A straight answer: 5.4% acceptance rate.
This means for every 100 applicants, only 5 actually get in. No guessing. Brown University is a UNIV institution located in Providence, RI — competition varies by program, but this is the official average.
Who Actually Gets In? (Men vs Women)
Quick breakdown so you get the real picture:
Men
Women
If you think one gender has an edge — the data tells what’s up.
Applications vs Admits: The Funnel That Matters
This is where the reality hits:
Yield Rate: N/A
This shows how many admitted students choose Brown University. High yield = high confidence. Low yield = students had better options.
What Scores Do You Need?
If you're applying without knowing what scores to aim for… that’s how rejection letters happen.
SAT Score Range
ACT Score Range
Aim for the 75th percentile if you want peace of mind.
Interpreting the Acceptance Rate at Brown University as an Applicant
When students ask about the acceptance rate at Brown University, they’re usually looking for reassurance or clarity. The challenge is that acceptance rates don’t operate at the individual level—they summarize institutional outcomes.
An acceptance rate of 5.4% reflects the admissions cycle as a whole, combining applicants with different goals, backgrounds, and levels of readiness. This makes the statistic helpful for broad comparison, but limited for personal decision-making.
Why Acceptance Rate Alone Isn’t Enough
Acceptance rates don’t show how competitive specific programs are or how admissions decisions vary across applicant types. At Brown University, some majors attract far more interest than others, which can create uneven competition.
Additionally, universities that receive a high volume of exploratory applications often appear less selective than they truly are. That’s why acceptance rates can sometimes feel misleading when viewed without context.
Turning Acceptance Data into Useful Insight
The best way to use the acceptance rate at Brown University is as a directional signal. It helps applicants understand the admissions environment, but real outcomes depend on preparation, academic focus, and alignment.
Students who combine acceptance rate data with thoughtful self-assessment tend to approach the application process with more confidence and better expectations.
Admissions Insight
Holistic Admissions? Or Score-Centric?
Some colleges love essays and activities. Some love high numbers.
Your Chances of Getting Into Brown University
Let’s keep it real:
- ✅ Great scores + strong extracurriculars → Solid chance
- 🔶 Good scores + average profile → Toss-up
- ❌ Below 25th percentile → You’re relying on miracles
If you’re international, competition goes up a notch. If you're applying to CS, Business, or Engineering → multiply difficulty by 2.
What's my real shot?
Acceptance Odds Estimator
Estimate your admission probability at Brown University based on your unique profile.
Pro Tip: Many more factors influence admission. For a deeper analysis that includes major, essays, and personal context — use Orbit's values-based matching.
Try Right Fit MatcherUsing Admissions Data to Make Smarter College Choices
College admissions data is most valuable when it informs decisions—not when it creates anxiety. For students evaluating Brown University, the goal should be clarity, not certainty.
Admissions outcomes are shaped by many variables, including applicant behavior, program demand, and institutional priorities. That’s why the same university can feel accessible to one student and competitive to another.
A Practical Way to Interpret What You’ve Learned
Instead of focusing on whether you will get in, focus on whether applying makes sense. Does your academic background align with the programs you’re interested in? Are you comfortable with the level of competition? Does the university fit your long-term goals?
When admissions data is used this way, it becomes empowering. It helps students make informed choices, approach applications strategically, and move forward with confidence—regardless of outcome.
Should You Apply to Brown University?
If 5.4% feels scary — that’s the point. High stakes → high payoff.
- Will I be a standout here?
- Do I like the vibe?
- Can I afford it? (Check scholarship opportunities)
- Is this my best-fit major here?
Explore Brown University
Jump to related stats for this same university.
FAQs About Brown University Acceptance Rate
Where is Brown University located?
Brown University is located in Providence, Rhode Island, with a campus integrated into the city's academic and cultural environment.
What is the acceptance rate at Brown University?
Recent acceptance rates have been highly competitive, typically around 5-7%, though the rate varies by year and applicant pool.
What’s the average GPA for admitted students?
Enrolled students generally have high academic records, with average GPAs typically in the range of 3.5 to 4.0 on a 4.0 scale.
How much does it cost for four years at Brown?
Estimated total costs for four years (tuition, fees, room, and board) can exceed $300,000, but Brown offers need-based financial aid that significantly reduces costs for many students.
What is Brown’s student-faculty ratio?
Brown maintains a low student-faculty ratio, approximately 6:1, supporting small classes and close faculty interaction.
Final Verdict: Don’t Play It Casual
Brown University isn’t a lottery — but it sure feels like one if you apply blind.
Know where you stand. Play strengths. Show why you belong.
Unlock Your Best Shot with Orbit
Everything you need to maximize your college application success