
One Prospect Street, Providence, RI 02912, USA


Brown University holds accreditation from the New England Commission of Higher Education, which ensures that it meets rigorous standards of quality and effectiveness in higher education. This accreditation is critical for recognizing the university's commitment to maintaining academic excellence and continuous improvement.
For prospective students, this accreditation signifies that Brown University's programs and degrees are recognized and respected by employers, academic institutions, and licensing bodies nationwide. It also ensures eligibility for federal financial aid, which is an important consideration for many applicants.
In addition to its regional accreditation, Brown University maintains specialized accreditations for certain professional and graduate programs, further validating the quality of education in those disciplines. This layered accreditation structure provides an additional level of assurance regarding the specialized training and resources available to students in those areas.
Brown University requires prospective students to have completed secondary school and submit their academic records as part of the application process. While a General Educational Development (GED) certificate is accepted, applicants must also provide letters of recommendation and have participated in a college preparatory program. Competency evaluations and other standardized tests are recommended but not mandatory.
The university does not have an open admission policy, and it accepts dual credit courses; however, it does not grant college credit or Advanced Placement (AP) credits based on these.
Computer ownership is not required for applicants, but leasing options are available. Admission test scores such as the SAT and ACT are considered, although specific minimum score requirements are not published. Brown University's admitted students demonstrate very high standardized test performance, with mean SAT scores around 1515 out of 1600 and mean ACT scores near 34, placing them in the top 5% nationally.
The institution is highly selective, admitting only about 5% of applicants. The volume of applicants is substantial, with over 51,000 candidates competing annually for fewer than 3,000 admitted students. This makes the acceptance rate very low, reflecting intense competition. Enrolled students typically have exceptional academic credentials, which aligns with Brown University's reputation for rigorous admission standards.
Brown University requires an application fee for prospective students submitting their admissions materials. However, the institution provides fee waivers to ensure that the cost of applying does not create a barrier for qualified applicants with financial need. Eligible students can request a waiver through their application process, which helps reduce the financial burden and promotes greater accessibility.
The university's approach to fee waivers typically assesses applicants' economic circumstances through designated forms or documentation submitted alongside the application. This process supports students from diverse backgrounds in pursuing admission without the upfront cost of the application fee complicating their plans. Prospective students are encouraged to review Brown University's specific guidelines and deadlines related to fee waivers to make sure they complete all necessary steps for consideration.
Brown University does not host its own ROTC branch units on campus. Instead, students interested in participating in ROTC programs typically attend a cooperating host institution, which provides the formal ROTC training and instruction. This arrangement allows Brown students to pursue military officer training while remaining enrolled at their home university.
Brown University allows transfer applications primarily for the fall and spring semesters, indicating some flexibility in admission periods for transfer students. The institution accepts transfer credits, which can facilitate continuation of previous academic work, although specific credit acceptance details such as CLEP or DANTES exams are not available. Notably, gaining admission as a transfer student is highly challenging, as Brown University is classified as one of the most difficult institutions for entrance. This suggests that prospective transfer applicants should prepare for a competitive selection process and ensure their academic records are strong to improve their chances of admission.
Brown University offers a diverse array of study abroad opportunities designed to enhance academic and cultural experiences for its students. Programs range from semester-long exchanges and faculty-led summer courses to short-term study tours, allowing participants to engage with global perspectives in their chosen fields. Many options include partnerships with institutions around the world, enabling students to immerse themselves in different academic environments while earning credit toward their degrees.
The university supports individualized study abroad plans tailored to fit students' academic goals and personal interests. Areas of study available abroad cover a wide spectrum, including humanities, social sciences, environmental studies, and more, reflecting the breadth of Brown's curriculum. Additionally, there are internship and research opportunities overseas that complement traditional coursework and provide practical experience.
Students can access advising and resources through Brown's international programs office, which assists with program selection, application processes, and pre-departure preparation. Financial aid options are also available to help offset the cost of studying abroad, making these opportunities more accessible. Overall, Brown University encourages global engagement as a critical component of its educational philosophy, offering programs that promote cultural exchange and academic exploration beyond the campus.
Median composite SAT score
1515Median composite ACT score
34Percent of students submitting ACT scores
24%Percent of students submitting SAT scores
61%High school completions
General Educational Development (GED) requiredComputer required
NoComputer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution
YesSecondary school GPA
Data not availableSecondary school rank
Data not availableSecondary school record
RequiredCompletion of college-preparatory program
RequiredRecommendations
RequiredFormal demonstration of competencies
RecommendedAdmission test scores
Data not availableTOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language
Data not availableOther Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
RecommendedOpen admission policy
NoDual credit
YesCredit for life experiences
NoAdvanced placement (AP) credits
NoOrientation program
YesDisabilities services
YesOff-campus study
YesROTC-Army
ROTC branch unit at a cooperating host institutionROTC-Navy
ROTC branch unit at a cooperating host institutionROTC-Air Force
ROTC branch unit at a cooperating host institutionStudy abroad
YesWeekend/evening college
Data not availableStudent can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
YesPreparation at another institution required
NoApproved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher
NoEntrance difficulty for transfer students
Very hardGenerally accepts credits
Data not availableAccept ACE recommendation for credit
YesPossible transfer
Fall, Spring