Brown University is a private university and an independent Ivy League institution with undergraduate and graduate programs. As the seventh oldest higher education institution in the US, Brown University has around six thousand undergraduates, two thousand graduate students, four hundred medical school students from all the 50 states and over one hundred countries in the world.

Founded in 1764 ever before the American independence, Brown University is the third oldest higher education institution in New England. As the first college which started to accept students regardless of religious affiliation in the US, the university has its main campus in Providence, Rhode Island. It also provides online program as well.

Brown University offers degrees in bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate’s programs. Brown has been well recognized as a leading research university with exceptional undergraduate instruction, which ranges in over 70 concentrations offered.

The mission of Brown University is:

To serve the community, the nation, and the world by discovering, communicating, and preserving knowledge and understanding in a spirit of free inquiry, and by educating and preparing students to discharge the offices of life with usefulness and reputation through a partnership of students and teachers in a unified community known as a university-college.

ACCREDITATION

As an Ivy League university, Brown is recognized for the numerous campus groups and activities, its global influence, the cultural events, active community service programs, athletics, etc. frequently. Besides, it was ranked by the 2010 Princeton Review as the No.1 College in US for Happiest Students.

ACADEMICS

Brown University comprises four schools:

• The College
• Graduate School
• Alpert Medical School
• School of Engineering

The most popular majors and course of study for students are as follows:

1. Biology/Biological Sciences
2. Economics
3. International Relations and Affairs
4. History
5. Political Science and Government

Brown University is the only major research institution in the United States which provides undergraduates opportunities to select their own course of study, which means the undergraduate students need to take the responsibility to architect their course of study.

Brown University is ranked No. 15 as a national university in the 2012 edition of U.S. News & World Report.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Applicants can choose to apply under either the Regular Decision plan by January 1, or the Early Decision plan by November 1. All first-year applicants need to provide two recommendations from two teachers who have taught them in major subjects such as sciences, mathematics, social studies, foreign language, etc. Besides, applicants to the PLME program are recommended to submit at least one science SAT Subject Test result.

COSTS AND FINANCIAL AID

The tuitions and fees for year 2011-2012 is USD 42,230. Students spend USD 1,312 for books on average.

Financial aid are provided on applicants’ financial need, not on academic achievement or any other merits. The financial program is available for students with a family income of under $100,000. It has provided need-based scholarships worth about $90 million in 2012.