Glenine Buckler

Written by Glenine Buckler

Modified & Updated: 20 Feb 2025

40-facts-about-brown-university
Source: Brown.edu

What makes Brown University stand out among Ivy League schools? Brown University, located in Providence, Rhode Island, is renowned for its Open Curriculum, which allows students to tailor their education without mandatory general education requirements. Founded in 1764, it is the seventh-oldest institution of higher education in the United States. Brown's progressive charter, established in 1764, emphasized non-sectarian education, a rarity at the time. The university boasts the oldest engineering and applied mathematics programs in the Ivy League. With over 80 undergraduate programs and unique opportunities like the Brown | RISD Dual Degree Program, Brown offers a distinctive academic experience. Notable alumni include Emma Watson, Ted Turner, and John Kerry, showcasing the university's diverse influence.

Key Takeaways:

  • Brown University, founded in 1764, offers unique academic freedom and diverse programs. Notable alumni include Emma Watson, Ted Turner, and John Kerry.
  • With a rich history and vibrant campus life, Brown University provides academic flexibility, generous financial aid, and a supportive community in Providence, Rhode Island.
Table of Contents

A Rich History

Brown University boasts a storied past, with roots stretching back to colonial America. Its history is filled with notable milestones and progressive ideals.

  1. 01Founding: Established in 1764, Brown University was originally known as the College in the English Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.
  2. 02Charter: The Rhode Island General Assembly granted the university's charter on March 2 and 3, 1764.
  3. 03Progressive Charter: Brown's charter was ahead of its time, emphasizing that religious differences should not influence public and classical instruction.
  4. 04First Doctoral-Granting Institution: In 1887, Brown became one of the early institutions in the U.S. to offer master's and doctoral degrees.

Academic Innovations

Brown is renowned for its unique approach to education, offering students unparalleled academic freedom and opportunities.

  1. 05Open Curriculum: Adopted in 1969, the Open Curriculum allows students to design their own educational paths without mandatory general education requirements.
  2. 06Pembroke College Merger: In 1971, Brown fully merged with its coordinate women's institution, Pembroke College.
  3. 07Engineering Program: Brown's engineering program is the oldest in the Ivy League.
  4. 08Applied Mathematics Program: The university also boasts the oldest applied mathematics program in the country.

Diverse Academic Programs

Brown offers a wide range of academic programs, catering to various interests and career goals.

  1. 09Undergraduate Programs: Students can choose from over 80 undergraduate programs.
  2. 10Special Programs: Unique opportunities like special programs require their own application for participation.
  3. 11Dual Degree Program: The Brown | RISD Dual Degree Program allows students to combine academic and artistic pursuits at both Brown and the Rhode Island School of Design.
  4. 12Liberal Medical Education (PLME): This eight-year program integrates undergraduate and medical school education.
  5. 13Resumed Undergraduate Education (RUE): A competitive program for students who wish to complete their degree after a break in their education.

Notable Alumni

Brown's alumni network includes influential figures across various fields, from entertainment to politics.

  1. 14Celebrity Alumni: The Theatre Arts and Performance Studies (TAPS) department has attracted celebrities like Emma Watson and Mark Ruffalo.
  2. 15Media Mogul: Ted Turner, the founder of CNN, graduated from Brown in 1959.
  3. 16Business and Finance: John D. Rockefeller IV and David Swensen, Yale's Chief Investment Officer, are among Brown's notable business alumni.
  4. 17Tech Innovators: Marc Benioff, founder of Salesforce, and Stewart Butterfield, co-founder of Slack, both graduated from Brown.
  5. 18Arts and Entertainment: Singer-songwriter Lisa Loeb and director John Favreau are also Brown alumni.
  6. 19Sports Achievements: Scooby Axelrod, a Heisman Trophy winner, and Paul Krause, a Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee, graduated from Brown.
  7. 20Politics and Public Service: Notable political figures include John D. Rockefeller III and former U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry.
  8. 21Science and Engineering: Rocket technology pioneer Robert Goddard and NASA administrator James Kilian are among Brown's distinguished science alumni.

Founding Figures

The establishment of Brown University involved several key individuals who played crucial roles in its early development.

  1. 22Historical Figures: Ezra Stiles, a pastor and future Yale president, was instrumental in Brown's founding.
  2. 23Founding Petition: In 1761, three Newport residents proposed the creation of a literary institution to the colony's General Assembly.
  3. 24Charter Authors: Ezra Stiles and William Ellery Jr. co-authored the college's charter two years later.
  4. 25First President: James Manning served as Brown's first president from 1765 to 1791.
  5. 26Fundraising Efforts: Reverend Morgan Edwards traveled to Europe in 1766 to secure funding from benefactors like Thomas Penn and Benjamin Franklin.
  6. 27Early Funding: Despite limited initial funding, the college managed to attract support from various benefactors.

Academic Flexibility and Student Life

Brown's Open Curriculum and vibrant student life offer a unique and enriching educational experience.

  1. 28Academic Flexibility: The Open Curriculum allows students to explore broadly while diving deeply into their academic interests.
  2. 29Student Life: With over 400 student organizations and clubs, there's something for everyone at Brown.
  3. 30Financial Aid: Generous financial aid ensures students can focus on academics without financial stress.
  4. 31Strategic Plan: Brown's comprehensive strategic plan outlines its vision for growth and academic excellence.

Campus and Community

Brown's campus and community engagement initiatives create a dynamic and supportive environment for students.

  1. 32Enrollment Statistics: Brown has about 10,000 students and a student-faculty ratio of 7:1.
  2. 33Tuition Statistics: For the 2023-2024 academic year, undergraduate tuition is around $60,000, plus additional fees.
  3. 34Campus Location: Located in Providence, Rhode Island, students enjoy vibrant city life and cultural events.
  4. 35Historic Buildings: The campus features historic buildings like the John Hay Library and Stephen Robert '62 Hall.
  5. 36Research Opportunities: Brown offers numerous research opportunities across various disciplines.
  6. 37Faculty Expertise: The university's faculty are experts in their fields, providing high-quality instruction and mentorship.
  7. 38Alumni Network: Brown's strong alumni network helps graduates achieve success in their fields.
  8. 39Community Engagement: The university actively engages with the local community through various programs and initiatives.
  9. 40Legacy and Impact: Brown's legacy extends beyond academics, shaping American higher education and fostering intellectual curiosity.

Brown University: A Legacy of Excellence

Brown University stands out with its rich history, academic flexibility, and notable alumni. Founded in 1764, it's the seventh-oldest college in the U.S. and one of the nine colonial colleges. The Open Curriculum lets students explore their interests without mandatory general education requirements. Brown's Pembroke College merger in 1971 and its pioneering engineering and applied mathematics programs highlight its progressive nature.

The Brown | RISD Dual Degree Program and Liberal Medical Education (PLME) offer unique academic paths. With over 80 undergraduate programs and a strong focus on research, students have endless opportunities. The university's commitment to community engagement and financial aid ensures a supportive environment.

From celebrity alumni like Emma Watson to tech innovators like Marc Benioff, Brown's influence is far-reaching. Its legacy continues to shape higher education, fostering intellectual curiosity and success.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Brown University stand out from other Ivy League schools?
Brown's unique Open Curriculum allows students to shape their own educational journey. Unlike other Ivies, Brown doesn't require a core curriculum, so students have the freedom to explore a wide range of subjects before committing to their major.
Can anyone study at Brown, or is it super competitive to get in?
Getting into Brown is indeed competitive, with thousands of applicants vying for a spot each year. However, Brown looks for diverse talents and perspectives, not just top grades and test scores. So, if you've got a passion and a story, you've got a shot!
What kind of research opportunities can students find at Brown?
Students at Brown have access to cutting-edge research across various fields. From humanities to the sciences, undergraduates can work alongside professors on meaningful projects, often contributing to groundbreaking discoveries.
Are there any famous alumni who graduated from Brown?
Absolutely! Brown boasts a list of notable alumni, including Emma Watson of "Harry Potter" fame, CNN founder Ted Turner, and Janet Yellen, the first woman to chair the Federal Reserve. Their achievements span across industries, showing the versatility of a Brown education.
How does Brown support students' careers after graduation?
Brown has a robust career support system, offering networking events, internship opportunities, and personal advising to help students navigate their post-graduation paths. Many graduates find themselves in prestigious positions across various sectors, from technology to the arts.
What's campus life like at Brown?
Life on campus is vibrant and diverse, with a plethora of clubs, organizations, and events. Students can engage in everything from art workshops to tech hackathons, not to mention the lively social scene. Plus, Providence's rich cultural backdrop adds an extra layer of excitement to student life.
Does Brown offer financial aid?
Yes, Brown is committed to making education accessible to all, regardless of financial background. The university offers generous financial aid packages, aiming to meet 100% of demonstrated need for both domestic and international students.

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