Brown University
Providence, Rhode Island 02912
Data last updated: August 29, 2026
Among the most selective in the Northeast — top graduate earnings
Brown University is a private institution in Providence with particular strength in biology and computer science. With an average SAT of 1546, the school attracts a competitive applicant pool.
A mid-sized campus of 7.3K undergraduates with a 6:1 student-faculty ratio. The urban location puts students at the center of city life.
96% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $93,487 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $26,572.
Rankings
More About This School
Varsity Sports
History & Fun Facts
- •Petitioner William Ellery signed the United States Declaration of Independence in 1776.
- •The local University of Pennsylvania in their native Philadelphia was founded by Benjamin Franklin without direct association with any particular denomination.
- •James Manning arrived at Newport in July 1763 and was introduced to Stiles, who agreed to write the charter for the college.
- •Stiles' first draft was read to the General Assembly in August 1763, and rejected by Baptist members who worried that their denomination would be underrepresented in the College Board of Fellows.
Source: Wikipedia
Notable Alumni
John F. Kennedy Jr. '83
Lawyer, journalist, and magazine publisher
Janet Yellen '67
U.S. Secretary of the Treasury and former Federal Reserve Chair
Ted Turner '60
Founder of CNN and philanthropist
Emma Watson '14
Actress and UN Women Goodwill Ambassador
John Krasinski '01
Actor, director, and producer
Laura Linney '86
Emmy and Tony Award-winning actress
Ira Glass '82
Host and producer of This American Life
Admissions
SAT Score Ranges
Average: 1546
ACT Score Range
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Admissions
Application Platforms
Early Decision (Binding)
November 1
Decision by Mid-December
Aid deadline: November 1
Regular Decision
January 3
Decision by Late March
Reply by May 1
Brown is permanently test-optional, allowing students to decide whether to submit standardized test scores
Brown requires several supplemental essays exploring why Brown and academic interests
Deadline Calendar
Typical Application Requirements
Decision Notifications
Transfer Admission
Fall Transfer
March 1
International Students
English Proficiency Requirements
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Financial Aid
Brown eliminated loans from financial aid packages in 2018
Brown is need-blind for U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and undocumented students
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
91.0%
Avg Tuition Increase
5.0%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$10,000
Academics
Brown's Open Curriculum has no core requirements, allowing students to design their own education with only two writing courses required
Research: Undergraduate research is central to Brown's academic mission with numerous funded opportunities
Thesis: Independent study and honors theses available across departments
Programs (182)
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
99%
Campus Life
Housing & Residential Life
Housing Styles
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
56
Peer Average
37
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
Campus police, emergency alert system, blue-light phones
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Estimated from RI state average + city premium
Climate (School Year)
Nearest Cities
Getting There
Nearest Airports
Distance to Cities
Getting Around
Walkability
Highly walkable urban campus on College Hill with easy access to downtown Providence
Visit Planning
Nearby Hotels
Plan Your Visit
Nearby Attractions
Thayer Streetwalkable
Main shopping and dining district adjacent to campus
RISD Museumwalkable
Art museum featuring 100,000 works of art
WaterFire Providence
Award-winning art installation on rivers downtown
Federal Hill
Historic Italian neighborhood with restaurants
Newport
Historic coastal city with mansions and beaches
Days out near Providence
NewTwo or three colleges you can see in one day around Providence, from real bookable tour times.
- Gordon College · Northeastern UniversityBig and small44 days
- University of Massachusetts-Amherst · Amherst CollegeBig and small24 days