See what Students are Posting about Brown University

Interdisciplinary Focus

Students praise Brown's encouragement of interdisciplinary study, with many designing custom concentrations or combining interests across departments.

Open Curriculum

Students frequently highlight Brown's Open Curriculum as a major advantage. The lack of core requirements allows students to explore diverse academic interests without rigid course structures.

Prospective students drawn to academic freedom and self-directed learning often prioritize Brown in their college choices.

Campus Culture

Brown's campus culture is often described as liberal, progressive, and socially conscious. Students appreciate the open-minded environment and strong emphasis on inclusion and activism.

This culture appeals to students seeking a supportive community that values individuality and change-making.

Campus Setting

Brown's location in Providence offers a blend of a traditional campus feel with access to city amenities. Students value the manageable size of the city, cultural activities, and internship opportunities.

Providence's vibrant arts scene and proximity to Boston are additional advantages for many students.

Humanities Strength

Students highlight Brown's excellence in humanities, social sciences, and creative arts programs. Fields like English, history, international relations, and ethnic studies are particularly praised.

Students seeking strong writing, interdisciplinary, and critical thinking skills often find Brown an ideal fit.

Career Outcomes

Brown students report strong career and graduate school outcomes across diverse fields. The university's alumni network and CareerLAB center provide robust support for internships and post-graduate placement.

Financial Aid

Students often cite Brown's commitment to meeting full demonstrated financial need as a key factor. The elimination of loans for most students reduces long-term financial burdens.

Brown's strong aid policies are frequently compared to those at peer Ivies during enrollment decisions.

Collaborative Environment

Brown's academic environment is often described as collaborative rather than competitive. Students highlight a community where intellectual exploration is encouraged without excessive pressure.

This atmosphere supports students who thrive in environments driven by curiosity and peer support rather than traditional competition.

Peer Comparisons

Students considering Brown often weigh it against Yale, Columbia, Dartmouth, and Amherst. Decision-making revolves around academic structure, campus culture, and program strength.

Brown's emphasis on intellectual curiosity and student autonomy differentiates it from more structured peer institutions.

Pre-Professional Focus

Despite its liberal arts focus, Brown offers strong pre-professional pathways, particularly in medicine through the Program in Liberal Medical Education (PLME) and a growing emphasis on business and entrepreneurship.

Students value the ability to blend a liberal arts education with clear graduate or professional school preparation.