About

About Brown University

open curriculumivy leaguestrong research focusstudent designed education

Brown University is a private research university in Providence, RI, known for its open curriculum, ivy league, and strong research focus. With an acceptance rate of 5%, Brown is one of the most selective colleges in the United States, typically enrolling around 1,717 students each year. Brown is test optional; students who submit scores are typically admitted with SATs between 1510–1560, though many competitive applicants choose not to submit. Brown meets 100% of demonstrated financial need and has replaced loans with grants; for families earning under $60,000, the net cost is often $0.

Admissions

Brown University acceptance rate and admitted student profile

one of the most selective colleges in the United States

5%
Overall Accept Rate
1535
Median Admitted SAT
SATSubmitted score range: 1510 – 1560 (test optional)

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ED advantage at Brown University: ED acceptance rate is 14% vs 5% regular decision, more than double. If Brown Universityis your first choice and you've confirmed the financial fit, Early Decision is one of the highest-leverage decisions you can make.

Application Strategy

Strategy tips for applying to Brown University

The first 2 tips apply to all applicants. Your personalized strategy requires your profile — build your free list to unlock it.

Essay Strategy
Brown's Open Curriculum is the heart of its identity, so your 'Why Brown' essay must go beyond listing cool courses. Explain specifically how the freedom to design your own academic path connects to a particular intellectual tension or question you have been wrestling with.
Essay Strategy
Brown asks several short supplemental essays, and admissions readers look for intellectual curiosity and a distinct voice in every single one. Treat each short response as its own opportunity to reveal a different facet of how you think, not just what you have accomplished.

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Financial Aid & Cost

What Brown University actually costs your family

Average net prices by income bracket from College Scorecard data.

Loan-free financial aid: Brown University has replaced all loans with grants. For families earning under $60,000, the average net annual cost is $0. Brown University's sticker price of ~$83k/year bears almost no resemblance to what most families pay.
Family IncomeSticker PriceEst. Net Cost / yr
30k-48kOften $0~$83k/yr~$0 / yr
48k-75k~$83k/yr$5.9k
75k-110k~$83k/yr$16.2k
110k+~$83k/yr$44.9k

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Outcomes & Campus

Student outcomes and campus profile

96%
6-Year Graduation Rate
$79k
Median Earnings (6 yrs)
6:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
8,527
Undergrad Enrollment
Brown University Acceptance Rate & Admissions | SpearMatch