brown university

Brown University is a private Ivy League research university located in Providence, Rhode Island. Founded in 1764, it is the seventh-oldest institution of higher education in the United States. Known for its distinctive Open Curriculum, Brown allows students to design their own academic path without mandatory general education requirements. The university offers a broad range of programs through its College, Graduate School, Alpert Medical School, School of Engineering, School of Public Health, and School of Professional Studies. Brown's campus is situated in the historic College Hill neighborhood of Providence and is known for its rich architectural heritage with many colonial-era buildings. It has a highly selective admissions process with about a 5% acceptance rate for recent classes. Brown's academic strengths include fields such as applied mathematics, engineering, English, economics, and development studies. The university is also notable for its strong international programs and affiliations with institutions like the Rhode Island School of Design. In rankings, Brown is consistently placed among the top universities nationally and globally, with a 2025 U.S. News ranking of #13 in National Universities and a QS World University ranking around 49th globally. Tuition and fees are approximately $71,312 per year, with an undergraduate enrollment of about 7,700 students. Noteworthy features include the historic Van Wickle Gates on campus, student traditions, and the university’s commitment to sustainability. Brown alumni include influential figures such as John D. Rockefeller Jr., John F. Kennedy Jr., and CNN founder Ted Turner.