
Where is Brown University Located?
Brown University, nestled in the heart of historic Providence, Rhode Island, is renowned for its academic excellence and vibrant campus life. Located in the scenic East Side neighborhood of Providence, Brown offers students a dynamic urban environment with a rich blend of history and culture. Nearby attractions include:
- WaterFire Providence: Experience the mesmerizing art installation of WaterFire, where the Providence River is lit with floating bonfires, creating a magical atmosphere during summer evenings.
- RISD Museum: Explore the artistic treasures at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) Museum, featuring a diverse collection of art and exhibitions.
- Benefit Street: Take a stroll along Benefit Street, also known as “Mile of History,” where you’ll find well-preserved 18th- and 19th-century homes and historic landmarks.
- Roger Williams Park: Enjoy the lush greenery, gardens, and recreational activities in Roger Williams Park, which also houses a zoo and a botanical center.
- Providence Performing Arts Center: Catch a Broadway show or live performance at the Providence Performing Arts Center, a beautifully restored historic theater.
- Downtown Providence: Explore the city’s vibrant downtown, known for its diverse dining options, lively arts scene, and waterfront views.
Is Brown University an Ivy League School?
Brown University is one of the eight Ivy League schools in the United States. The Ivy League is a group of prestigious and historically significant universities known for their academic excellence, selective admissions, and long-standing traditions. Brown University is located in Providence, Rhode Island, and is considered one of the Ivy League institutions.
The Ivy League schools are:
- Brown University
- Columbia University
- Cornell University
- Dartmouth College
- Harvard University
- University of Pennsylvania
- Princeton University
- Yale University
Admission Requirements for Brown University
The admission process at Brown University is designed to assess how each applicant can contribute to and thrive within Brown’s vibrant academic community. When evaluating applications, the university takes into account the individual’s unique talents, achievements, enthusiasm, intellectual curiosity, diverse perspective, and personal identity.
For a competitive chance of gaining admission to Brown University, it is recommended to maintain a high school GPA of 3.94 or higher, consistently earn A- grades in high school coursework, achieve a SAT score of 1520 or an ACT score of 34, rank within the top 10% of your high school graduating class, and provide strong letters of recommendation from your teachers. Typically, Brown University admits and attracts students with an average high school GPA of around 3.94, often with grades in the A- range.
To gain a deeper understanding of the application procedure, financial assistance options, and various facets of the Brown student experience, we invite you to explore the Undergraduate Admission page on Brown’s official website. This valuable resource offers comprehensive information to help you navigate your journey towards becoming a part of the Brown University community.

Application Process for Brown University
Applying to Brown University involves several key steps:
- Start your application by creating an account on the Common Application website.
- Once registered, add Brown University to your list of colleges using the College Search tab.
- The Common Application is divided into three sections: one with information common to all the schools you’re applying to and another with Brown University-specific questions.
- For first-year applicants during the 2023-2024 admission cycle, Brown University has adopted a test-optional policy.
- To gain a comprehensive understanding of the application process, financial aid options, and other aspects of the Brown student experience, explore the pathways provided on their website.
- These pathways are designed to assist different applicant categories, including First-Year Applicants, International Applicants, Transfer Applicants, U.S. Military Veterans, Rural and Small-Town Students, First-Generation College Students, Resumed Undergraduate Education Applicants, and the Visiting Student Program.
For further details, you can visit Brown University’s official Undergraduate Admission website.
Standardized Tests: What Tests Are Required for Brown University
During the 2023-2024 admission cycle, Brown University offers a test-optional policy for first-year applicants. This means that standardized tests like the SAT or ACT are not mandatory for admission.

Scholarships and Financial Aid at Brown University
- Brown University has a generous financial aid program with a “no loan” policy.
- This means that students admitted to Brown will not receive any student loans in their financial aid package.
- Financial aid packages at Brown consist exclusively of scholarships, grants, and work-study opportunities.
- Brown also offers University scholarships to families with middle/moderate total incomes.
- The scholarship amounts awarded to these families have been increased.
- Brown’s financial aid encompasses federal, state, and institutional need-based scholarships, as well as a Work-Study or Campus Employment component.
- No loans are included in the financial aid packages.
- International applicants must apply for financial aid and receive a University Scholarship upon admission to Brown.
- This eligibility allows international students to apply for University financial aid during their four years at Brown University.

Top Undergraduate Programs at Brown University
According to US News, the most popular majors at Brown University are:
- Computer Science
- Econometrics and Quantitative Economics
- Biology/Biological Sciences
- Political Science and Government
- Engineering
- History
- Public Policy Analysis
- English Language and Literature
- Public Health
- Entrepreneurship/Entrepreneurial Studies