Founded in 1764, Brown University ranks 66th in the QS World University Rankings 2027. It is famous throughout American higher education for its Open Curriculum, which removes nearly all general education requirements, allowing students almost complete freedom to design their own course of study.

Brown uses the Common Application with holistic, need-blind review for domestic applicants. Because of the Open Curriculum, Brown’s admissions essays often focus heavily on intellectual curiosity and self-directed learning rather than a declared major.

Brown’s holistic admission places unusual weight on demonstrated intellectual independence, given the self-directed nature of its curriculum. Students are not required to declare a major until their sophomore year, and can freely explore across disciplines without penalty to their GPA from unrelated courses.

Brown provides need-blind, no-loan financial aid for both domestic and international applicants, replacing loans with grants for students demonstrating financial need, making it one of the more generous Ivy League institutions for international aid.

Brown’s College Hill campus overlooks downtown Providence, blending historic 18th-century buildings with modern academic facilities, and benefits from a close relationship with the adjacent Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) for dual-degree students.