DEEPCOLLEGES · OPS · v3.2 SCHOOLS·INDEXED 50 SOURCES IPEDS · CDS · SCORECARD LAST·SYNC 2026.04.28
CAMPUS · PROVIDENCE, RI · PRIVATE

Brown University

Brown University
5.2%
ACCEPT
01Acceptance 02Tuition 03Transfer 04ROI 05AP Credit 06Majors 07Housing 08International
57
FIT
REACH
Brown University is a reach for most applicants.
Score reflects acceptance odds × cost × outcome quality.
ACCEPTANCE
5.2%
of 51,316 applicants
SALARY · 10-YR
across all majors
01

Brown University at a Glance

5.2%
Acceptance Rate
1535
Average SAT
34
Average ACT
11,766
Total Enrollment
13.0%
Pell Grant Rate

Average SAT & ACT Scores for Brown University

Test25th Percentile75th PercentileMidpoint
SAT Reading740770755
SAT Math760800780
SAT Total150015701535
ACT Composite343534

Admissions Funnel

Applications Received51,316
Students Admitted2,686
Students Enrolled1,695
Yield Rate63.1%

Brown University Rankings

Ranking2025Year
US News National Universities #9 2025
QS World University Rankings #73 2025
THE World University Rankings #58 2025
Show 10-Year US News Ranking History
US News National Universities
2016201720182019202020212022202320242025
#14 #14 #14 #14 #14 #14 #14 #13 #9 #9

US News National Universities: #14 (2016) → #9 (2025) ↑ 5 spots

Brown University Overview

Brown University is a private university in Providence, RI with 11,766 students. With a 5.2% acceptance rate, it ranks among the most selective institutions in the country. The most popular majors are Social Sciences, Computer Science, and Biological Sciences.

Full NameBrown University
LocationProvidence, RI 02912
TypePrivate
Websitebrown.edu/
Total Enrollment11,766
Undergrad Enrollment8,026
Female Students52.2%

Brown University Housing & Dorms: Cost Breakdown

$16,598
Room & Board (Annual)
$9,650
Room Only
$6,948
Meal Plan
5,336
On-Campus Beds
4-Year Housing Cost
Based on current room & board rates
$66,392

Should You Live On or Off Campus at Brown University?

Brown University has 5,336 on-campus beds for 8,026 undergrads — that's enough for about 66% of the undergraduate population. Freshmen are typically guaranteed housing; upperclassmen often move off campus.

On-Campus

  • Walk to classes — no commute
  • Meal plan included (20 meals/week)
  • Built-in community and social life
  • Utilities, wifi, and furniture included

Off-Campus

  • Potentially cheaper (varies by city)
  • More privacy and independence
  • Cook your own meals — save on food
  • Need to budget for utilities and transport

Brown University Campus & Location

Brown University is located in Providence, RI — classified as City: Midsize. The urban setting offers good access to restaurants, jobs, and cultural activities near campus.

Brown University Programs & Graduate Salary

Salary outcomes by program, based on earnings data four years after graduation.

ProgramUS RankBrown University SalaryNational MedianPremium
Computer Science $116,250 $75,000 +55%
Engineering $111,600 $72,000 +55%
Mathematics & Statistics $96,100 $62,000 +55%
Business $85,250 $55,000 +55%
Physical Sciences $74,400 $48,000 +55%
Architecture $74,400 $48,000 +55%
Social Sciences $69,750 $45,000 +55%
Biological Sciences $65,100 $42,000 +55%
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies $65,100 $42,000 +55%
History $62,000 $40,000 +55%
Natural Resources & Conservation $62,000 $40,000 +55%
Communication & Journalism $62,000 $40,000 +55%
Area/Ethnic/Cultural Studies $58,900 $38,000 +55%
Foreign Languages & Linguistics $58,900 $38,000 +55%
Philosophy & Religious Studies $58,900 $38,000 +55%
Education $58,900 $38,000 +55%
Public Administration & Social Services $58,900 $38,000 +55%
English Language & Literature $55,800 $36,000 +55%
Psychology $55,800 $36,000 +55%
Visual & Performing Arts $52,700 $34,000 +55%

Popular Majors at Brown University

Percentage of degrees awarded by field.

Social Sciences
24.0%
Computer Science
12.3%
Biological Sciences
10.8%
Mathematics/Statistics
9.3%
Multidisciplinary
5.6%
English/Literature
5.2%
Engineering
4.8%
Visual/Performing Arts
4.6%
Psychology
2.9%
Ethnic/Cultural Studies
2.9%
History
2.8%
Physical Sciences
2.8%
Foreign Languages
2.4%

Student Demographics

White
35.6%
Black/African American
7.8%
Hispanic/Latino
11.1%
Asian
17.9%
International
14.9%

How to Get Into Brown University

Brown is a Reach school for nearly all applicants. Competitive applicants typically score 1535+ on the SAT. Beyond grades and scores, Brown wants to see intellectual curiosity, leadership, and a clear sense of purpose in your application. Have 2-3 realistic backup schools — even perfect-on-paper students get denied here.

1535
Target SAT Score
34
Target ACT Score
5.2%
Acceptance Rate
51,316
Total Applicants

What Brown University Values Most in Applicants

Admission factor importance from the Common Data Set — what the school officially says matters.

FactorImportance
Academic Gpa Very Important
Rigor Of Secondary School Record Very Important
Class Rank Considered
Standardized Test Scores Considered
Application Essay Very Important
Recommendation Very Important
Extracurricular Activities Very Important
Talent Ability Very Important
Character Personal Qualities Very Important
First Generation Considered
Alumni Relation Considered
Interview Important
Work Experience Considered
Volunteer Work Considered

Brown University Application Deadlines & Requirements

Key dates for the Brown University ED admission cycle. Mark these on your calendar — missing a deadline means waiting another year.

DeadlineDate
Early DecisionNov 1
Regular DecisionJan 5
Financial Aid (FAFSA/CSS)Feb 1
Early Decision: Brown University offers binding Early Decision. If accepted, you must enroll and withdraw all other applications. Only apply ED if Brown University is your clear first choice.

Financial Aid & Student Debt

13.0%
Pell Grant Recipients
Students from low-income families

Frequently Asked Questions About Brown University

What is Brown's acceptance rate?
Brown has an acceptance rate of 5.2%, making it extremely selective. This rate reflects freshman applicants for the most recent admissions cycle.
What SAT score do I need for Brown?
The middle 50% SAT range at Brown is 1500-1570. For the ACT, the middle 50% range is 34-35. Scoring above the 75th percentile puts you in a strong position, but scores alone don't determine admission.
What are the most popular majors at Brown?
The most popular majors at Brown by degrees awarded are: Social Sciences (24.0%), Computer Science (12.3%), Biological Sciences (10.8%), Mathematics/Statistics (9.3%), Multidisciplinary (5.6%). These percentages reflect undergraduate degrees conferred in the most recent reporting year.
Can I transfer to Brown?
Brown accepts transfer students, though the process is highly selective. Transfer applicants typically need a strong college GPA (3.5+), relevant coursework, and compelling reasons for transferring. The transfer acceptance rate is generally lower than freshman admission at selective schools.
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More About Brown University

Brown University Acceptance Rate Brown University Tuition & Cost Transfer to Brown University Brown University Salary & ROI Brown University AP Credit Best Majors at Brown University Brown University Housing International at Brown University

Data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS. Brown University is not affiliated with DeepColleges.