CollegeTuitionData — College Data in Plain English

Brown University

Providence, RI 02912 — Private Nonprofit

Value Score: 85/100 | ROI Score: -67 | Affordability Score: 55/100

Tuition (In-State): $71,412 | Out-of-State: $71,412

Acceptance Rate: 5.4% | Graduation Rate: 95.7% | Retention Rate: 98.8%

Median Earnings (10yr): $93,487 | Median Debt: $11,428

SAT Average: 1546 | ACT Midpoint: 34

Student Body Size: 7,226 (medium)

Pell Grant Recipients: 13.8% | Federal Loan Rate: 9.6%

Average Faculty Salary: $17,839/month

Tuition & Affordability Analysis

In-state tuition at Brown University is $71,412 per year, which is 81% above the national average for private institutions.

Out-of-state students pay $71,412/year — a premium of $0 over in-state rates. Over four years, out-of-state students pay approximately $0 more than their in-state peers.

Estimated four-year tuition cost: $285,648 (tuition only, not including room, board, and fees).

What You Actually Pay: Net Price by Family Income

The sticker price rarely reflects what families actually pay. After grants and scholarships, here is the average net price by family income bracket at Brown University:

  • Families earning $0–$30,000: $-420/year
  • Families earning $30,001–$48,000: $2,031/year
  • Families earning $48,001–$75,000: $5,858/year
  • Families earning $75,001–$110,000: $16,219/year
  • Families earning $110,000+: $44,937/year

Low-income families receive an average discount of $71,832/year, paying just -1% of the sticker price.

Admissions Snapshot

Brown University has an acceptance rate of 5.4%, placing it in the Most Selective (under 10%) category. This means roughly 33,516 students apply each year.

With an acceptance rate under 20%, Brown University is among the most competitive institutions in the country. Strong academics, extracurriculars, and compelling essays are essential.

The average SAT score of admitted students is 1546, 46% above the national average. This places Brown University among the top-tier institutions for academic preparedness.

The ACT midpoint is 34, 62% above the national average.

Graduate Outcomes & Return on Investment

95.7% of students at Brown University complete their degree, 54% above the national average. This is an excellent graduation rate, indicating strong student support and engagement.

First-year retention rate: 98.8% (22% above the national average). A retention rate above 90% signals high student satisfaction and strong first-year experience programs.

Graduates of Brown University earn a median salary of $93,487 ten years after enrollment, 129% above the national average. This represents a $58,487/year earnings premium over the average high school diploma holder, or $1,754,610 in additional lifetime earnings over a 30-year career.

The median student debt at graduation is $11,428, 47% below the national average. On a standard 10-year repayment plan at 5.5% interest, this translates to approximately $124/month, with a total repayment of $14,880 (including $3,452 in interest).

Debt-to-Earnings Ratio: 0.12x. This is an excellent ratio — graduates carry manageable debt relative to their earning power.

Breakeven Point: Based on the earnings premium over high school graduates, a degree from Brown University pays for itself in approximately 5 years. This is an excellent return on investment.

Financial Aid Profile

13.8% of students at Brown University receive Pell Grants (federal need-based aid for families earning under ~$60,000), 58% below the national average. A lower Pell rate suggests the student body skews toward higher-income families. Merit aid may be more prevalent than need-based aid.

9.6% of students take federal loans, 80% below the national average. A low loan rate suggests strong institutional aid or a wealthier student body that doesn't need to borrow.

Average faculty salary: $17,839/month, 104% above the national average. Higher faculty salaries generally indicate greater investment in teaching quality and ability to attract experienced professors.

Student Body & Campus Diversity

Brown University enrolls 7,226 undergraduate students. As a large institution, students have access to a wide range of programs, research opportunities, and campus activities.

Diversity Index: 82/100 (higher = more diverse). Brown University has a highly diverse student body with strong representation across multiple racial and ethnic groups.

Student body composition: White 33%, Hispanic 12%, Black 8%, Asian 23%.

Brown University: A Selective, Research-Focused Institution with Strong Earnings Potential

Report Card: Overall Grade C

Brown University receives an overall grade of C based on six dimensions:

  • Academics: A+
  • Value: F
  • Outcomes: A
  • Affordability: D

College Analysis

Brown University is a Private Nonprofit institution in Providence, RI with approximately 7,226 students. Academics: Brown University offers a highly selective and rigorous academic environment with a strong focus on research and interdisciplinary studies. Value: The high tuition cost is partially offset by the university's strong job placement and high earning potential, but the debt burden remains significant. Outcomes: Graduates have a high graduation rate and enjoy strong earning potential, with a median salary of $93,487 ten years after graduation.

The Verdict: Is Brown University Worth It?

Brown University presents a complex value proposition. The sticker price of $71,412 is substantial, and the median debt of $11,428, while relatively low for a private institution, still represents a financial commitment. The median earnings of $93,487 after 10 years are solid, but the ROI score of -67 suggests that, on average, the financial return on investment may not immediately offset the initial cost. However, this score often doesn't fully capture the long-term career trajectory, the value of a Brown education in terms of critical thinking and problem-solving skills, or the prestige associated with the Ivy League. Graduates are well-positioned for high-earning careers, and the network and opportunities afforded by a Brown degree can lead to significantly higher earnings beyond the 10-year median. The debt payoff timeline, assuming a standard 10-year repayment plan on $11,428 at a 5% interest rate, would be roughly $110 per month, which is manageable on the median salary. While not a 'deal' in the immediate financial sense, the long-term earning potential and career opportunities make it a worthwhile investment for many, particularly those who leverage the university's resources effectively. It's a high-cost, high-potential investment.

Return on Investment

Despite the high cost, the strong earning potential and job placement make Brown University a worthwhile investment for students with a solid financial background.

Debt Reality Check

Median student debt at Brown University: $11,428. Monthly payment on a standard 10-year plan: $130/month. Total repaid: $15,600 ($4,172 in interest).

Breakeven vs high school diploma: 0.2 years. Debt burden: Low. Salary needed for comfortable repayment: $15,600.

Strengths

  • Strong academic rigor and research focus
  • High earning potential and job placement
  • Diverse student body

Weaknesses

  • High tuition cost and significant student debt
  • Less affordable compared to some peer institutions

Academic Profile

SAT Average: 1546. ACT Midpoint: 34. Retention Rate: 98.8%.

Brown's academic prowess is anchored by its renowned Open Curriculum, a philosophy that grants students unparalleled freedom to design their own course of study. This means no core requirements, allowing students to explore diverse fields or delve deeply into a chosen concentration (Brown's term for majors). Notable departments include Computer Science, Economics, International Relations, and the Program in Liberal Medical Education (PLME), a highly selective direct-entry medical program. Research is deeply integrated into the undergraduate experience, with numerous opportunities for students to work alongside faculty in labs and research centers across all disciplines. The student-faculty ratio, while not explicitly provided, is typically low at Ivy League institutions, suggesting ample access to professors. Faculty quality is exceptionally high, with leading scholars and researchers shaping their fields. Brown offers robust honors programs within concentrations, providing advanced research and thesis opportunities. The university also boasts a strong study abroad program, with students encouraged to integrate international experiences into their academic plans. Academic support is comprehensive, including the Sheridan Center for Teaching and Learning, writing centers, and dedicated advisors for each concentration, ensuring students have the resources to navigate their self-designed academic journeys.

Financial Aid Guide for Brown University

Pell Grant recipients: 13.8%. Students taking federal loans: 9.6%.

Brown University is committed to making its education accessible through generous financial aid, primarily need-based. For the 2023-2024 academic year, the average need-based grant was substantial, covering a significant portion of tuition, fees, and living expenses. Brown meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students, both domestic and international, without requiring loans in its aid packages for families with incomes below $75,000. For families with higher incomes, aid is still robust, with grants and scholarships forming the bulk of the package. Work-study opportunities are also available, offering students a chance to earn money through on-campus jobs. A typical aid package for a family earning $60,000 might cover nearly all costs, while a family earning $150,000 could still receive significant grant aid, reducing the net price considerably. Brown does not offer merit aid; all aid is based on financial need. Scholarship tips involve thoroughly completing the CSS Profile and FAFSA, as well as any institutional forms, by the deadlines. While Brown's policy is to meet demonstrated need, negotiating aid is generally not effective unless there's a significant change in financial circumstances or a verifiable offer from a similarly ranked institution with a substantially different aid calculation. The focus is on a transparent, need-based system.

Hidden Costs at Brown University

  • Room and board costs can range from $17,000 to $20,000 annually, depending on the housing selection and meal plan.
  • Textbooks and course materials can easily add up to $1,000 - $1,500 per academic year.
  • Student activity fees, often around $300-$500 per year, support student organizations and campus events.
  • Personal expenses, including toiletries, laundry, entertainment, and travel, can amount to $2,000 - $4,000 annually.
  • Transportation costs for travel to and from home, or for exploring Providence and beyond, can vary widely but budget at least $500 - $1,000 per year.
  • Health insurance is mandatory for all students; if not covered by a parent's plan, Brown's student health insurance plan costs approximately $3,000 - $4,000 annually.

Alumni Outcomes & Career Paths

Brown University graduates are highly sought after, entering a diverse range of industries and securing positions at top-tier companies. Major recruiters include tech giants like Google, Meta, and Microsoft, as well as financial institutions such as Goldman Sachs, J.P. Morgan, and Morgan Stanley. Consulting firms like McKinsey & Company, Boston Consulting Group, and Bain & Company also actively recruit from Brown. The university boasts strong placement in fields like technology, finance, consulting, healthcare, and education. Many alumni pursue advanced degrees, with strong graduate school placement rates in fields such as law, medicine, and various STEM disciplines. Notable alumni span across various sectors, including former U.S. Secretary of State John Hay, author Emily R. Brontë, and tech entrepreneur David Filo (co-founder of Yahoo!). Brown's career services are highly regarded, offering robust support through personalized advising, extensive networking events, and a strong alumni mentorship program. The university facilitates numerous internship pipelines, with students securing valuable experiences at organizations like the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the United Nations, and various startups in Silicon Valley and New York City. Geographic hiring patterns show a strong concentration of alumni in major metropolitan areas, particularly New York City, Boston, and the San Francisco Bay Area, reflecting the national reach of its recruitment and alumni network.

Campus Life & Culture at Brown University

Brown attracts a diverse and globally-minded student body, with students hailing from all 50 states and over 100 countries. The university actively seeks students who are intellectually adventurous, possess a strong sense of social responsibility, and thrive in an environment that encourages independent thought and exploration.

Brown University's campus culture is often described as intellectually vibrant yet refreshingly collaborative, a stark contrast to the hyper-competitive environments found at some other Ivy League institutions. The 'Open Curriculum' profoundly shapes student life, fostering an atmosphere where students are empowered to pursue their passions without the constraints of traditional distribution requirements. This translates into a student body that is curious, self-directed, and engaged in a wide array of activities. Social life is dynamic and diverse, with a strong emphasis on student-led initiatives. The Main Green serves as the central hub for campus events, from frisbee games and study sessions to major celebrations like Spring Weekend. Beyond academics, students dive into over 500 student organizations, ranging from the Brown Political Union and the Brown University Orchestra to niche interest groups like the Quidditch team. While Greek life exists, it's not the dominant social force it is at some other universities, with many students finding their community through academic departments, clubs, or residential life. Housing is guaranteed for all four years, with a mix of traditional dorms, suites, and apartment-style living, primarily clustered around the College Hill neighborhood. The dining program offers multiple venues, including the main dining halls and various cafes, with a focus on fresh, local ingredients and accommodating dietary needs. The 'vibe' is one of intellectual freedom, creative exploration, and a genuine desire to make a difference, all set against the backdrop of historic Providence, a city that offers its own rich cultural scene and a more manageable urban experience than larger metropolises.

Campus Highlights

  • The Open Curriculum: Unparalleled academic freedom to design your own education.
  • College Hill: A historic and vibrant neighborhood setting with stunning architecture.
  • The Main Green: The iconic central quad, a hub for student life and events.
  • Brown/RISD Dual Degree Program: A unique, highly selective program for aspiring artists and designers.
  • Providence, RI: A dynamic city offering arts, culture, and culinary experiences.
  • The Pembroke Center for Teaching and Research on Gender and Sexuality: A leading interdisciplinary research center.
  • Strong sense of community and collaboration fostered by the academic environment.

Location & Regional Advantages

Brown University's location in Providence, Rhode Island, offers a unique blend of advantages and challenges for its students. Providence itself is a vibrant city with a growing tech and bioscience sector, offering local internship and job opportunities, particularly within the burgeoning Innovation District. While not a major metropolitan hub like Boston or New York City, its proximity to these key industry centers is a significant asset. Boston is a mere hour's train ride away, providing students with easy access to a vast array of internships and job opportunities in finance, biotech, and technology. New York City is also accessible for weekend trips or longer internships. The cost of living in Providence is considerably lower than in Boston or New York, making it a more affordable base for students and recent graduates. The city boasts a rich cultural scene, with numerous theaters, museums, and a renowned culinary landscape. While Rhode Island's weather is typical of New England, with distinct seasons including cold winters and warm summers, the overall quality of life is high, characterized by a strong sense of community and a manageable urban environment. Safety in Providence has seen improvements, though like any urban center, awareness is advised. This location allows Brown students to leverage a more affordable cost of living while maintaining access to the career opportunities of larger East Coast cities.

How to Get Into Brown University

Gaining admission to Brown University is exceptionally competitive, with a 5.4% acceptance rate. The admissions committee seeks students who are not only academically brilliant but also intellectually curious, creative, and possess a strong sense of purpose. Brown's Open Curriculum means they value students who are self-motivated, independent learners, and willing to forge their own academic paths. While GPA and course rigor are paramount (expect a near-perfect GPA and challenging coursework), standardized test scores are not currently considered in the admissions process. The essays are critically important; focus on showcasing your unique voice, intellectual passions, and how you've engaged with the world around you. Demonstrate genuine interest by engaging with Brown's specific programs, faculty, or unique aspects like the Open Curriculum. Early Decision (ED) offers a slight statistical advantage, but Brown is highly selective even through ED. The application timeline typically involves submitting the Common Application or Coalition Application, along with supplemental essays, by the ED deadline (usually November 1) or Regular Decision deadline (usually January 1). Strong letters of recommendation from teachers who know you well academically and personally are also crucial.

How Brown University Compares to Similar Schools

Similar schools: Harvard University, Yale University, Princeton University, Columbia University

Advantages

  • Brown's open curriculum offers unparalleled academic freedom and flexibility, allowing students to design their own educational path.
  • Providence offers a lower cost of living compared to the immediate surroundings of many other Ivy League institutions.
  • A strong emphasis on undergraduate research and interdisciplinary studies.

Disadvantages

  • Smaller endowment and resources compared to Harvard or Yale.
  • Less established global brand recognition than Harvard or Yale, though still exceptionally strong.

Best For

  • Students seeking a less expensive education option may want to consider other institutions.
  • Students interested in less research-focused environments might find other schools more suitable.

Avoid If

  • Students with a strong financial background or willing to take on significant debt may benefit from Brown's high earning potential.
  • Students looking for a more affordable option might want to explore other institutions.

Frequently Asked Questions about Brown University

How much does it cost to attend Brown University?

In-state tuition at Brown University is $71,412 per year, and out-of-state tuition is $71,412 per year. The median student debt at graduation is $11,428.

What is the acceptance rate at Brown University?

Brown University has an acceptance rate of 5.4%.

What is the graduation rate at Brown University?

Brown University has a graduation rate of 95.7%.

How much do Brown University graduates earn?

The median earnings for Brown University graduates 10 years after enrollment is $93,487. With median debt of $11,428, graduates earn roughly 8.2x their debt level annually.

How big is Brown University?

Brown University has approximately 7,226 students and is classified as a medium institution. It is located in Providence, RI and is a Private Nonprofit institution.

Is Brown University worth the cost?

Brown University has an ROI score of -67 out of 100. With in-state tuition of $71,412 per year and median post-graduation earnings of $93,487, the data suggests the return on investment may be below average.

Where is Brown University located?

Brown University is located in Providence, RI. It is a Private Nonprofit institution with approximately 7,226 students.

How much student debt do Brown University graduates have?

The median student debt for Brown University graduates is $11,428. With median earnings of $93,487 ten years after enrollment, graduates can expect a debt-to-income ratio of 12%.

Is Brown University a good college?

Brown University has a graduation rate of 95.7% and median post-graduation earnings of $93,487. Highly selective with a low admission rate of 5.39%

How does Brown University compare to similar colleges?

Strong focus on research and interdisciplinary studies Compared to peer institutions, Brown University offers a highly selective and rigorous academic environment, but the high tuition cost and significant student debt may be a deterrent for some students.

What career prospects do Brown University graduates have?

Graduates from Brown University are well-positioned for careers in research, academia, and high-paying industries, with strong earning potential and job placement.

What should prospective students know about Brown University?

Brown University holds a strong market position in the higher education sector, known for its research focus and high earning potential for graduates.

What makes Brown University stand out?

High median earnings of $93,487 ten years after graduation

What are the pros and cons of attending Brown University?

Significant student debt of $11,428 at median

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Analysis based on U.S. Department of Education data. Not enrollment advice. Verify information with the institution directly.