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Brown University vs Roger Williams University

Brown University is a private university in Providence, RI, and Roger Williams University is a private university in Bristol, RI. Brown University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 5% of applicants against 88% at Roger Williams University. Brown University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $25,184 a year against $37,999 at Roger Williams University. About 96% of students graduate at Brown University, compared with 68% at Roger Williams University. Ten years after enrolling, Brown University alumni earn a median of about $93,487, against $70,266 for Roger Williams University.

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Brown University

Providence, RI · Private

Roger Williams University

Bristol, RI · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Providence, RI
Bristol, RI
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
7,226
3,946
Acceptance rate
5%
88%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.55–4
3.37–3.87
SAT (middle 50%)
1510–1580
1140–1310
ACT (middle 50%)
34–35
24–29
Test policy
Required
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$25,184
$37,999
Full cost / yr
$87,648
$61,950
In-state tuition
$71,412
$44,418
Out-of-state tuition
$71,412
$44,418
Application fee
$75
$55
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$0*
$29,778
$30k - $48k
$2,031
$30,087
$48k - $75k
$5,858
$33,623
$75k - $110k
$16,219
$37,318
Over $110k
$44,937
$40,792
Outcomes
Graduation rate
96%
68%
Freshman retention
99%
81%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$79,131
$53,845
Median earnings (10 yr)
$93,487
$70,266
Median debt at graduation
$11,428
$26,940
Student body
Pell grant recipients
14%
16%
First-generation students
17%
20%
International students
13%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Nov 15
Regular decision
Jan 5
Feb 1

* Reported aid for this income range averaged above the billed cost.

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Brown University or Roger Williams University harder to get into?
Brown University is harder to get into. It admits about 5% of applicants, compared with 88% at Roger Williams University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Brown University or Roger Williams University?
Brown University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $25,184 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $37,999 at Roger Williams University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Brown University and Roger Williams University?
Before aid, Roger Williams University costs about $61,950 a year and Brown University about $87,648. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Brown University or Roger Williams University?
Brown University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $-420 there, against about $29,778 at Roger Williams University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Brown University or Roger Williams University?
Brown University is the larger of the two, with about 7,226 undergraduates against 3,946 at Roger Williams University.
Does Brown University or Roger Williams University have a better graduation rate?
Brown University has the higher graduation rate, at about 96% against 68% at Roger Williams University.
Do graduates of Brown University or Roger Williams University earn more?
Brown University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $93,487 ten years after enrolling, against about $70,266 for Roger Williams University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Brown University and Roger Williams University require SAT or ACT scores?
Brown University requires SAT or ACT scores. Roger Williams University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
What SAT scores do Brown University and Roger Williams University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1510–1580 at Brown University and 1140–1310 at Roger Williams University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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