students graduate within four years.
Student Life (continued)
What traditions does Brown University have?
Popular traditions include Spring Weekend, Campus Dance, and Midnight Organ Recitals.Is Brown University LGBTQ+ friendly?
Yes, Brown is highly inclusive, with resources like the LGBTQ Center and active student organizations.What is the social scene like at Brown?
The social scene is diverse, with options ranging from small gatherings to large campus events.Does Brown offer mental health services?
Yes, the Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) provides mental health support to students.What is the weather like in Providence?
Providence experiences all four seasons, with cold winters and mild summers.How is transportation managed on campus?
Brown offers campus shuttles, bike rentals, and easy access to public transportation.Are pets allowed on campus?
Pets are generally not allowed, except for approved service animals.What resources are available for international students?
Brown provides dedicated support through the Office of International Student and Scholar Services (OISSS).Are there options for off-campus housing?
Yes, upperclassmen often live in off-campus apartments near campus.What types of events happen on campus?
Events range from guest lectures and film screenings to music concerts and cultural festivals.
Diversity and Inclusion (continued)
How does Brown support first-generation students?
Brown offers resources like the First-Generation College and Low-Income Student Center (FLi Center).Are there opportunities for students with disabilities?
Yes, Brown provides accommodations through the Student Accessibility Services (SAS).What cultural organizations exist on campus?
Brown has many cultural organizations, including La Alianza Latina and the Asian American Student Association.Does Brown support students from underserved communities?
Yes, through initiatives like The Brown Promise, which eliminates loans for financial aid recipients.Are there programs promoting women in STEM?
Yes, Brown has programs like Women in Science and Engineering (WiSE).
Extracurricular Activities (continued)
What creative outlets are available for students?
Students can participate in theater productions, student-run magazines, and film-making clubs.Does Brown have a strong arts community?
Yes, the arts community is vibrant, with resources like the Granoff Center for the Creative Arts.Can students join professional organizations?
Yes, there are chapters of organizations like IEEE and American Chemical Society on campus.What opportunities are there for student leadership?
Students can engage in leadership through the Undergraduate Council of Students and other organizations.Are there opportunities for volunteering?
Yes, Brown has a Swearer Center for Public Service, promoting community engagement.What role do students play in campus governance?
Students actively participate in decision-making through committees and the Undergraduate Council.How active are environmental organizations at Brown?
Brown has groups like Brown Divest and Environmental Justice at Brown, promoting sustainability.Are there opportunities for entrepreneurship?
Yes, through initiatives like the Nelson Center for Entrepreneurship.What networking opportunities exist for students?
Students can network through alumni events, career fairs, and mentorship programs.Are there intramural sports at Brown?
Yes, intramural sports include soccer, basketball, and ultimate frisbee.
Post-Graduation (continued)
What is the alumni network like at Brown?
Brown has a strong alumni network with over 90,000 members globally.Do Brown alumni stay connected after graduation?
Yes, alumni stay connected through regional clubs, events, and reunions.How many students pursue graduate school after Brown?
Around 25-30% of graduates enroll in graduate programs immediately.What industries do Brown graduates work in?
Common industries include technology, finance, education, and healthcare.Does Brown help students find internships?
Yes, the CareerLAB offers resources for finding internships.Are there entrepreneurial opportunities after graduation?
Yes, many alumni start their own ventures, supported by Brown’s entrepreneurial programs.What kind of mentorship programs does Brown offer?
Alumni mentor students through the BrownConnect platform.Are there startup incubators at Brown?
Yes, the Brown Venture Lab supports student startups.How does Brown support students interested in public service?
Through initiatives like Brown in Washington and the Swearer Center.What is the long-term value of a Brown degree?
A Brown degree is highly regarded globally, offering excellent career prospects and networking opportunities.
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