Brown University's published cost of attendance reaches $84,986 per year, including $68,230 in tuition, $16,598 for room and board, and $0 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays $26,572 after financial aid, representing savings of $58,414 through institutional aid programs.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $87,648 |
| Tuition and Fees | $71,412 |
| Room and Board | $17,444 |
| Books and Supplies | $0 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$62,464 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $25,184 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | +$420 (stipend) |
| $30–48k | $2,031 |
| $48–75k | $5,858 |
| $75–110k | $16,219 |
| $110k+ | $44,937 |
Brown University's published cost of attendance reaches $84,986 per year, including $68,230 in tuition, $16,598 for room and board, and $0 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays $26,572 after financial aid, representing savings of $58,414 through institutional aid programs. This substantial aid reduces costs by nearly 69% from the sticker price, though the resulting net price remains above the peer median of $27,143 by $571.
Brown's aid strategy concentrates support toward lower-income students while maintaining high costs for upper-income families. The net price varies dramatically by family income, ranging from negative costs for the lowest-income students to $45,823 for families earning over $110,000 annually. This pricing structure reflects Brown's substantial endowment resources and commitment to need-based financial aid, though families should prepare for significant costs unless they qualify for substantial need-based assistance.
Brown University's financial aid strategy emphasizes need-based support for students from lower-income backgrounds. The institution enrolls 13.3% Pell-eligible students, indicating meaningful representation of students from families earning under $30,000 annually.
The substantial $58,414 difference between sticker price and average net price reflects comprehensive aid programs that make attendance feasible for students across income levels. Aid concentration toward lower-income students creates the dramatic pricing differences seen across income tiers, with negative net prices for the lowest-income families and substantial costs for upper-income families.
The aid structure supports Brown's ability to enroll economically diverse students while maintaining its private institution financial model. Students from middle and upper-middle-income families should expect limited aid availability, while lower-income students can anticipate substantial support.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
Brown University graduates carry remarkably low debt levels relative to both peer institutions and national averages. Median debt reaches just $11,428, well below the peer median of $24,181—a difference of $12,753 that represents substantial savings in borrowing costs.
Debt ranges from $8,000 at the 25th percentile to $24,808 at the 75th percentile, indicating that most students borrow modest amounts relative to their earning potential. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.12 suggests highly manageable repayment obligations relative to post-graduation income.
Parent PLUS borrowing shows a median of $45,776 with monthly payments of $603, indicating that many families supplement student aid with parent borrowing. The low student debt levels reflect both Brown's substantial aid programs and the economic backgrounds of enrolled families, many of whom can afford significant out-of-pocket costs.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Brown University represents a high-cost, high-return educational investment with strong long-term financial outcomes. Despite graduates earning $9,214 below expectations given their incoming profile—placing Brown at the 17th percentile for earnings beyond expectations—the institution delivers exceptional absolute earnings outcomes.
Median earnings of $93,487 rank at the 98th percentile nationally and exceed the peer median by $30,421 annually. The combination of high absolute earnings and low debt creates favorable repayment conditions, with a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.12 indicating minimal financial stress for most graduates.
Brown ranks among the top 5% of institutions for both median earnings and low debt levels, supporting strong return on investment despite high upfront costs. The substantial earnings premium over peer institutions, combined with manageable debt levels, creates conditions for strong long-term wealth accumulation.
