This Ivy League school boasts a graduation rate of 95% and gives students an unusual amount of academic freedom — the only course requirement is they must take at least two writing classes. Otherwise, undergrads can choose whatever courses they like at Brown or just down College Hill at the Rhode Island School of Design. Grades are optional, too — any class can be taken satisfactory/no credit, which essentially amounts to pass/fail. Plus, students can design their own concentrations (what other colleges call a major).
Brown students can expect a lot of personalized attention with a student-faculty ratio of 6:1. The university has produced dozens of award-winning writers in fiction, journalism and theater. Aside from liberal arts, Brown is known for its strong science programs, especially in medicine, math and computer sciences. Like its Ivy League peers, Brown has an impressive list of alumni, including U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen, CNN founder Ted Turner and actor John Krasinski. Students who don’t go on to become household names still do well in the job market, with median earnings of more than $87,000 in their early careers.
Among the highlights of the social calendar are the concert-filled Spring Weekend and the elegant Campus Dance on the main quad to kick off commencement and reunion weekend. And even though students call the main dining hall "The Ratty" — it's short for Refectory — the food isn't bad.
Notes: Prices reflect in-state charges for public universities. Students who get merit grants are full-time undergraduates who had no financial need and were awarded grants. Graduation rate measures degree completion within six years for both transfer students and first-time students. Early career earnings are the median earnings for both graduates and non-completers, 10 years after they first enrolled.
Sources: U.S. Department of Education, Peterson’s, Money/Witlytic calculations.
Brown University tuition and fees
Estimated cost and due date
Tuition and fees at Brown University come to a total of $65,656. You’ll also need to factor in room and board, books, and living expenses while enrolled.
The due date for Fall is August 01, 2023, but it's always a good idea to check the university's official calendar or your student portal for any changes. Late payments may incur extra charges.
Feeling overwhelmed by the cost? That’s understandable — college can be expensive, but there are a variety of financial aid sources you can access, including student loans, grants, and scholarships. Here's a brief overview of the available options; for a more comprehensive step-by-step, read our How to Pay for College guide.
Exploring financial aid options at Brown University
Scholarships and grants
The typical amount of grant aid for undergraduates at Brown University is $51,907, which is composed of awards from federal, state, local and college programs. A popular source of college aid is the federal Pell Grant, which is given to students with lower incomes. Approximately 14% of Brown University students receive a Pell Grant. To be eligible for Pell Grants and other types of financial aid, you must fill out the FAFSA.
State grants
Most states have programs to assist students with college expenses. Generally, these awards are only available to those living in the state and attending a college there, but it's worth looking into the eligibility requirements of your home state. For example, Rhode Island residents can apply for the Rhode Island Promise Scholarship and other programs.
University scholarships, aka institutional aid
Colleges usually provide two kinds of financial aid. Need-based aid is based on your financial situation, while merit-based aid encompasses all awards that are not based on financial need. Merit scholarships can be based on academic success, artistic ability, leadership skills and more. At Brown University, 45% of first-year students receive a scholarship from the university, with an average amount of $54,314.
External scholarships
Don't forget to search for external scholarships too. There are many local organizations that provide scholarships to assist students with college costs. Some scholarships have year-round deadlines, so you can get funds after you've enrolled. Check out our guide on college grants and scholarships to find out more about the various types of gift aid.
Student loans
Federal student loans
Federal student loans are the most common way to finance educational expenses. These are loans provided by the government and have relatively low-interest rates, as well as flexible repayment options.
Private student loans
Private student loans are an alternate choice. Banks and credit unions are some of the private lenders that offer them. They can be used to cover the costs not taken care of by federal loans, but they usually have higher interest rates and less flexible repayment plans.
How to pay tuition bills at Brown University
Any loans, grants or scholarships you receive are usually sent directly to your university, and the remaining balance has to be paid by you. You can pay tuition fees by visiting https://www.brown.edu/.
The information included in this page contains data published in university sites, government public records and other vetted sources as of June 23, 2023. Be advised to validate this information with the university registrar or financial office.
This content was created with the assistance of AI technology and has been reviewed, edited and fact-checked by Money's editorial staff.
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