Brown University is especially known for its flexible academics and distinctive campus culture. It combines Ivy League prestige with a reputation for intellectual freedom and student autonomy.
Academic reputation
Brown is an Ivy League research university with strong programs in fields such as computer science, economics, biology, engineering, and the humanities. It is also one of the oldest universities in the United States, founded in 1764.
Open Curriculum
The university is best known for its Open Curriculum, which eliminates traditional core requirements and lets undergraduates design their own course of study. Students can explore widely and often combine multiple concentrations, or even create independent concentrations.
Campus culture and values
Brown is often described as the “progressive” or “creative” Ivy, with a strong culture of activism, inclusivity, and intellectual freedom. Campus life is vibrant, with hundreds of student organizations and an emphasis on collaboration rather than competition.
Research and global impact
Brown is a leading research university, with notable strengths across life sciences, social sciences, engineering, and the arts. Its faculty, centers, and institutes address global issues such as public health, international affairs, and social justice.
Notable alumni and prestige
The university has produced numerous prominent alumni, including Nobel laureates, Pulitzer Prize winners, politicians, and well-known figures in arts and entertainment. As a result, a Brown degree carries significant academic and social prestige worldwide.