
One Prospect Street, Providence, RI 02912, USA


Brown University was founded in 1764, making it one of the oldest institutions of higher education in the United States. It began as the College in the English Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, established with a commitment to academic freedom and independence from religious doctrine. This foundation set Brown apart from many contemporaries, reflecting a progressive approach to education during the colonial period.
The university was among the first to accept students regardless of their religious affiliations, highlighting its early dedication to inclusivity. Over time, Brown expanded its academic offerings and institutional size, evolving into a comprehensive research university while maintaining its distinct character.
Throughout its history, Brown University has fostered a culture of innovation and intellectual exploration. Its early embrace of diverse ideas contributed to the development of a broad curriculum, which remains a hallmark today. Prospective students can appreciate how the university's historic willingness to challenge norms continues to influence its educational philosophy and campus environment.
This longstanding tradition positions Brown University as a dynamic institution shaped by a commitment to open inquiry and academic freedom, factors that prospective students may find especially valuable when selecting a college.
Brown University offers a diverse range of academic faculties and departments designed to cater to a broad spectrum of interests for prospective students. The university is organized into multiple schools and divisions that emphasize interdisciplinary approaches and comprehensive education.
The School of Engineering covers areas such as biomedical engineering, chemical engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering, blending theoretical knowledge with practical application. The Division of Mathematics and the Physical Sciences includes departments like mathematics, physics, chemistry, and earth, environmental, and planetary sciences, providing rigorous training in fundamental scientific disciplines.
The Division of Life Sciences hosts departments such as molecular biology, neuroscience, and ecology and evolutionary biology, supporting research and coursework that span the biological spectrum from molecules to ecosystems. In the Humanities, students can explore fields including English, history, philosophy, religious studies, and visual art, encouraging critical thinking and cultural understanding.
Social sciences at Brown are represented through departments like anthropology, economics, political science, psychology, and sociology, each promoting inquiry into human behavior, social structures, and global affairs. Additionally, the university offers programs in public health, modern culture and media, and international relations, underscoring its commitment to interdisciplinary and globally relevant scholarship.
Overall, Brown University provides an expansive academic environment featuring numerous departments and faculties that support a range of scholarly pursuits, allowing students to tailor their education according to their academic and professional goals.
Brown University is located in Providence, Rhode Island, at One Prospect Street, within the 02912 postal code area. Providence serves as the northeastern setting for the university, providing a vibrant urban environment for students.
The city is accessible via T. F. Green Airport, facilitating convenient travel for both domestic and international students and visitors.
Providence offers a mix of cultural, academic, and social opportunities that contribute to the overall student experience at Brown University.
Brown University aims to cultivate a diverse and inclusive academic community committed to the pursuit of knowledge and intellectual freedom. It emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach to education, encouraging students to explore across traditional boundaries and engage deeply with their fields of interest. The institution is dedicated to fostering critical thinking, creativity, and a spirit of inquiry among its students.
Central to its mission is the promotion of both academic and personal growth, ensuring students develop the skills and perspectives necessary to contribute meaningfully to society. Brown supports innovative research and encourages collaboration among students and faculty, creating an environment where ideas can be challenged and expanded.
The university's vision includes preparing students not only for successful careers but also for responsible citizenship and lifelong learning. It seeks to empower individuals to address complex global challenges through ethical leadership and informed decision-making.
Name of the institution
Brown UniversityLevel of institution
Four or more yearsControl of institution
PrivateSetting type
City: MidsizeInstitutional Category
Degree - granting, primarily baccalaureate or aboveInstitution size category
10,000 - 19,999School type
UniversityMain student body
CoeducationalCalendar system
SemestersFoundation year
1764
Bachelor's degree
Postbaccalaureate certificate
Master's degree
Doctor's degree - research/scholarship
Doctor's degree - professional practice
Certificate of less than 1 year
Certificate of at least 1 year, but less than 2 years
Associate's degree
Certificate of at least 2 years, but less than 4 years
Post-master's certificate
Doctor's degree - other
Other degreeDegrees
Applied Mathematics
$105,532Area Studies
$37,471Biology, General
$29,535Computer Science
$130,101Economics
$64,028Engineering, General
$70,583English Language and Literature, General
$28,046Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
$66,171History
$42,584International Relations and National Security Studies
$37,882Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
$28,130Natural Resources Conservation and Research
$30,489Neurobiology and Neurosciences
$40,809Political Science and Government
$50,186Public Health
$42,643Public Policy Analysis
$49,331Research and Experimental Psychology
$37,636Sociology
$19,547Urban Studies/Affairs
$23,206