Brown University, located in Providence, Rhode Island, is one of the most selective institutions in the Ivy League, with a highly competitive admissions process. For the Class of 2028, Brown reported an overall acceptance rate of approximately 5.2%, reflecting a continued trend of increasing selectivity. This low rate is influenced by a growing applicant pool, with over 48,000 students applying for a limited number of spots, as well as the university's emphasis on holistic admissions. Brown publishes transparent admission statistics through its official website and the Common Data Set, providing detailed insights into acceptance rates across various categories.
Over the past decade, Brown’s acceptance rate has steadily declined, dropping from around 9% in 2015 to the current 5.2%, driven by a surge in applications and the university’s growing global reputation. The Early Decision program continues to play a significant role, offering a higher likelihood of admission for committed applicants. Compared to peer institutions like Harvard (3.6%) and Yale (4.5%), Brown remains similarly selective, though its unique open curriculum may attract a distinct applicant pool. International admissions are particularly competitive, reflecting a broader trend among Ivy League schools. For the most accurate and updated statistics, prospective students are encouraged to visit Brown’s official admissions page at admission.brown.edu.