Brown University
Brown University has an acceptance rate of 5.4%, average net price of $25,184, and a national rank of #30 (Grade A+), with a 95.7% six-year graduation rate, and median earnings of $79,131 six years after enrollment. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
Brown University is a private nonprofit university in Providence, RI. Students most often pursue Computer Science and Applied Mathematics.
Inside the classroom, students benefit from a 6:1 student-faculty ratio. Faculty pair challenging syllabi with intentional mentoring so learners keep momentum even as expectations rise.
EDsmart calculates return on investment at 71.6%, roughly 21.7 points higher than typical outcomes. Expect the strongest outcomes for ambitious students who thrive in an elite, research-powered setting and students looking for meaningful faculty access.
Who is Brown University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Brown University graduates 95.7% of students within six years and does not report first-year retention. Affordability earns a C compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Brown University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | Not reported |
| Books and Supplies | Not reported |
| On-Campus Room and Board | Not reported |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | Not reported |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $87,648 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: Only 0.0% of Brown University students receive Pell Grants — far below the national average, underscoring equity challenges.
ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $79,131
- 10-Year Median Earnings $79,131
- Average Years to Graduate 4.4 years
- Average Student Debt $10,000
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 87.0%
- Employment Rate 64.8%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Brown University graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Brown University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Brown University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Brown University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: Brown University graduates earn $79,131 median six years after enrollment, +81% above the national average. Earnings vary significantly by major—research your field's outcomes.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 740-780
- SAT Math 770-800
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 34-35
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 0
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate Not reported
- Graduation Rate 95.7%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 6:1
How to Get Into Brown University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Brown University requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 5.4%, Brown University is extremely selective. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 5.4% acceptance rate, Brown University is extremely selective. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their class. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1510 and 1580 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Brown University undergraduates. Computer Science, Economics, and Applied Mathematics draw the most students.
- Computer Science 10.5%
- Economics 9.3%
- Applied Mathematics 8.2%
- Biology, General 4.3%
- History 4.0%
- Area Studies 3.6%
See more majors
- International Relations and National Security Stud 3.6%
- Political Science and Government 3.6%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Computer Science $271,601
- 2. Applied Mathematics $135,511
- 3. Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations $118,561
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Engineering, General $117,101
- 5. Economics $112,306
- 6. International Relations and National Security Studies $104,415
- 7. Political Science and Government $82,914
- 8. History $81,596
- 9. Education, General $79,577
- 10. Human Biology $77,466
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Science, Technology and Society (Master's Degree) $166,469
- 2. Computer Science (Master's Degree) $135,411
- 3. Medicine (First Professional Degree) $134,929
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Public Policy Analysis (Master's Degree) $99,422
- 5. Public Health (Master's Degree) $93,143
- 6. Biotechnology (Master's Degree) $83,470
- 7. Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degree) $81,770
- 8. English Language and Literature, General (Master's Degree) $62,329
- 9. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Master's Degree) $60,526
- 10. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Master's Degree) $54,632
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Computer Science grads earn $271,601—251% more than Human Biology ($77,466). Graduate: Science, Technology and Society programs lead with $166,469 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Brown University. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Computer Science (Bachelor's Degree, 229 graduates)
- Economics (Bachelor's Degree, 203 graduates)
- Applied Mathematics (Bachelor's Degree, 178 graduates)
- Medicine (First Professional Degree, 137 graduates)
- Computer Science (Master's Degree, 107 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (59 programs)▼
- Computer Science
- Economics
- Applied Mathematics
- Biology, General
- History
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- Political Science and Government
- Area Studies
- English Language and Literature, General
- Research and Experimental Psychology
- Engineering, General
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Public Policy Analysis
- Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Public Health
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Communication and Media Studies
- Human Biology
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General
- Music
- Physics
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Urban Studies/Affairs
- Philosophy
- Sociology
- Education, General
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Chemistry
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Anthropology
- Cognitive Science
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Mathematics
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Science, Technology and Society
- Behavioral Sciences
- Architecture
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
- Statistics
- Archeology
- Social Sciences, Other
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Medieval and Renaissance Studies
- Engineering Physics
- Classical and Ancient Studies
- South Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Social Sciences, General
- Psychology, General
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Business/Managerial Economics
- Bioethics/Medical Ethics
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
Online Master's Degrees (61 programs)▼
- Computer Science
- Public Health
- Engineering, General
- Public Policy Analysis
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Physics
- Data Science
- Medical Clinical Sciences/Graduate Medical Studies
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Security Science and Technology
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
- Area Studies
- Science, Technology and Society
- Historic Preservation and Conservation
- Biotechnology
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Economics
- Chemistry
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Political Science and Government
- Applied Mathematics
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Biology, General
- Sociology
- Research and Experimental Psychology
- Communication and Media Studies
- History
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Mathematics
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Cognitive Science
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
- Pharmacology and Toxicology
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- English Language and Literature, General
- Classical and Ancient Studies
- Behavioral Sciences
- Archeology
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Social Sciences, General
- Psychology, General
- Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
- Philosophy
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Music
- Museology/Museum Studies
- Molecular Medicine
- Mathematics and Computer Science
- Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education
- Anthropology
Online Doctoral Degrees (59 programs)▼
- Engineering, General
- Economics
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Applied Mathematics
- Computer Science
- Sociology
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
- Area Studies
- Public Health
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Mathematics
- History
- English Language and Literature, General
- Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
- Communication and Media Studies
- Anthropology
- Political Science and Government
- Philosophy
- Music
- Classical and Ancient Studies
- Research and Experimental Psychology
- Pharmacology and Toxicology
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Cognitive Science
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Biotechnology
- Archeology
- Urban Studies/Affairs
- Social Sciences, Other
- Social Sciences, General
- Science, Technology and Society
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Public Policy Analysis
- Psychology, General
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General
- Molecular Medicine
- Medical Clinical Sciences/Graduate Medical Studies
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- Human Biology
- Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
- Engineering Physics
- Education, General
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Biology, General
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (1 program)▼
- Medical Clinical Sciences/Graduate Medical Studies
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (1 program)▼
- Medical Clinical Sciences/Graduate Medical Studies
Online First Professional Degrees (1 program)▼
- Medicine
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 0
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 0.0%
- Female Students 0.0%
- Caucasian 32.9%
- Asian 22.9%
- Hispanic 12.1%
- Black 8.2%
- Pell Grant Recipients 0.0%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Brown University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Brown University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Brown University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Brown University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Brown University has a diverse student body, with 32.9% identifying as White. About 13.8% receive Pell Grants, below the national average of 38%, suggesting a wealthier student body or generous institutional aid.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Brown University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Brown University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Ranking #30 nationally, Brown University combines competitive admissions with 71.6% ROI, positioning itself among America's stronger universities. The institution balances academic rigor with $79,131 in median post-graduation earnings.
Students complete degrees at 95.7% six-year rates, with 98.8% retention reflecting solid satisfaction. The $25,184 annual net price falls in the moderate range, though 1444 institutions deliver comparable outcomes at lower costs.
Competitive Selective University: Brown University's Market Position
A+ grade | #30 of 6119 | 98.3/100 on EDsmart's national index (0–100 vs. all ranked schools; not a raw point total)
Competitive Positioning: Brown University occupies the competitive selective tier—not elite enough for automatic career advantages, but strong enough to provide quality education and reasonable outcomes. The 71.6% ROI reflects this middle ground: better than most, but not top-tier.
Value for Money: $25,184 annually produces $79,131 median earnings—a reasonable but not exceptional return. Students choosing Brown University should evaluate whether the institution's specific programs, location, or campus culture justify costs versus higher-ROI alternatives.
Who Succeeds Here: Self-directed students who maximize campus resources (research, internships, networking) achieve outcomes rivaling higher-ranked schools. Students seeking specific programs or geographic locations find strong value. Those needing extensive hand-holding may struggle in larger university environments.
Final Assessment: Brown University's #30 ranking and A+ grade reflect solid performance across metrics. With 1444 schools offering better ROI, value-focused students should compare carefully. However, for students who fit the institution's culture and programs, outcomes justify investment.
Key Takeaways
- 95.7% six-year graduation rate sits 33.2 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 98.8% first-year retention is 22.0 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- 71.6% return on investment is 21.7 points above the national 49.9% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $79,131 run about 81% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $25,184 is roughly $7,758 higher than the national median of $17,426.
Helpfulness for Students
- 6:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 98.8% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 64.8% employment rate within three years sits 3.4 points below national outcomes.
- Average net price of $25,184 is about $7,758 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Brown University is a private nonprofit university based in Providence, RI and earns a A+ overall grade. It holds a #30 national ranking Category results include Completion (A+), Support (A+), Career Outcomes (A-), and Affordability (C).
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
The six-year graduation rate hovers around 95.7%. Return on investment currently measures 71.6% for this program.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $25,184 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $87,648.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $62,464 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $10,000 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
Pell Grant participation data is not reported.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Six years in, alumni earn roughly $79,131 at the median. This is roughly 81% above typical U.S. college outcomes.
Employment outcomes report about 64.8% of alumni working within three years.
EDsmart lists the ROI at 71.6%, offering a quick read on value.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
5.4% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Brown University admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Brown University's acceptance rate?
Brown University's acceptance rate is 5.4%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.
How much does Brown University cost?
At Brown University, the average net price after aid is $25,184. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is Brown University's ranking?
Brown University ranks #30 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of A+, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is Brown University's graduation rate?
At Brown University, the six-year graduation rate is 95.7%.
What are Brown University's job outcomes?
Graduates of Brown University report median earnings of $79,131 six years after enrollment, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
Contact Information
- Address Providence, RI 02912
- Website www.brown.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationNew England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE)
- Endowment$6.20B