Brown University: Rankings, Courses & Admissions

Brown University operates across two primary campuses: the College Hill campus and the Warren Alpert Medical School in Providence, Rhode Island. 

The university offers programs through six schools, including Engineering, Public Health, and Professional Studies. Students can pursue degrees in fields such as computer science, biomedical engineering, economics, political science, medicine, and global health. 

Here's an overview of Brown University Campuses.

Home to more than 80% of Brown's undergraduate programs, the College Hill campus spans over 150 acres of historic architecture and state-of-the-art facilities.

• Top-ranked programs include Computer Science (ranked #20 nationally by U.S. News), Biomedical Engineering, Economics, and Political Science.
• The Sciences Library, one of the tallest buildings in Providence, houses over 2 million volumes, while the John Hay and John Carter Brown Libraries hold globally renowned collections in history and literature.
• The newly opened Lindemann Performing Arts Center (2023) offers a transformative space for interdisciplinary arts, hosting over 100 student productions annually.
• The College Hill neighborhood itself is a rich blend of culture and convenience, with walkable streets, access to RISD, the Rhode Island School of Design Museum, and more than 50 cafés and restaurants within a 1-mile radius.

Warren Alpert Medical School – Jewelry District, Providence, RI

Ranked among the top 50 medical schools for research in the U.S., the Warren Alpert Medical School is the epicenter of Brown's healthcare education and innovation.

• It anchors the Jewelry District, a revitalized innovation corridor that is now home to over 200 life sciences and biotech companies.
• The school receives over $195 million annually in external research grants, making it one of the top NIH-funded institutions in New England.
• Facilities include high-tech simulation labs, a clinical skills suite, and advanced imaging centers.
• It maintains affiliations with seven major teaching hospitals, including Rhode Island Hospital, Hasbro Children's Hospital, and the VA Medical Center, giving students early and frequent clinical exposure.
  Strategically positioned, it's within walking distance of the Providence Amtrak station and 15 minutes from T.F. Green International Airport, connecting students to Boston and New York with ease.

Now that you've explored the campuses of Brown University, let's check out the global rankings for the university.

Brown University Ranking 2025/26

Brown University remains a respected name in global higher education, especially within the Ivy League. 

In 2026, it climbed to #69 in the QS World Rankings, improving from #79 the previous year. In the Times Higher Education (THE) list, Brown held strong at #58 in 2025. Meanwhile, in the U.S. News National Rankings, it placed #13 in 2025 after holding the #9 spot for two consecutive years. 

Here's how Brown University has performed across major rankings:

Let's now look into the course ranking of Brown University.

Top Courses Ranking of Brown University (2025)

The university stands out in several subjects, with Development Studies ranked 25th, Economics and Econometrics 30th, and English Language and Literature 36th in the QS World University Rankings by Subject.

Here's how Brown University has performed across major courses:

With the rankings covered, here's what you need to know about getting into Brown University.

Admission to Brown is highly selective, with an acceptance rate of just 5.4% for the undergraduate Class of 2028. The university follows a need-aware policy for international students and accepts applications primarily for the Fall intake.

To apply, you'll need to submit academic records, standardized test scores (for undergraduates), and proof of English proficiency. Once admitted, international applicants must begin the U.S. student visa process by preparing financial and identification documents.

Below is a breakdown of the admission requirements and intake timelines for Brown University.

Admission Requirements

Brown University expects applicants to meet a set of academic and language criteria, including high school transcripts and standardized test scores like the SAT or ACT for undergraduates. International students must show proof of English proficiency through accepted tests such as TOEFL or IELTS. 

Here's a look at the different admission criteria for Brown University:

Academic Qualification

To apply to Brown, you'll need to demonstrate a strong academic foundation. While there's no fixed GPA requirement, applicants usually come from rigorous schooling backgrounds with well-rounded transcripts and consistent performance across key subjects.

Not sure if your scores qualify? Check program-specific details on the Brown University Admissions page.

Language Proficiency

If you're an international applicant, proving your English language proficiency is a key part of the admission process at Brown. Since all courses are taught in English, the university expects you to demonstrate a strong command of the language.

The following table specifies the language requirements.

Note: These scores represent the competitive average among admitted applicants. Meeting the minimum doesn't guarantee admission, but scoring near or above these averages strengthens your application. 

Competitive Exams

If you're applying for undergraduate programs at Brown, you'll need to submit SAT or ACT scores. The university considers these scores alongside your academic profile but does not set a fixed cutoff. 

Here are the competitive exams required for Brown University:

Visa Requirements

Once admitted, international students must apply for an F‑1 visa. Brown issues the necessary I‑20 or DS‑2019 form after confirming your admission and financial support documents.

Here are the student visa requirements to study at Brown University:

Next, let's get into the detailed overview of the key application intakes and deadlines you need to know for Brown University.

Brown University: Admission Dates and Deadlines

Brown received 48,904 undergraduate applications for the Class of 2028 and admitted just 5.4% of applicants, making it one of the most selective Ivy League schools. 

Out of the total admits, 898 were offered admission through the Early Decision round, highlighting the competitive advantage of applying early. 

Regular Decision continues to attract high-achieving students globally, with final decisions released by late March.

Here's a look at the undergraduate courses application timeline for international students applying to Brown:

Next, let's go over the various undergraduate and graduate programs you can choose from at Brown University.

Brown University offers a flexible and rigorous academic structure through its Open Curriculum, allowing undergraduates to build their path of study across more than 80 concentrations. 

At the graduate level, Brown provides over 90 programs, including master's, doctoral, and professional degrees. Below is an overview of some of the most popular and academically distinctive offerings at Brown:

• Computer Science: One of the most subscribed concentrations at Brown, this program includes advanced topics in AI, software development, data structures, and human-computer interaction. 
• Economics: Consistently ranked as a top choice among students, the economics program covers game theory, public policy, and labor economics.
• Biomedical Engineering: Offered jointly with the Warren Alpert Medical School, this program explores medical device design, imaging, and bioinformatics. 
• International and Public Affairs (Master's): This graduate program blends quantitative analysis with policy research, preparing students for careers in government, nonprofits, and international organizations.
• Data Science (Graduate Certificate and Master's): Designed for both STEM and non-STEM backgrounds, this interdisciplinary program covers machine learning, ethics, and statistical inference.
• Literary Arts: Known for its strong creative writing faculty, this program lets students work across genres, including fiction, poetry, hybrid forms, and experimental writing, while building a strong foundation in literary theory.
• Brown-RISD Dual Degree Program: This five-year program allows students to earn degrees from both Brown and the Rhode Island School of Design. It combines Brown's academic depth with RISD's visual arts training.
• Open Curriculum: A defining feature of Brown's undergraduate experience, this policy allows you to design your study plan without general education requirements, encouraging intellectual risk-taking.
• Engaged Scholarship Certificate: This option integrates community-based learning and research. Students work with local or global partners on real-world challenges across education, health, and climate fields.
• Summer@Brown and Pre-College Programs: Brown offers several short-term academic programs for high school and early college students in subjects like neuroscience, political science, and global health.

Now, let's take a look at the program fees at Brown University.

Cost of studying at Brown comes with a high cost, so planning your budget is important. Tuition, housing, meals, insurance, and personal expenses all add up. For 2024–25, the undergraduate tuition is $71,700 (INR 59.51L).

Brown is one of the top universities in the U.S., and its fees reflect that. Cost of Living expenses in Providence usually make up 20% to 25% of the yearly cost. 

Here's a breakdown of the tuition fees by program type

Now, let's take a closer look at what makes Brown University a standout choice:

Cost of Living

Apart from tuition, daily expenses like rent, groceries, and transportation contribute significantly to your budget. Brown University estimates a total annual cost of around $95,984 (INR 79.66 lakh) for an international student, including tuition and living expenses. 

Here's a breakdown of the average living expenses you can expect in Providence:

To make tuition more affordable, Brown University provides several scholarship options for eligible students. Here are some of the most popular ones.

Brown University follows a need-blind admission policy for U.S. applicants and meets 100% of demonstrated need for all students, including international applicants. 

46% of Brown undergraduates received need-based aid, with an average scholarship of $62,000 (INR 51.5L) per year. Financial aid packages often include university scholarships, federal grants (for U.S. citizens), and opportunities from external organizations.

Here's a detailed look at the internal and external scholarships you can apply for, including fully funded options available to international students in the USA.

Internal Scholarships

Internal scholarships at Brown are offered through the university's financial aid programs, endowed funds, and fellowships. These are primarily need-based and support students throughout their academic journey.

Here's a breakdown of the key internal scholarships available for undergraduate and transfer applicants:

Financial support is also accessible via government-sponsored and independent scholarship programs. Let's take a closer look at what's offered.

External Scholarships

In addition to university aid, international students at Brown can apply for competitive scholarships funded by governments or private foundations. These may support tuition, travel, and living costs.

Here's a breakdown of the key external scholarships available for undergraduate and transfer applicants:

These scholarships can ease your financial load, making it easier to focus on your studies. Next, let's explore the placement opportunities at Brown University

Brown University supports student career growth through its Center for Career Exploration, offering personalized services in career planning, job search strategy, and alumni networking. The university has a strong record of employment outcomes across disciplines, particularly in technology, consulting, and finance.

According to Brown's First Destination Survey, 92% of graduates were employed in graduate school or engaged in other meaningful activities within six months of graduation. The median starting salary for employed graduates was $78,000 (INR 65 L approx).

Brown provides the following services to help you prepare for the job market:

• Internship & Research Guidance: It connects students with internships, research positions, and fellowships through structured advising and the BrownConnect portal.
• Resume & Interview Preparation: It offers workshops, resume reviews, mock interviews, and drop-in advising to strengthen student profiles.
• On-Campus Recruiting: It brings employers to career fairs and campus interviews, with a strong presence from sectors like tech, finance, healthcare, and education.
• Alumni Networking & Mentorship: It facilitates networking events and alumni panels across industries, helping you build valuable connections.
• Job Portals & Career Tools: It gives access to job boards like Handshake, industry-specific career guides, and data tools for salary benchmarking and employer research.

Let's look at the university's top recruiters.

Top Recruiters

Brown graduates are widely recruited by top employers around the world thanks to the university's strong academics, cross-disciplinary focus, and active alumni connections. Many take up roles in technology, consulting, research, and public service.

Some of the top recruiters hiring from Brown University include:

• Google: Offers roles in software development, data science, and product design.
• Goldman Sachs: Hires finance and economics graduates for investment banking and financial analysis roles.
• McKinsey & Company: Recruits for consulting positions across business, healthcare, and public policy.
• Amazon: Employs students in operations, business intelligence, and product management.
• Microsoft: Offers roles in cloud computing, development, and UX.
• Teach for America: Popular among social sciences and humanities majors seeking roles in education and public service.
• Meta and Apple: Recruit from Brown's computer science and engineering pools.

Now that you've seen the placement support and major hiring companies, let's explore what student life is like at Brown University.

At Brown, learning continues beyond classrooms through a range of clubs, service groups, arts initiatives, and athletic programs. 
With over 400 student-run organizations and a campus culture rooted in openness, creativity, and community, you'll find plenty of ways to explore your interests and connect with others.
Here are some areas where you can get involved:
Sports and Athletics: Brown competes in the NCAA Division I Ivy League. You can participate in 34 varsity teams or join club and intramural sports like sailing, soccer, rugby, and ultimate frisbee.
Arts and Performance: Students actively engage in music, theater, and visual arts through groups like the Brown University Orchestra, Production Workshop (theater), and student-run art exhibitions at the Granoff Center.
Community Engagement:  Through the Swearer Center, you can take part in local and global public service, including education outreach, social justice work, and fellowships that combine academics with action.
Cultural and Identity Groups: Brown has a wide range of student-led organizations supporting cultural expression, identity-based advocacy, and inclusion, from the Black Student Union to the Brown Asian American Collective.
Entrepreneurship and Leadership: The Nelson Center for Entrepreneurship supports student startups, while the Brown Leadership Institute builds civic engagement and decision-making skills through hands-on projects.
Let's now look at some well-known graduates who have studied at Brown University.

Brown University has a worldwide alumni network of over 100,000 graduates who have made notable impacts across politics, business, science, and the arts. The university's alumni community spans more than 150 countries and every U.S. state.

Here are some popular alumni from Brown University:

Now, let's compare Brown University with its competitors.

Comparing similar universities helps you evaluate your options based on rankings, tuition, course variety, and career outcomes. 

For instance, Brown graduates report an average starting salary of around $78,000 (approximately INR 65 lakh), while top-tier schools like UPenn and Duke often show higher earnings for MBA and STEM programs.

To help you choose wisely, here's a side-by-side comparison of Brown University with the University of Pennsylvania and Duke University:

According to U.S. News and World Report, the Brown University acceptance rate is 5%. This means that for every 100 applicants, only 5 are accepted into the university. Overall, Brown University accepted 7,222 undergraduate students and 2,920 graduate students for fall 2023 enrollment.

Brown University fees for both the undergraduate fall session and spring session are $32,828. The mandatory fees for both sessions are 1,287. The annual doctoral fees for both fall session and spring session are $34,306. The master’s degree course fees at Brown University range between $6,000 to $10,000 approximately, depending on the chosen course. Mandatory fees, and recreation and health fees also apply to all Brown University courses.