When considering a higher education institution, prospective students often compare various factors such as costs, admission requirements, campus life, diversity, and academic opportunities. In this article, we will compare two prestigious universities in the United States: Brown University and Cornell University. We will provide an overview of each school and compare them in terms of tuition, admissions, academics, and more. By the end, you should have a better understanding of the differences between these two schools and which one may be the best fit for you.
Brown University Overview
Brown University, founded in 1764, is a private Ivy League research university located in Providence, Rhode Island. It is well-known for its unique Open Curriculum, which allows students to explore their academic interests without the constraints of a core curriculum. Brown has a strong focus on undergraduate education, with a relatively small student population of around 10,000, including both undergraduate and graduate students.
Brown Costs & Tuition
The estimated total cost of attendance at Brown University for the 2021-2022 academic year is $78,602, which includes tuition, fees, room, and board. However, Brown offers generous financial aid packages to eligible students, with many receiving grants and scholarships that significantly reduce the cost of attendance.
Brown Admissions
Brown University has a highly competitive admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 6.9% for the class of 2025. Applicants are evaluated based on their academic achievements, extracurricular activities, personal qualities, and potential for success at Brown. In addition to submitting standardized test scores (although test-optional for the 2021-2022 application cycle), applicants must submit a personal essay, letters of recommendation, and complete an interview.
Brown Degrees Offered
Brown offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various fields of study. The university is organized into the College, the Graduate School, the School of Engineering, the School of Public Health, and the School of Professional Studies. Popular majors at Brown include Computer Science, Economics, Biology, Applied Mathematics, and Engineering.
Brown Academics
Brown’s unique Open Curriculum allows students to create their own academic path by selecting courses that align with their interests and passions. The university emphasizes close collaboration between students and faculty, with a student-faculty ratio of 7:1. Brown offers over 2,000 courses and more than 80 concentration programs for undergraduates, as well as various research and study abroad opportunities.
Brown Diversity
Brown University is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive community. As of Fall 2020, 45% of Brown’s undergraduate students identified as students of color, with approximately 11% being international students. Brown offers numerous resources and support programs for students from various backgrounds, including the First-Generation College and Low-Income Student Center and the Brown Center for Students of Color.
Brown Students
Brown’s student body is known for being open-minded and intellectually curious, with a passion for learning and community engagement. There are over 400 student organizations on campus, covering a wide range of interests such as arts, culture, politics, and sports. Students also enjoy Brown’s vibrant campus life, with various events, performances, and activities happening throughout the year.
Brown Campus
Brown University’s campus is located in the historic College Hill neighborhood of Providence, Rhode Island. The campus covers 143 acres and features a mix of historic and modern buildings, green spaces, and state-of-the-art facilities. In addition to academic and residential buildings, the campus is home to the Brown University Library, the Nelson Fitness Center, and the Granoff Center for the Creative Arts.
Brown Alumni
Brown boasts an impressive network of over 100,000 alumni worldwide, including prominent figures in business, academia, politics, and the arts. Some notable Brown alumni include John F. Kennedy Jr., Emma Watson, Ted Turner, and Janet Yellen.
Brown Rankings
Brown University consistently ranks among the top universities in the US and the world. In 2021, Brown was ranked #14 in National Universities by U.S. News & World Report and #61 in the QS World University Rankings.
Brown Outcomes
Brown graduates have a strong record of success, with over 94% employed or in graduate school within six months of graduation. The university’s CareerLAB provides resources, advising, and networking opportunities to support students in their career development and job search.
Cornell University Overview
Cornell University, founded in 1865, is a private Ivy League research university located in Ithaca, New York. With a mission to “discover, preserve, and disseminate knowledge,” Cornell offers a diverse range of academic programs and research opportunities across its seven undergraduate colleges and seven graduate divisions. The university has a student population of approximately 24,000, including undergraduate and graduate students.
Cornell Costs & Tuition
The estimated total cost of attendance at Cornell University for the 2021-2022 academic year is $79,796, which includes tuition, fees, room, and board. Similar to Brown, Cornell offers generous financial aid packages to eligible students, with many receiving grants and scholarships that significantly reduce the cost of attendance.
Cornell Admissions
Admissions at Cornell University are highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of 8.7% for the class of 2025. Applicants are evaluated based on their academic achievements, extracurricular activities, personal qualities, and potential for success at Cornell. In addition to submitting standardized test scores (although test-optional for the 2021-2022 application cycle), applicants must submit a personal essay, letters of recommendation, and complete an interview for some programs.
Cornell Degrees Offered
Cornell offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various fields of study. The university is organized into seven undergraduate colleges: Agriculture and Life Sciences, Architecture, Art, and Planning, Arts and Sciences, Engineering, Hotel Administration, Human Ecology, and Industrial and Labor Relations. Popular majors at Cornell include Engineering, Business, Biological Sciences, Computer Science, and Hotel Administration.
Cornell Academics
Cornell’s diverse academic offerings allow students to explore their interests and develop a personalized course of study. The university is known for its strong emphasis on research, with numerous research facilities and opportunities available to undergraduate and graduate students. Cornell has a student-faculty ratio of 9:1, which promotes close collaboration and mentorship between students and faculty.
Cornell Diversity
Cornell University is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive community. As of Fall 2020, approximately 49% of Cornell’s undergraduate students identified as students of color, with about 11% being international students. Cornell offers various resources and support programs for students from different backgrounds, including the Office of Academic Diversity Initiatives and the International Students and Scholars Office.
Cornell Students
Cornell’s student body is known for being ambitious, collaborative, and engaged with the local and global community. There are over 1,000 student organizations on campus, covering a wide range of interests such as arts, culture, politics, and sports. Additionally, students at Cornell enjoy a lively campus life, with various events, performances, and activities happening throughout the year.
Cornell Campus
Cornell University’s campus is located in the picturesque Finger Lakes region of upstate New York. The campus covers over 2,300 acres and features a mix of historic and modern buildings, as well as beautiful natural landscapes such as gorges and waterfalls. In addition to academic and residential buildings, the campus is home to the Cornell Botanic Gardens, the Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art, and the Schwartz Center for the Performing Arts.
Cornell Alumni
Cornell boasts a global network of over 250,000 alumni, including prominent figures in business, academia, politics, and the arts. Some notable Cornell alumni include Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Bill Nye, Toni Morrison, and Mae Jemison.
Cornell Rankings
Cornell University consistently ranks among the top universities in the US and the world. In 2021, Cornell was ranked #17 in National Universities by U.S. News & World Report and #20 in the QS World University Rankings.
Cornell Outcome
Cornell graduates enjoy a high rate of success, with 93% employed or in graduate school within six months of graduation. The university’s Career Services office provides resources, advising, and networking opportunities to support students in their career development and job search.
Brown vs Cornell Cost Comparison
Both Brown and Cornell have similar costs of attendance, with Brown’s total cost for the 2021-2022 academic year estimated at $78,602 and Cornell’s at $79,796. However, both universities offer generous financial aid packages to eligible students, which can significantly reduce the cost of attendance. Factors such as family income, financial need, and merit scholarships will impact the final cost for each student.
Brown vs Cornell Admissions Difficulty
Admissions at both Brown and Cornell are highly competitive, with acceptance rates of 6.9% and 8.7% for the class of 2025, respectively. Both universities have a holistic review process that considers factors such as academic achievements, extracurricular activities, personal qualities, and potential for success at the institution. In addition, both universities were test-optional for the 2021-2022 application cycle, which may affect admissions difficulty.
Brown vs Cornell Academic Difficulty
Brown and Cornell are both renowned for their rigorous academic programs and emphasis on research. Brown’s unique Open Curriculum allows students to create their own academic path, while Cornell offers a diverse range of programs across its seven undergraduate colleges. Both universities have low student-faculty ratios (7:1 for Brown and 9:1 for Cornell), which promotes close collaboration and mentorship between students and faculty.
