Overview of Brown University
Brown University, located in Providence, Rhode Island, is a prestigious Ivy League institution known for its commitment to academic excellence, intellectual curiosity, and a unique approach to undergraduate education. Established in 1764, Brown is one of the oldest universities in the United States and has a rich history of fostering a culture of open inquiry and interdisciplinary exploration.
Academic Philosophy: One of the defining features of Brown University is its commitment to the Brown Curriculum, also known as the Open Curriculum. This approach gives students the flexibility to design their own academic path, allowing them to explore a wide range of disciplines and shape their education based on their individual interests. Brown’s emphasis on academic freedom and self-directed learning fosters a culture of intellectual curiosity and innovation.
Undergraduate Education: Brown places a strong emphasis on undergraduate education, and the majority of its programs are designed to encourage close interaction between students and faculty. The low student-to-faculty ratio facilitates small class sizes and meaningful engagement between professors and students. The university’s commitment to undergraduate research opportunities and independent study projects further enhances the academic experience.
Liberal Arts Education: As a liberal arts institution, Brown University provides students with a well-rounded education that emphasizes critical thinking, effective communication, and a deep understanding of various disciplines. The liberal arts foundation is designed to prepare students not only for their chosen professions but also to be informed and engaged citizens capable of addressing complex challenges.
Diverse Academic Offerings: Brown offers a wide range of academic programs across its undergraduate and graduate schools, including the College, the Graduate School, the Alpert Medical School, and the School of Professional Studies. The university is organized into various academic departments, spanning the humanities, social sciences, physical sciences, life sciences, engineering, and the arts.
Brown’s commitment to interdisciplinary studies is reflected in programs such as the Brown Institute for Brain Science and the Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs. These initiatives promote collaboration across disciplines and encourage students and faculty to address complex issues from multiple perspectives.
Innovative Research Centers: Brown University is home to several research centers and institutes that contribute to advancements in various fields. The Carney Institute for Brain Science, for example, focuses on neuroscience research, while the Data Science Initiative promotes interdisciplinary research in data science and computational biology. These centers provide students and faculty with opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research and contribute to the advancement of knowledge.
Campus and Facilities: Brown’s picturesque campus, situated in the College Hill neighborhood of Providence, features a mix of historic and modern buildings. The Van Wickle Gates, the John Hay Library, and the Sciences Library are among the notable facilities that support academic, research, and recreational activities. The campus is designed to foster a sense of community, with green spaces, student gathering areas, and cultural venues.
Student Life: Brown University offers a vibrant and diverse student life experience. With numerous student organizations, clubs, and cultural groups, students have the opportunity to engage in extracurricular activities that align with their interests. The Brown Bears, the university’s athletic teams, compete in NCAA Division I sports, contributing to school spirit and a sense of camaraderie.
The Stephen Robert ’62 Campus Center serves as a hub for student life, providing spaces for dining, socializing, and hosting events. Brown’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is evident in its support for various cultural organizations and initiatives that promote equity and belonging.
Community Engagement: Brown University is deeply committed to community engagement and public service. Through initiatives such as the Swearer Center for Public Service, students have the opportunity to apply their academic knowledge to real-world challenges and contribute to the well-being of the broader community. The university’s emphasis on social responsibility aligns with its mission to educate students who are not only academically accomplished but also socially conscious and ethically grounded.
Global Engagement: Brown encourages students to engage with global issues and perspectives. The Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs is a key hub for research and education on global affairs, providing students with opportunities for international study, research projects, and engagement with global leaders. The university’s commitment to global education prepares students to navigate an interconnected world and make meaningful contributions on the international stage.
Alumni Success: Brown University boasts a distinguished and accomplished alumni network. Graduates of Brown can be found in various fields, including academia, business, the arts, public service, and more. The university’s commitment to preparing students for success in their chosen fields and for a life of purpose is reflected in the achievements of its alumni.
Brown University stands as a beacon of intellectual freedom and innovation in higher education. With its commitment to the Open Curriculum, interdisciplinary research, and a vibrant campus life, Brown continues to be a leading institution that fosters a culture of inquiry, creativity, and social responsibility.
Box 1920 Providence, RI 02912
Phone: (401) 863-2378
Email: admission_undergraduate@brown.edu
Web site: http://www.brown.edu
Rankings: Brown University
Located in Providence, RI, Brown University is one of the best universities in the state of Rhode Island. On this page, you will find in-depth rankings for Brown University in the following areas: graduation rates, teaching resources, financing opportunities, and alumni donations. Latest acceptance rate is also given to show how competitive is Brown University.
Brown University is consistently ranked among the top universities in the world. According to the 2021 US News & World Report, Brown is ranked 14th among National Universities and 16th in Global Universities. Brown is particularly well-known for its commitment to undergraduate teaching, as evidenced by its ranking of 3rd in the nation for “Best Undergraduate Teaching”. Additionally, Brown is ranked 8th in the nation for “Best Value Schools” due to its generous financial aid offerings and low student debt levels.
In addition to its strong overall rankings, Brown is also well-regarded for its individual programs and departments. For example, Brown’s English Department was recently ranked 4th nationwide by US News & World Report. Additionally, Brown’s graduate programs are highly respected; The Graduate School of Business was ranked 24th nationwide and The School of Engineering was ranked 38th. Furthermore, many of Brown’s individual departments are recognized around the world for their research excellence; US News & World Report ranks Brown as 11th globally for “High Impact Research”. This recognition reflects the commitment that faculty have made to producing meaningful research that impacts society at large.
| Rankings, Ratings, and Admissions Statistics | |
| Overall Ranking: | 16 |
| Score: | 84 |
| Peer college rating (out of 5) | 4.4 |
| Graduation and retention ranking: | 5 |
| Average freshman retention rate: | 97.5% |
| 6-year graduation rate: | 94.0% |
| Predicted graduation rate: | 93% |
| Overperformance(+)/Underperformance(-): | 1 |
| Faculty resources ranking: | 17 |
| Classes with under 20 students (2020): | 70.6% |
| Classes with 50 or more students (2020): | 9.2% |
| Student faculty ratio (2020): | 8:1 |
| Percent of faculty who are full-time (2020) | 93.3% |
| Student selectivity ranking: | 9 |
| SAT/ACT 25th-75th percentile (2020) | 1320-1540 |
| 2020 Freshmen in top 10 percent of high school class: | 93% |
| Freshmen in top 25 percent of high school class (2020): | 99% |
| Fall 2020 Acceptance rate: | 13.7% |
| Financial resources rank: | 26 |
| Alumni giving rank: | 7 |
| Average alumni giving rate (2020): | 39.0% |
Essential Facts: Brown University
- Notable alumni include John D. Rockefeller Jr., John F. Kennedy Jr. and CNN founder and media mogul Ted Turner.
- For 2020, U.S. News & World Report ranks Brown 102nd globally.
- There is no core curriculum, and students may design their own majors.
Rules and regulations Sports Activities
| General Information | |
| Percent of undergraduate students who live in college-owned, operated, or affiliated housing: | 79% |
| Percent of undergraduates who are members of a fraternity: | 12% |
| Percent of student body who are members of a sorority: | 4% |
| Average percentage of students on campus during weekends: | 85% |
| Are all students permitted to have cars on campus? | No |
| Percent of students who have cars on campus: | 10% |
| Is alcohol permitted on campus for students of legal age? | Yes |
| Additional policies and regulations: | class attendance policies set by individual instructors, hazing prohibited, other |
| Collegiate athletic association: | NCAA I |
| Men’s scholarship sports: | N/A |
| Women’s scholarship sports: | N/A |
| Student activities: | campus ministries, choral groups, concert band, dance, drama/theater, international student organization, jazz band, literary magazine, marching band, model UN, music ensembles, musical theater, opera, pep band, radio station, student government, student newspaper, student film society, symphony orchestra, television station, yearbook |