At $26,572/yr net price, Brown University graduates earn $93,487/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $59,487/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $26,572 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $106,288 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $93,487/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$59,487/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 95.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $11,428 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $2,273/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $7,757/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $19,526/yr |
| $110,001+ | $45,823/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $153,718 | $11,500 |
| Applied Mathematics. | Bachelor | $88,506 | $10,000 |
| Engineering, General. | Bachelor | $75,921 | $15,000 |
| Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations. | Bachelor | $73,769 | $18,000 |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $63,302 | $13,000 |
| Medicine. | Doctoral | $61,294 | $146,880 |
| Public Policy Analysis. | Master | $61,020 | $47,500 |
| Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education. | Master | $60,771 | |
| Public Health. | Master | $59,937 | $49,500 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $58,673 | $20,500 |
The Risk Factor
95.9% of students at Brown University graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
Brown University delivers strong financial returns if you can afford to attend. The median earnings of $93,487 ten years after graduation put Brown graduates in solid financial territory, while the remarkably low median debt of $11,428 means you avoid the crushing loan burdens that plague many college graduates.
Computer science majors at Brown see strong returns with median earnings of $153,718, making it one of the strongest ROI programs you can find anywhere. Applied mathematics and general engineering also pay well, though engineering graduates carry slightly higher debt loads. Economics majors earn $63,302, which represents solid but not spectacular returns given Brown's price tag.
The major financial risk at Brown is the sticker price itself. Only 13% of students receive need-based aid, meaning most families pay close to full price. If your family income falls into that middle-class gap where you earn too much for aid but not enough to comfortably afford $80,000+ annually, Brown becomes financially risky.
Brown makes financial sense if your family can pay without borrowing heavily, or if you qualify for their need-based aid. The school meets full demonstrated need, so low-income families often pay very little. You should look elsewhere if you would need to take on significant debt as a middle-income family, especially for lower-earning majors.
Brown offers no merit scholarships, so your aid package depends entirely on financial need. The 95% graduation rate means you are very likely to finish your degree, reducing the risk of paying without completing your program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Brown University worth the cost compared to other Ivy League schools?
Brown graduates earn $93,487 ten years after graduation, which is solid but lower than most Ivy peers. The net price of $26,572 is reasonable for an elite school, and the low median debt of $11,428 reduces financial risk.
What are the highest paying majors at Brown University?
Computer Science leads with $153,718 average earnings, followed by Applied Mathematics at $88,506. Economics graduates earn $63,302, which is relatively modest for an Ivy League economics program.
How much debt do Brown University students typically graduate with?
Brown students graduate with a median debt of just $11,428, one of the lowest amounts among elite universities. This low debt burden significantly improves the school's return on investment despite the high sticker price.
Does Brown University provide good financial aid to make it affordable?
Brown's average net price of $26,572 suggests strong financial aid for most families. Combined with the low graduate debt levels, the school appears accessible to middle-class students despite its elite status.