Brown University

Providence, Rhode Island

About Brown University

Brown University is a private Ivy League university based in Providence, Rhode Island. Founded in 1764, Brown is a leading research university known for its innovative educational philosophy where the curiosity, creativity and the intellectual joy of students drives academic excellence. The spirit of the undergraduate Open Curriculum infuses every aspect of the University.

A brief history

Brown traces its origins to 1764 with the granting of the Charter by the Rhode Island General Assembly. It was named Brown in 1804 after the son of merchant and college co-founder Nicholas Brown Sr.

General information

A Brown education is a catalyst for creativity and entrepreneurship. The College offers 80 concentration programs that lead to the bachelor of arts or the bachelor of science degree.

6.9%

Acceptance Rate

1440 - 1550

Average SAT Score

31 - 35

Average ACT Score

3.6 - 4.0

GPA Aim (top of class)

Quick facts about Brown

Undergrad degree: 4 year liberal arts
Public or Private: Private
Setting: Urban
Residential Status: Primarily on campus
Number of Undergraduates: 7,160 (approx)
Number of Freshman: 1,660 (approx)
Acceptance Rate: 6.9%

Brown By The Numbers

What is Brown's QS World University Ranking?

#57

What is Brown's US News Ranking?

#14

How many undergraduate fields of study does Brown have?

What is Brown's Student-Faculty Ratio?

6:1

What percentage of Brown students are international students?

20%

What percentage of Brown students live on campus?

74%

What is the median starting salary of Brown graduates?

$55,000 USD

How many varsity sports teams are there at Brown?

How hard is it to get into Brown?

Very! Brown’s acceptance rate is below 7%.

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The 6 most popular majors

19% Social Sciences

Brown scholars have built a reputation for tackling complex questions that impact the human experience. Social Science majors benefit from studying with some of the best faculty in the world.

10% Biology

A component of Brown University's Division of Biology and Medicine, the Program in Biology comprises six basic science departments offering undergraduate and graduate study in the life sciences.

10% Computer and Information Sciences

Brown offers one of the US's leading computer science programs, with a unique approach that enables undergraduates to create and take part in research programs and co-author research papers.

8% Mathematics

The undergraduate mathematics program at Brown is designed to present students with challenging courses that will train them for any future they desire be it in the economy, government, or academia.

6% Engineering

Brown offers degree programs in Biomedical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Materials Engineering and more.

6% English

Brown English majors study how literature works, how we understand it, and how we write about it. They examine matters of language, form, genre, and critical method.

Virtual tour of Brown University

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Notable alumni

Known as known as Brunonians, Brown alumni represent a group which have changed the world in the areas of government, acting, science, business, medicine and athletics. Notable alumni include actor and director John Krasinski, media proprietor, Ted Turner, John F. Kennedy Jnr, Democratic presidential primary candidate Andrew Yang, and Olympic gymnast and silver medalist, Alicia Sacramone.

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Emma Watson
Actress and UN Women Goodwill Ambassador
As a student who took GSCE examinations in 10 subjects, achieving eight A* and two A grades while simultaneously playing Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter films, it is no surprise that Emma Watson was admitted to the competitive Brown University. The actress graduated as an English Literature major in 2014, after which she continued to act and pursue humanitarian efforts with a focus on women’s rights. Her UN HeForShe initiative raised awareness on gender equality on a global scale.