Brown University - Innovative Education in the Spirit of Liberal Values

Introduction

Brown University, founded in 1764, is one of the most prestigious universities in the United States and a member of the elite Ivy League. Located in charming Providence, Rhode Island, Brown combines a rich history with an innovative approach to education, offering students a unique academic experience rooted in liberal values and interdisciplinarity. For international students considering studying in the USA, Brown presents a fascinating alternative to more traditional Ivy League institutions.

History and Evolution

Brown University’s history dates back to the mid-18th century when a group of Baptists decided to establish a college in New England. The institution, originally named College of Rhode Island, was officially founded on March 3, 1764, making it the seventh oldest institution of higher education in the United States.

Key moments in Brown’s history:

1764: Founding of the institution as the College of Rhode Island.
1770: Relocation of the college to Providence.
1804: Renamed Brown University, in honor of Nicholas Brown Jr., a generous benefactor.
1891: Opening of the first women’s college affiliated with Brown - Pembroke College.
1969: Introduction of the revolutionary “New Curriculum,” known today as the Open Curriculum.

From its inception, Brown University distinguished itself with a progressive approach to education. It was the first college in America to admit students of all religious denominations. In 1891, Brown became a pioneer in women’s education by opening Pembroke College, which was later fully integrated with the university in 1971.

Prestige and Reputation

Brown University enjoys immense prestige both in the USA and internationally. The university consistently ranks among the top institutions in various academic rankings:

In the US News & World Report 2026 ranking, Brown is placed among the top fifteen best universities in the USA.
Times Higher Education World University Rankings lists Brown among the top 100 universities globally.
In the Forbes ranking, Brown often appears in the top ten.

Brown’s prestige stems from several key factors:

Outstanding academic faculty: Many Brown professors are recognized experts in their fields, recipients of prestigious awards, and authors of groundbreaking research. Among them are Nobel laureates, Pulitzer Prize winners, and members of the National Academy of Sciences.
Innovative approach to education: Brown’s Open Curriculum, introduced in 1969, revolutionized American higher education by giving students unprecedented freedom in shaping their educational path.
Distinguished alumni: Brown’s alumni include world-renowned scientists, politicians, artists, and entrepreneurs, such as Emma Watson, John F. Kennedy Jr., and CNN co-founder Ted Turner.
Commitment to research: Brown is known for groundbreaking research in many fields, from the sciences to the humanities.
Global perspective: The university places a strong emphasis on internationalization, offering numerous exchange programs and study abroad opportunities.

Innovative Educational Offerings

Brown University offers a wide range of academic programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels, distinguished by its unique approach to education.

Open Curriculum

At the heart of Brown’s educational offerings is the Open Curriculum, introduced in 1969. This innovative program gives students unparalleled freedom in shaping their educational path:

No general education requirements
Ability to choose any combination of courses
Option to take courses on a “satisfactory/no credit” basis instead of grades
Encouragement of an interdisciplinary approach to learning

The Open Curriculum encourages students to explore new fields, connect different disciplines, and develop critical thinking. This approach to education has become a model for many other universities worldwide. In comparison, Columbia University offers a strictly structured Core Curriculum, making these two Ivy League institutions vastly different in their educational philosophy.

Undergraduate Programs

Brown offers over 80 undergraduate majors, including:

Humanities and Social Sciences
Sciences and Engineering
Life Sciences and Medicine
Fine and Performing Arts

Students also have the opportunity to create their own, interdisciplinary concentrations, which is a unique feature of Brown University.

Graduate Schools

Brown also offers renowned graduate programs:

Graduate School: Offers master’s and doctoral programs in over 50 fields.
Alpert Medical School: One of the top medical schools in the USA, known for its innovative approach to medical education.
School of Public Health: Focuses on global health challenges and health policy.
School of Engineering: Offers innovative programs combining engineering with humanities and social sciences.
School of Professional Studies: Offers programs for professionals, including an Executive MBA.

Research and Innovation

Brown University is a leading research center, known for groundbreaking discoveries in many fields:

Brain Sciences: The Carney Institute for Brain Science conducts pioneering research on brain function and neurological disorders.
Medicine: Research conducted at Alpert Medical School has contributed to the development of new therapies for cancer and heart disease.
Social Sciences: Brown is a leader in research on social inequalities and public policy.
Environmental Sciences: The Institute at Brown for Environment and Society conducts interdisciplinary research on climate change and sustainable development.

Student Life at Brown University

Student life at Brown University is a fascinating blend of intensive academic study, rich cultural life, and community engagement. Brown’s campus, located on College Hill in Providence, buzzes with energy and creativity, offering students countless opportunities for personal and professional development.

Student Community

Brown is renowned for its diverse and inclusive student community. The university enrolls approximately 10,000 students, including about 7,000 undergraduates and 3,000 graduate students. Students come from all 50 US states and over 115 countries, creating a truly international environment.

One of Brown’s unique characteristics is a strong sense of community and collaboration among students. Competition is less pronounced here than at some other elite universities, which is often attributed to the influence of the Open Curriculum and a culture of mutual support.

Housing and Campus Life

Brown guarantees on-campus housing for all undergraduate students for their entire period of study. First-year students live in one of the 17 residence halls, which aids in integration and community building.

An interesting feature is Program Houses - themed residential houses that connect students with similar interests. For example:

Tecnología House for students interested in technology and its impact on society
Environmental Program House for individuals engaged in ecological issues
St. Anthony Hall - the oldest literary fraternity at Brown, founded in 1847

Student Organizations and Activities

Brown boasts over 400 student organizations, offering almost limitless opportunities to get involved in extracurricular life. Building a strong profile of extracurricular activities is, in fact, a crucial element of any application to Brown. Among the organizations are:

The Brown Daily Herald - Brown’s oldest daily student newspaper, published continuously since 1891
Brown University Orchestra - one of the oldest student orchestras in the country
Brown Outdoor Leadership Training (BOLT) - an outdoor leadership program

One of the most famous events at Brown is Spring Weekend - an annual student-organized music festival that attracts renowned artists and thousands of attendees.

Traditions and Unique Events

Brown is famous for its rich student traditions that foster a sense of community and are passed down from generation to generation. Some of the most well-known include:

Van Wickle Gates - gates opened only twice a year: during the procession of new students at the beginning of the academic year and during the commencement ceremony
Midnight Organ Concert - a midnight organ concert on Halloween eve, held in Sayles Hall
Josiah Carberry Day - an annual celebration on May 20 in honor of a fictional professor of psychoceramics, invented in 1929 as a joke

Sports and Recreation

Although Brown is not known as a sports powerhouse, university sports play an important role in campus life. The Bears, as Brown’s teams are called, compete in the Ivy League in 38 sports disciplines.

Brown University Admissions Process

Gaining admission to Brown University is a dream for many ambitious students worldwide. The admissions process is highly selective - for the 2025-2026 admissions cycle, Brown accepts only about 5% of applicants, making it one of the most competitive universities in the USA. If you are planning to apply, it’s worth familiarizing yourself with the complete guide to the US university application process.

Application Requirements

To apply to Brown University, candidates must submit:

The Common Application or Coalition Application along with Brown’s specific supplement
Official standardized test scores (SAT or ACT) - required (Brown reinstated the requirement for standardized test scores starting with the admissions cycle for the Class of 2029)
High school transcript
Two letters of recommendation from teachers
Secondary school report
Essays - both those required by the Common Application and additional ones specific to Brown

Brown employs a holistic review policy, meaning the admissions committee considers not only academic performance but also a range of other factors, including extracurricular involvement, creativity, and leadership potential.

Open Curriculum and the Admissions Process

Brown’s unique Open Curriculum significantly influences the admissions process. The university seeks students who:

Demonstrate intellectual curiosity and a desire to explore various fields of knowledge
Are capable of interdisciplinary thinking and connecting different areas of study
Are independent and can take responsibility for their own education

In application essays, candidates are often asked to reflect on how the Open Curriculum aligns with their learning style and educational goals.

Early Decision Program

Brown offers an Early Decision option for candidates who are certain that Brown is their first choice. This is a binding agreement - if a candidate is admitted under Early Decision, they must enroll at Brown.

Statistics show that the Early Decision acceptance rate is slightly higher than in the regular admissions process, but competition remains very high.

SAT/ACT Requirements

Brown requires SAT or ACT scores - the university reinstated this requirement starting with the admissions cycle for the Class of 2029 (2024-2025). For the Class of 2030 (2025-2026 cycle):

The average SAT score for admitted students is approximately 1520 (out of a maximum of 1600)

However, it’s important to remember that a test score alone does not guarantee admission. Brown evaluates candidates holistically, considering all aspects of their application. International candidates should also remember the necessity of taking the TOEFL exam to confirm English language proficiency.

Team@Brown Program

A unique feature of Brown’s admissions process is the Team@Brown program. This initiative aims to reach talented students from underrepresented backgrounds and encourage them to apply to Brown. The program includes high school visits, online workshops, and mentoring for prospective candidates.

Tips for Applicants

For candidates dreaming of studying at Brown, it is crucial to:

Be authentic in presenting their passions and experiences
Show how the Open Curriculum aligns with their educational goals
Engage in extracurricular activities that reflect their values and interests
Prepare thoughtful and original essays that showcase their unique personality and perspective

Brown particularly values candidates who demonstrate creativity, independent thinking, and a desire to make a positive impact on society.

If you need support in preparing your application for Brown or other Ivy League universities, College Council specializes in guiding international candidates through the entire admissions process to the world’s top universities.

Cost of Studying at Brown University

Studying at Brown University, like at other elite American universities, involves significant costs. However, it’s important to understand that thanks to an extensive financial aid system, the actual cost of study can be much lower than the nominal tuition.

Cost Breakdown (Academic Year 2026-2027)

According to official data from Brown’s Financial Aid Office, the estimated annual costs of studying are as follows:

Tuition: $67,580
Housing: $10,720
Food: $6,690
Mandatory fees: $2,900
Estimated personal expenses (books, supplies, transportation): $3,600

Total estimated cost: $91,490 per year

These amounts may seem overwhelming, but Brown employs a need-blind admission policy and full-need financial aid, meaning a candidate’s financial situation is not considered in the admissions process, and the university commits to covering the documented financial needs of admitted students.

Funding Your Studies and Financial Aid

Brown University is committed to providing access to education for talented students regardless of their financial situation. The university offers one of the most generous financial aid programs among American universities. It’s also worth checking out our guide to scholarships for international students in the USA.

Brown’s Financial Policy

Need-blind admission: A candidate’s financial situation is not considered in the admissions process for US citizens and permanent residents.
Full-need financial aid: Brown commits to covering 100% of the documented financial needs of admitted students.
No loans: Since 2018, Brown has replaced loans with grants in all financial aid packages for undergraduate students.

The Brown Promise

In 2017, Brown launched the The Brown Promise initiative, which eliminates loans from financial aid packages for all undergraduate students, regardless of their income. This commitment makes studying at Brown more accessible for students from low- and middle-income families. You can find more about opportunities for studying in the USA for free in our separate guide.

Forms of Financial Aid

Brown offers various forms of financial support:

Grants - awarded based on financial need, do not require repayment
Work-study - a program allowing students to work on campus
External scholarships - Brown encourages students to apply for scholarships from external sources

It is worth noting that:

Approximately 45% of Brown students receive some form of financial aid
The average financial aid package is over $62,000 per year
For families with incomes below $60,000 per year, Brown typically covers the full cost of attendance

Students can use the financial aid calculator available on the university’s website to estimate potential support.

Support for International Students

Brown employs a need-aware policy for international students, meaning that financial circumstances may be considered in the admission decision. However, if an international student is admitted, Brown commits to covering their full documented financial need. International students should also remember the necessity of obtaining a student visa before traveling.

Career Prospects for Brown University Graduates

A degree from Brown University opens many doors and is highly valued in the job market. Graduates of this institution are often among the most sought-after candidates by employers worldwide. You can read more about this in our article on careers after the Ivy League.

Employment Statistics

According to the latest data from Brown’s CareerLAB:

95% of graduates are employed or pursuing further education within 6 months of graduation
The average starting salary for Brown graduates is approximately $78,000 per year
Many graduates find employment at prestigious Fortune 500 companies, leading financial institutions, or renowned non-profit organizations

Popular Career Paths

Brown University graduates choose diverse career paths, including:

Technology and Innovation: A significant number of graduates join tech giants like Google, Amazon, or Apple, as well as innovative start-ups.
Finance and Consulting: Many begin their careers at firms such as Goldman Sachs, McKinsey, or Boston Consulting Group.
Education and Research: A large group of graduates continues their education in graduate studies or embarks on an academic career.
Medicine and Life Sciences: Brown graduates often choose careers in healthcare, biotechnology, or pharmaceuticals.
Arts and Media: Brown is known for educating future artists, writers, and media industry leaders.
Public and Non-Profit Sector: Many graduates choose careers in public service or non-governmental organizations.

Distinguished Alumni

Brown boasts an impressive list of distinguished alumni who have achieved success in various fields:

John D. Rockefeller Jr. - industrialist and philanthropist
Janet Yellen - first woman to serve as US Secretary of the Treasury
Emma Watson - actress and activist
John Krasinski - actor and director
Horace Mann - pioneer of public education in the USA
Ira Glass - radio producer, host of “This American Life”

Career Support

Brown offers its students and alumni comprehensive career development support through:

CareerLAB - a center offering career counseling, workshops, job fairs, and other resources
BrownConnect - a platform connecting students with alumni and job opportunities
Internship Program - helping students gain valuable professional experience while still studying

Brown Alumni Network

One of the greatest advantages of graduating from Brown is access to a powerful alumni network. The Brown Alumni Association comprises over 100,000 members worldwide, offering:

Networking opportunities on a global scale
Mentoring from experienced professionals
Access to exclusive job offers and career development opportunities
Alumni clubs in most major cities worldwide

Conclusion

Brown University is not just a prestigious institution, but a true gateway to global opportunities. Despite high nominal costs, thanks to a generous financial aid system, Brown remains accessible to talented students from all over the world, regardless of their financial situation.

The career prospects available to Brown graduates are impressive. The combination of world-class education, unique student experiences, and a powerful network of contacts ensures that graduates of this university are exceptionally well-prepared to succeed in a dynamically changing world.

Brown’s Open Curriculum not only shapes innovative thinkers during their studies but also equips graduates with adaptability skills and an interdisciplinary approach to problems, which are highly valued in today’s job market.

For ambitious young people dreaming of studying at Brown, the key is not only academic excellence but also passion, commitment, and a clear vision for their future. Brown seeks not only the best students but, above all, future leaders who will shape a better tomorrow for us all.

Are you preparing for the SAT? Check out Prepclass.io – a platform created by College Council for SAT preparation, which will help you achieve a competitive score among Brown applicants.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Open Curriculum at Brown University?

The Open Curriculum is Brown’s unique educational system where students have no mandatory general education requirements. They can freely choose courses from any field, creating their own interdisciplinary educational path. Additionally, they can take courses on a “satisfactory/no credit” basis instead of traditional grades.

What SAT score is needed to get into Brown?

The average SAT score for admitted students at Brown in the 2025-2026 cycle is approximately 1520 out of 1600 points. However, the SAT score alone does not guarantee admission – Brown evaluates candidates holistically, considering essays, extracurricular activities, recommendations, and other factors.

How much does it cost to study at Brown University?

The total estimated cost of studying at Brown for the 2026-2027 academic year is approximately $91,490 annually (tuition, housing, food, and fees). However, about 45% of students receive financial aid, and the average grant is over $62,000 per year.

Does Brown University offer financial aid for international students?

Brown employs a need-aware policy for international students. This means that financial circumstances may influence the admission decision. However, if an international student is admitted, Brown commits to covering 100% of their documented financial needs.

What is the acceptance rate at Brown University for 2026?

The acceptance rate at Brown for the 2025-2026 admissions cycle is approximately 5%, making it one of the most selective universities in the USA. Chances are slightly higher through Early Decision, but competition remains very high.

Is the Polish Matura certificate recognized by Brown?

Yes, Brown accepts the Polish Matura certificate (equivalent to a high school diploma). The university evaluates results in the context of the specific educational system. International candidates should also take the SAT or ACT and the TOEFL or IELTS exam to confirm English language proficiency.

How does Brown differ from other Ivy League universities?

Brown stands out primarily due to its Open Curriculum, lack of mandatory general education courses, and a culture of collaboration rather than competition. Compared to Princeton or Columbia, Brown gives students significantly more freedom in shaping their educational path. The university attracts students who value creativity and independent thinking.

What are the career prospects after graduating from Brown University?

95% of Brown graduates find employment or continue their education within 6 months of graduation. The average starting salary is approximately $78,000 per year. Graduates work in fields such as technology, finance, consulting, medicine, and the public sector.

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