Students at Brown University achieve exceptional long-term earnings that place the institution among the very best in the nation for financial outcomes.
Graduates consistently reach the highest earning levels regardless of family background, with even low-income students achieving remarkable financial success.
Brown University ranks among the most elite private institutions nationwide, delivering exceptional long-term financial outcomes that place it in the top 2% nationally for graduate earnings. With median 10-year earnings of $93,487 and graduates in high-return fields like computer science earning over $153,000, Brown represents one of the strongest return-on-investment propositions in higher education. The university's open curriculum and prestigious reputation create pathways to lucrative careers in technology, finance, consulting, and other high-mobility sectors.
What makes Brown distinctive is its ability to maintain extraordinarily high graduation rates—96% of students complete their degrees within six years—while producing graduates who consistently outperform national earnings benchmarks. As a highly selective institution admitting only a small fraction of applicants, Brown serves primarily higher-income students, with just 13% receiving Pell Grants. However, the low-income students who do attend achieve remarkable success, earning a median of $96,800 ten years after enrollment.
Brown exemplifies the "Selective Achievers" model: limited access but exceptional outcomes for those who enroll. The combination of academic prestige, alumni networks, and career placement services creates a premium educational experience that translates directly into strong financial returns for graduates across virtually all fields of study.
Brown University's program portfolio reflects its strength across both traditional liberal arts and high-demand professional fields. Computer Science leads in both enrollment and earnings impact, graduating 229 students annually who earn a median of $153,718 ten years out—performance that rivals the top technology programs nationwide. Applied Economics, the university's largest major with 203 graduates, produces strong outcomes at $63,302, while Applied Mathematics combines solid enrollment with exceptional earnings of $88,506.
The university's academic breadth shows in its ability to elevate earnings across diverse fields. Even Biology, traditionally a lower-earning major, benefits from the Brown premium and strong preparation for graduate school and professional programs. The open curriculum allows students to explore interdisciplinary combinations that often lead to unique career paths in consulting, finance, and technology.
Brown's location between Boston and New York, combined with its extensive alumni networks, creates exceptional placement opportunities across industries. The university's reputation opens doors to elite employers, graduate programs, and entrepreneurial ventures that help explain why graduates across all majors achieve earnings that consistently exceed national benchmarks for their fields.
Brown University graduates achieve exceptional long-term earnings that rank among the highest in the nation. Ten years after enrollment, they earn a median of $93,487, placing the university in the top 2% nationally for graduate earnings. This strong performance reflects both the caliber of students Brown attracts and the institution's ability to connect graduates with high-paying career opportunities in competitive fields like technology, finance, and consulting.
Program-level outcomes vary significantly but remain strong across disciplines. Computer Science stands out as Brown's highest-return major, with 229 graduates earning a median of $153,718 ten years out—exceptional performance that drives much of the university's overall earnings strength. Applied Mathematics graduates earn around $88,506, while Applied Economics majors, the largest program with 203 graduates, earn about $63,302. Even Biology, typically a lower-earning field, produces graduates who earn $29,685, which while modest compared to Brown's other programs, still reflects the premium that employers place on a Brown degree.
The university's location in Providence provides access to both Boston and New York job markets, where Brown's prestigious reputation opens doors to elite employers and graduate programs. Strong alumni networks in finance, technology, and other high-mobility sectors help explain why Brown graduates consistently achieve earnings that exceed what similar students earn at other institutions, despite the university's value-added metric being slightly negative due to the already high expectations for such an elite institution.
Brown University represents a significant financial investment, particularly for middle- and high-income families. Middle-income students pay approximately $7,757 annually after aid, a relatively modest figure that reflects Brown's strong financial aid program. However, high-income families face net prices around $45,823 per year, reflecting the full cost of attending one of the nation's most prestigious private universities.
Debt patterns reveal the financial realities of a Brown education. Federal student loan debt averages $11,428, a manageable amount given graduates' strong earning potential. However, Parent PLUS borrowing tells a different story, with families taking on an average of $45,776 in parent loans—a substantial commitment that reflects the high sticker price and the willingness of affluent families to invest heavily in their children's education. The zero percent default rate among federal borrowers demonstrates that Brown graduates can reliably service their debt obligations.
What makes Brown's cost structure sustainable is the exceptional return on investment it provides. With median earnings approaching $94,000 ten years out, graduates can comfortably manage typical debt loads while building wealth over time. The university's generous aid for lower-income students and strong outcomes for all graduates help justify the premium pricing for families who can afford it.
Brown University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
