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Brown University vs University of Rhode Island

Brown University is a private university in Providence, RI, and University of Rhode Island is a public university in Kingston, RI. Brown University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 5% of applicants against 72% at University of Rhode Island. University of Rhode Island is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $21,440 a year against $25,184 at Brown University. About 96% of students graduate at Brown University, compared with 72% at University of Rhode Island. Ten years after enrolling, Brown University alumni earn a median of about $93,487, against $69,743 for University of Rhode Island.

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Brown University

Providence, RI · Private

University of Rhode Island

Kingston, RI · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Providence, RI
Kingston, RI
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
7,226
13,381
Acceptance rate
5%
72%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.55–4
3.42–3.92
SAT (middle 50%)
1510–1580
1020–1280
ACT (middle 50%)
34–35
26–31
Test policy
Required
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$25,184
$21,440
Full cost / yr
$87,648
$34,321
In-state tuition
$71,412
$16,942
Out-of-state tuition
$71,412
$37,146
Application fee
$75
$65
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$0*
$14,368
$30k - $48k
$2,031
$12,923
$48k - $75k
$5,858
$17,803
$75k - $110k
$16,219
$23,394
Over $110k
$44,937
$28,460
Outcomes
Graduation rate
96%
72%
Freshman retention
99%
84%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$79,131
$57,446
Median earnings (10 yr)
$93,487
$69,743
Median debt at graduation
$11,428
$22,250
Student body
Pell grant recipients
14%
22%
First-generation students
17%
26%
International students
13%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Nov 1
Early action
Not reported
Dec 1
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 University of Rhode Island harder to get into?
Brown University is harder to get into. It admits about 5% of applicants, compared with 72% at University of Rhode Island. 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 University of Rhode Island?
University of Rhode Island is cheaper on average. Students pay about $21,440 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $25,184 at Brown 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 University of Rhode Island?
Before aid, University of Rhode Island costs about $34,321 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 University of Rhode Island?
Brown University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $-420 there, against about $14,368 at University of Rhode Island. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Brown University or University of Rhode Island?
University of Rhode Island is the larger of the two, with about 13,381 undergraduates against 7,226 at Brown University.
Does Brown University or University of Rhode Island have a better graduation rate?
Brown University has the higher graduation rate, at about 96% against 72% at University of Rhode Island.
Do graduates of Brown University or University of Rhode Island earn more?
Brown University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $93,487 ten years after enrolling, against about $69,743 for University of Rhode Island. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Brown University and University of Rhode Island require SAT or ACT scores?
Brown University requires SAT or ACT scores. University of Rhode Island is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Brown University and University of Rhode Island look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1510–1580 at Brown University and 1020–1280 at University of Rhode Island. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school