Choosing the right college is a significant decision in a student’s life, as it can impact their future career prospects and personal growth. This comparison between Brown University and Columbia University will provide valuable insights into various aspects of these two prestigious institutions, helping prospective students make informed decisions.
Brown University Overview
Brown University, founded in 1764, is a private Ivy League institution located in Providence, Rhode Island. With its unique “Open Curriculum,” Brown encourages students to explore a wide range of subjects and decide their educational path. The university offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs in various disciplines, fostering a collaborative learning environment.
Brown Costs & Tuition
Tuition at Brown University for the academic year 2021-2022 is $60,696, with an additional $16,048 for room and board. The total estimated cost of attendance, including books, supplies, and personal expenses, is $79,342. Brown offers financial aid packages to meet 100% of demonstrated need, with approximately 43% of students receiving need-based scholarships.
Brown Admissions
Brown University has a highly selective admissions process, with an acceptance rate of around 7%. The middle 50% of accepted students have an SAT score between 1420-1560 and an ACT score between 32-35. Brown looks for students who demonstrate intellectual curiosity, leadership potential, and a commitment to community service.
Brown Degrees Offered
Brown offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines. The university is organized into three academic divisions: Humanities, Life and Physical Sciences, and Social Sciences. Students can pursue degrees in over 80 concentrations, including popular majors such as Biology, Computer Science, Economics, Engineering, and Political Science.
Brown Academics
Brown University is renowned for its strong liberal arts education and the Open Curriculum. The university provides small class sizes, enabling close interactions between students and faculty. Students can also design their own concentrations, participate in research projects, and engage in various interdisciplinary programs.
Brown Diversity
Brown is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive community. About 47% of undergraduates and 42% of graduate students identify as people of color, and international students represent nearly 17% of the student population. The university offers resources such as the Brown Center for Students of Color and the Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan to further promote diversity on campus.
Brown Students
Brown University has approximately 7,160 undergraduate and 3,040 graduate students. The student-faculty ratio is 6:1, with over 79% of classes having fewer than 20 students. Brown students are known for their collaborative spirit, intellectual curiosity, and active involvement in campus life.
Brown Campus
The Brown University campus is located in historic Providence, Rhode Island, and spans over 140 acres. Architecturally diverse buildings and green spaces create a picturesque setting for students. The campus offers various facilities such as libraries, a fitness center, and performing arts venues, as well as extracurricular activities, including over 400 student-run organizations.
Brown Alumni
Brown boasts a strong network of successful alumni in various fields, including Emma Watson (actress), John F. Kennedy Jr. (journalist), and Janet Yellen (economist). The Alumni Association offers support and resources, such as job postings, networking opportunities, and events.
Brown Rankings
Brown University is consistently ranked among the top institutions in the United States and the world. According to the 2021 U.S. News & World Report, Brown is ranked 14th among national universities. QS World University Rankings places Brown at 58th globally.
Brown Outcomes
Brown graduates enjoy a high level of success, with a six-year graduation rate of 95% and a strong track record of post-graduation employment or continuing education. Within six months of graduation, 85% of Brown graduates are employed or pursuing advanced degrees.
Columbia University Overview
Columbia University, founded in 1754, is a private Ivy League institution located in New York City. Columbia offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across various disciplines, fostering a diverse and dynamic learning environment. The university is known for its Core Curriculum, which provides students with a comprehensive foundation in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.
Columbia Costs & Tuition
Tuition at Columbia University for the academic year 2021-2022 is $64,380, with an additional $15,934 for room and board. The total estimated cost of attendance, including books, supplies, and personal expenses, is $81,757. Columbia offers financial aid packages to meet 100% of demonstrated need, with approximately 50% of students receiving need-based scholarships.
Columbia Admissions
Columbia University has a highly selective admissions process, with an acceptance rate of around 6%. The middle 50% of accepted students have an SAT score between 1450-1560 and an ACT score between 33-35. Columbia looks for students who demonstrate intellectual curiosity, leadership potential, and a commitment to community service.
Columbia Degrees Offered
Columbia offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines. The university is organized into three academic divisions: Humanities, Natural and Mathematical Sciences, and Social Sciences. Students can pursue degrees in over 80 concentrations, including popular majors such as Biology, Computer Science, Economics, Engineering, and Political Science.
Columbia Academics
Columbia University is renowned for its strong liberal arts education and the Core Curriculum. The university provides small class sizes, enabling close interactions between students and faculty. Students can also participate in research projects, engage in various interdisciplinary programs, and take advantage of the resources available in New York City.
Columbia Diversity
Columbia is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive community. About 51% of undergraduates and 43% of graduate students identify as people of color, and international students represent nearly 21% of the student population. The university offers resources such as the Office of Multicultural Affairs to further promote diversity on campus.
Columbia Students
Columbia University has approximately 8,500 undergraduate and 25,000 graduate students. The student-faculty ratio is 6:1, with over 80% of classes having fewer than 20 students. Columbia students are known for their intellectual curiosity, leadership potential, and active involvement in campus life.
Columbia Campus
The Columbia University campus is located in the Morningside Heights neighborhood of New York City, providing students with access to various cultural, professional, and recreational opportunities. The campus offers various facilities such as libraries, a fitness center, and performing arts venues, as well as extracurricular activities, including over 500 student-run organizations.
Columbia Alumni
Columbia boasts a strong network of successful alumni in various fields, including Barack Obama (former U.S. President), Ruth Bader Ginsburg (Supreme Court Justice), and Warren Buffett (business magnate). The Alumni Association offers support and resources, such as job postings, networking opportunities, and events.
Columbia Rankings
Columbia University is consistently ranked among the top institutions in the United States and the world. According to the 2021 U.S. News & World Report, Columbia is ranked 3rd among national universities. QS World University Rankings places Columbia at 19th globally.
Columbia Outcomes
Columbia graduates enjoy a high level of success, with a six-year graduation rate of 95% and a strong track record of post-graduation employment or continuing education. Within six months of graduation, 92% of Columbia graduates are employed or pursuing advanced degrees.
Brown vs Columbia Cost Comparison
Both Brown and Columbia are expensive institutions, with tuition and fees significantly higher than the national average. However, both universities offer generous financial aid packages to meet the full demonstrated need of students. The cost of attendance at Brown is slightly lower than that of Columbia, with an estimated total cost of $79,342 compared to $81,757 at Columbia for the academic year 2021-2022.
Brown vs Columbia Admissions Difficulty
Admissions to both Brown and Columbia are highly competitive, with acceptance rates of approximately 7% and 6%, respectively. Both universities look for students who demonstrate intellectual curiosity, leadership potential, and a commitment to community service. The middle 50% of accepted students at Brown have an SAT score between 1420-1560, while at Columbia, the range is 1450-1560.
Brown vs Columbia Academic Difficulty
Both Brown and Columbia provide rigorous academic programs, with a strong focus on liberal arts education. Brown’s Open Curriculum and Columbia’s Core Curriculum enable students to explore a wide range of subjects and build a solid foundation in various disciplines. Both universities have small class sizes, allowing for close interactions between students and faculty.
Brown vs Columbia Outcome Comparison
Graduates from both Brown and Columbia enjoy high levels of success, with strong post-graduation employment or continuing education rates. Within six months of graduation, 85% of Brown graduates and 92% of Columbia graduates are employed or pursuing advanced degrees. Both universities boast a six-year graduation rate of 95%.
