Brown University vs Harvard University

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When comparing two prestigious institutions like Brown University and Harvard University, various factors must be considered to determine the best fit for prospective students. This comparison will cover an overview of each school, costs & tuition, admissions, degrees offered, academics, diversity, students, campus, alumni, rankings, and outcomes. Through this detailed analysis, prospective students can make a more informed decision about which school aligns with their goals, values, and priorities.

CollegeRanker is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

Brown University Overview

Brown University, founded in 1764, is an Ivy League institution located in Providence, Rhode Island. Known for its innovative and flexible curriculum, Brown encourages students to explore various subjects and disciplines while pursuing their degree. The university’s undergraduate population is approximately 7,200, and it offers over 80 areas of study.

Brown University Costs & Tuition

The estimated cost of attendance at Brown University for the 2021-2022 academic year is $80,566. This includes tuition, room & board, fees, books, and personal expenses. Brown offers need-based financial aid, and approximately 45% of students receive some form of financial assistance.

Brown University Admissions

Brown University is a highly selective institution, with an acceptance rate of 8.5% for the class of 2025. The university values academic excellence, intellectual curiosity, and a strong commitment to extracurricular activities. Brown is also test-optional for the 2021-2022 application cycle due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Brown University Degrees Offered

Brown University offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees in various fields of study. The most popular undergraduate majors at Brown include biology, computer science, economics, engineering, and history. Brown also offers a unique “Open Curriculum” that allows students to design their own course of study.

Brown University Academics

Brown University is known for its rigorous academic programs and emphasis on undergraduate research opportunities. The student-faculty ratio at Brown is 7:1, ensuring that students receive individualized attention and support throughout their academic journey.

Brown University Diversity

Brown University is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion on campus. The university’s undergraduate population is composed of students from all 50 states and over 115 countries. Approximately 45% of students identify as students of color.

Brown University Students

Brown students are known for their intellectual curiosity, creativity, and engagement in various activities on campus. With over 500 student organizations, there are ample opportunities for students to explore their passions and interests outside of the classroom.

Brown University Campus

Brown’s picturesque campus covers 143 acres in Providence’s College Hill neighborhood. The campus features a mix of historic and modern buildings, green spaces, and state-of-the-art facilities.

Brown University Alumni

Brown University boasts a network of over 100,000 alumni worldwide, including notable figures such as John F. Kennedy Jr., Emma Watson, and Lisa Loeb.

Brown University Rankings

According to U.S. News and World Report, Brown University ranks 14th in National Universities and 1st in Best Undergraduate Teaching.

Brown University Outcomes

Brown University graduates enjoy a high level of success in various fields. The six-year graduation rate is 95%, and 93% of graduates are employed or in graduate school within six months of graduation.

Harvard University Overview

Harvard University, founded in 1636, is a prestigious Ivy League institution located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Harvard is known for its commitment to academic excellence, extensive research opportunities, and a diverse community of scholars. The university’s undergraduate population is approximately 6,700, and it offers over 50 areas of study.

Harvard University Costs & Tuition

The estimated cost of attendance at Harvard University for the 2021-2022 academic year is $72,391. This includes tuition, room & board, fees, books, and personal expenses. Harvard is committed to making education affordable for all students, and approximately 55% of students receive some form of financial aid.

Harvard University Admissions

Harvard University is highly selective, with an acceptance rate of 5.2% for the class of 2025. The university values academic achievement, intellectual curiosity, and extracurricular engagement in its applicants. Harvard is also test-optional for the 2021-2022 application cycle.

Harvard University Degrees Offered

Harvard University offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees in various fields of study. The most popular undergraduate majors at Harvard include economics, government, psychology, computer science, and biology.

Harvard University Academics

Harvard University is renowned for its rigorous academic programs and faculty expertise. The student-faculty ratio at Harvard is 7:1, providing students with personalized attention and support.

Harvard University Diversity

Harvard University is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive community. The undergraduate population is composed of students from all 50 states and over 160 countries. Approximately 45% of students identify as students of color.

Harvard University Students

Harvard students are known for their intellectual prowess, ambition, and involvement in a wide array of activities on campus. With over 450 student organizations, there are numerous opportunities for students to engage in extracurricular pursuits.

Harvard University Campus

Harvard’s historic campus spans 209 acres in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The campus features a mix of historic buildings, modern facilities, and green spaces.

Harvard University Alumni

Harvard University has an extensive network of over 375,000 alumni worldwide, including notable figures such as Barack Obama, Mark Zuckerberg, and Natalie Portman.

Harvard University Rankings

According to U.S. News and World Report, Harvard University ranks 2nd in National Universities and 5th in Best Undergraduate Teaching.

Harvard University Outcomes

Harvard University graduates are highly successful in various fields. The six-year graduation rate is 97%, and 91% of graduates are employed or in graduate school within six months of graduation.


Brown vs Harvard Cost Comparison

When comparing the costs of attending Brown University and Harvard University, several factors must be considered. Brown’s estimated cost of attendance for the 2021-2022 academic year is $80,566, while Harvard’s is $72,391. Although Brown’s cost of attendance is higher, both schools offer significant financial aid packages to qualifying students. Brown provides need-based financial aid to approximately 45% of its students, while Harvard offers aid to around 55% of its students.

Brown vs Harvard Admissions Difficulty

Both Brown and Harvard are highly selective institutions with low acceptance rates, making admissions competitive. Brown’s acceptance rate for the class of 2025 is 8.5%, while Harvard’s is 5.2%. Although both schools value academic excellence, intellectual curiosity, and extracurricular involvement, Harvard’s lower acceptance rate indicates a slightly higher level of admissions difficulty.

Brown vs Harvard Academic Difficulty

Both Brown and Harvard are known for their rigorous academic programs and exceptional faculty. The student-faculty ratios at both schools are 7:1, ensuring that students receive personalized attention and support. However, the academic experiences at each institution differ due to Brown’s “Open Curriculum” and Harvard’s more structured approach to education. The choice between the two schools may depend upon individual preferences regarding curriculum flexibility and academic rigor.

Brown vs Harvard Outcome Comparison

Graduates from both Brown and Harvard enjoy high levels of success in various fields. Brown’s six-year graduation rate is 95%, and 93% of graduates are employed or in graduate school within six months of graduation. Harvard’s six-year graduation rate is 97%, and 91% of graduates are employed or in graduate school within the same timeframe. Both institutions have extensive alumni networks and resources to support graduates in their post-graduation pursuits.