Chances of Getting Into Brown University
Providence, Rhode Island • Private University • #13 National • Founded 1764
Brown Admissions Statistics 2025–2026
Brown SAT & ACT Scores
SAT Scores (Middle 50%)
ACT Scores (Middle 50%)
About Brown University
Brown University is an Ivy League institution in Providence, Rhode Island, renowned for its open curriculum — the only Ivy to let students design their own course of study with no core requirements. Founded in 1764, Brown fosters intellectual risk-taking and interdisciplinary exploration, producing graduates who are creative thinkers and leaders across every field.
Top Programs
What Makes Brown Unique
- The Open Curriculum — no core requirements; students design their own academic path
- Every course can be taken pass/fail with no record of failure on transcripts
- 100% of demonstrated financial need is met for all admitted students
- 6:1 student-to-faculty ratio with 67% of classes under 20 students
- Strong integration of liberal arts and STEM through interdisciplinary programs
Brown Cost & Financial Aid
Cost of Attendance
Financial Aid
Brown Application Deadlines
How to Get Into Brown: Admission Tips
Brown's supplement asks why you want the Open Curriculum — be specific about how you'd use it
Early Decision acceptance rate (14.4%) is nearly 3x the overall rate — apply ED if Brown is your top choice
Show intellectual curiosity and depth rather than breadth of extracurriculars
89% of admitted students ranked in the top 10% of their class — academic rigor matters
Essays and character/personal qualities are rated 'Very Important' — craft authentic, reflective writing
The Brutal Truth About Brown Admissions
The numbers are brutal. With a 5.4% acceptance rate, Brown rejected over 46,263 applicants in the most recent cycle. Many of those rejected students had perfect GPAs and 1550+ SATs.
Stats are table stakes, not differentiators. At Brown, having a 3.95 GPA and 1540 SAT puts you at average — not above average. What separates admitted students from rejected ones is everything else: essays, activities, recommendations, and authentic passion.
The biggest mistake applicants make: Treating their application like a résumé. Brown doesn't want a list of accomplishments — they want to understand who you are as a person and what you'll contribute to their community.
Bottom line: Apply if Brown genuinely excites you — but build a balanced college list. Don't put all your eggs in one 5.4%-acceptance-rate basket.
Brown Admissions FAQ
What is the acceptance rate at Brown University?
Brown University has an acceptance rate of 5.4% as of the most recent admissions cycle. Out of 48,904 applicants, approximately 1,719 students were admitted to the incoming class.
What GPA do I need to get into Brown?
The average GPA of admitted students at Brown University is 3.95. Most successful applicants have GPAs above 3.80, with many in the top 5-10% of their high school class.
What SAT score do I need for Brown?
The middle 50% SAT range for admitted Brown students is 1510–1560. The average SAT score is 1540. For ACT, the range is 34–35 with an average of 35.
Is Brown hard to get into?
Yes, Brown University is highly selective with an acceptance rate of just 5.4%. Even students with perfect GPAs and test scores are not guaranteed admission. Holistic review means essays, extracurriculars, and recommendations all play critical roles.
How much does Brown cost?
Tuition at Brown University is $71,700 per year, with total cost of attendance at $97,184. However, 51% of students receive financial aid, with the average aid package exceeding $65,370.
What are my chances of getting into Brown?
Your chances of getting into Brown University depend on your GPA, test scores, extracurricular activities, essays, and more. With a 5.4% overall acceptance rate, admissions are highly competitive. Use AdmitOdds to get a personalized assessment of your chances based on your actual profile.
What Are Your Chances at Brown?
Enter your GPA, test scores, and extracurriculars. Get a personalized, brutally honest assessment of your odds — plus scholarship estimates.
Trusted by 65+ students. AI-powered. Takes 2 minutes.
Popular Majors at Brown
Explore Your Chances by GPA
See which schools match your academic profile based on GPA alone.