What Is Brown Known For?

Discover what makes Brown University a top-tier institution in higher education. From its groundbreaking Open Curriculum and notable alumni to its dynamic extracurriculars and rich campus life in Providence, Rhode Island, Brown offers a unique and enriching educational experience for its students.

---

What Is Brown University Known For?

Situated in the historic city of Providence, Rhode Island, Brown University is esteemed for its academic excellence, innovative spirit, and cultural richness.

If you're curious about what sets Brown University apart as a prestigious institution and what distinguishes it from others, read on to explore its key highlights, including its innovative academics, notable alumni, vibrant extracurricular activities, athletics, prime location, and competitive admissions process.

Academic Excellence and Unique Curriculum

Brown University is perhaps best known for its distinctive Open Curriculum, which allows students unparalleled freedom in designing their educational journey. This innovative approach means there are no required core courses, allowing students to explore a broad range of subjects without the constraints of a traditional curriculum. This flexibility attracts intellectually curious students who are eager to tailor their education to their interests and goals.

As of 2024, Brown is home to 7,043 undergraduate students, 2,629 graduate students, 585 medical school students, 6,000 summer, visiting, and online students, and 816 full-time faculty members.

The university offers more than 80 undergraduate concentrations, allowing students to sample courses in a wide range of subjects before immersing themselves in one focused area. To complement their concentration, students may also choose to complete one of several interdisciplinary undergraduate certificates.

What Majors Is Brown Known For?

Among the many academic programs, Brown excels in several key areas:

• Computer Science: This undergraduate program at Brown offers a broad foundation in both practical and theoretical computer science, covering traditional topics like algorithms, AI, databases, and security, as well as newer areas such as games and scientific visualization.
• Economics: Economics is one of the most popular concentrations at Brown University, offering a broad range of topics beyond traditional scope. Students can explore subjects like race, mass media, climate change, internet marketplaces, game theory, finance, and big data. The field provides valuable insights into pressing public policy issues such as inequality, poverty, education, health, unemployment, taxes, and globalization. Approximately half of Brown students engage with economics during their undergraduate studies.
• Biology: Whether pursuing a Bachelor of Arts (A.B.) or Science (Sc.B.) in biology at Brown, students engage in a comprehensive study of the field, covering cell and molecular biology, structure and function, and organismal biology. The program emphasizes practical skills and experimental design, requiring at least three courses with laboratory or fieldwork components.
• Political Science: At Brown's political science department explores how nations, regions, cities, and communities navigate their collective lives and address common challenges. The department offers a rich curriculum that encourages students to understand governance, debate, and decision-making processes. For those passionate about applying their knowledge to real-world issues, the Engaged Scholars Program provides opportunities to connect theory with practice through hands-on experience with community partners.
• Literary Arts: Brown's Program in Literary Arts offers a creative space for writers exploring fiction, poetry, playwriting, screenwriting, literary translation, electronic writing, and mixed media. The concentration enables students to hone their skills across various genres while deepening their grasp of the writing craft.

According to a fall 2023 poll by The Brown Daily Herald, approximately one-third of current students are concentrating in the physical sciences, more than any other field of study.

Within the Class of 2027, 31% of students studied physical sciences (including math and computer science), 22% studied social sciences (including economics), 22% studied humanities/arts, 17% studied life sciences, and 8% were unsure of their concentrations.

Notable Alumni

Brown University boasts an impressive list of alumni who have made significant contributions in various fields. Some of the most notable include:

• John F. Kennedy Jr.: The late son of President John F. Kennedy and a prominent magazine publisher
• Emma Watson: Renowned actress and activist, best known for her role as Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter series
• Janet Yellen: Former Chair of the Federal Reserve and current U.S. Secretary of the Treasury
• Laura Linney: Acclaimed actress with a career spanning film, television, and theater
• Ted Turner: Media mogul and founder of CNN

Extracurriculars and Clubs

Brown’s campus life is vibrant and diverse, with over 500 student organizations catering to a wide range of interests. From academic societies and cultural groups to political organizations and performing arts clubs, there’s something for everyone. Some notable extracurriculars include:

• The Brown Daily Herald: One of the oldest college newspapers in the U.S.
• Brown Debating Union: A competitive debate team that has garnered national recognition.
• A cappella Groups: Including the renowned Jabberwocks and Chattertocks.

In addition, Brown has 4,100 intramural sports participants and 60 public service groups, emphasizing the university's commitment to community engagement and student involvement.

Athletics and Sports

While Brown might not be primarily known for its sports, the university has a strong athletics program, competing in the Ivy League.

Student-athletes compete on 34 varsity and 37 club sports teams, and Brown teams routinely are among the nation's leaders in NCAA honors for academic achievement.

Popular sports include:

• Rowing: Both the men’s and women’s rowing teams have a history of excellence and national championships.
• Soccer: Competitive men’s and women’s teams with a strong following.
• Ice Hockey: The men’s team is one of the oldest in the nation, with a storied history.

Location: Providence, Rhode Island

Brown University's campus on College Hill offers a quintessential New England college experience, featuring brick quadrangles, scenic greens, modern architecture, renovated historic buildings, state-of-the-art laboratories, and world-class libraries.

Situated in the heart of Providence, Rhode Island’s vibrant capital, Brown benefits from the city’s dynamic atmosphere, known for its eclectic restaurants, innovative arts scene, youthful energy, and unpretentious vibe. Providence is also an excellent base for outdoor enthusiasts, with numerous parks, biking trails, and nearby hikes, and the ocean is just a short drive away.

Brown actively invests in the success of its city, contributing to improvements in medical care and public health, supporting community organizations and schools, and boosting the regional economy.

Students, staff, and faculty play a vital role in these community efforts. Located 50 miles from Boston and 180 miles from New York City, Providence offers both a rich local environment and easy access to larger metropolitan areas.

Historical Context and Founding

Established in 1764, Brown is the seventh-oldest higher education institution in the United States. Founded as the College in the English Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, Brown has long been guided by a mission to cultivate knowledge in a spirit of free inquiry. This commitment is evident in the University's history of academic excellence, discovery, creativity, and collaboration.

Throughout its history, Brown has evolved through the addition of new schools, institutes, and degree programs, changes to its physical campus, and strategic planning efforts. The University is dedicated to making a transformative impact on the world and upholding the belief that education and scholarly inquiry are essential to societal advancement.

The Corporation of Brown University, the primary governing body, is composed of a 12-member Board of Fellows and a 42-member Board of Trustees. This body, operating under the authority granted by the Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations in 1764, meets three times a year to make decisions on academic affairs, advancement, budget and finance, and campus life, guiding the continued growth and impact of Brown University.

Admissions Competitiveness

For the Class of 2028 admissions cycle, Brown received 48,881 applications, marking its third-largest applicant pool ever. The university admitted 1,623 regular decision applicants and 898 early decision applicants, achieving an overall acceptance rate of 5.2%, the third-lowest in its history.

Gaining admission to Brown is highly competitive. Prospective students must demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, a strong extracurricular record, and a unique personal narrative. Brown's holistic admissions process values intellectual curiosity, leadership, and a commitment to making a positive impact.

Final Thoughts

Brown University stands out across the globe for its innovative academic approach, notable alumni, diverse extracurricular offerings, and strong athletics program, all set within the charming city of Providence, Rhode Island.

Its storied history and competitive admissions process add to its allure, making it a top choice for students seeking a distinctive and enriching higher education experience.

For assistance in your Brown admission journey, schedule a free consultation with one of Crimson's admissions experts!