Brown University vs Colgate University
Brown University is extremely selective with a 5.2% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than Colgate University (11.9%). Graduates of Brown University earn $8,348 more per year at the 10-year mark ($93,487 vs $85,139). For families earning $48k–$75k, Brown University is more affordable at $7,757 net price vs $13,617. Students at Brown University graduate with less debt ($11,428 vs $15,000).
Admissions & Outcomes
Brown University has a higher yield rate (63.1%), meaning a larger share of admitted students choose to enroll — a strong signal of student preference. Brown University has a higher median SAT (1540 vs 1480).
Providence, RI
Hamilton, NY
Net Price by Family Income
Net price is what you actually pay after grants and scholarships — often far less than the sticker price. It varies dramatically by family income. For low-income families ($0–$30k), Brown University is more affordable at $-2,158 per year. At higher incomes ($110k+), the gap narrows — $45,823 vs $48,234.
Net price data from College Scorecard. Run each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate based on your family's finances.
Financial Aid
Institutional grants come directly from the school's endowment and don't need to be repaid. A high institutional grant rate means the school is investing its own funds in affordability. Colgate University enrolls more Pell Grant recipients (13%), indicating stronger support for students from lower-income backgrounds.
Highest-Earning Majors
Median earnings within two years of graduation. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on lifetime earnings than the school name on your diploma.
Brown University
- 1 Computer Science$153,718
- 2 Applied Mathematics$88,506
- 3 Engineering, General$75,921
- 4 Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations$73,769
- 5 Economics$63,302
Colgate University
- 1 Economics$67,995
- 2 Computer Science$66,171
- 3 International Relations and National Security Studies$53,775
- 4 Political Science and Government$53,358
- 5 Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics$47,260
Most Popular Majors
The most popular majors by number of degrees awarded. This gives you a sense of each school's academic strengths and where students concentrate.
Brown University
- 1 Computer Science
- 2 Applied Mathematics
- 3 Economics
- 4 Biology, General
- 5 International Relations and National Security Studies
Colgate University
- 1 Economics
- 2 Political Science and Government
- 3 Research and Experimental Psychology
- 4 Computer Science
- 5 Biology, General
Campus & Student Body
Enrollment size, diversity, and retention paint a picture of campus culture. A high retention rate means students are satisfied enough to return after freshman year.
For International Students
Key cost and campus considerations for students coming from outside the US.
Brown University
- International students20%
- Tuition (international)$59,254
- Est. total cost/year$76,604
- School typePublic
Colgate University
- International students8%
- Tuition (international)$59,655
- Est. total cost/year$75,050
- School typePublic
What international students should know
- International students pay out-of-state tuition at public universities. Private universities charge the same tuition for all students.
- Most federal financial aid (FAFSA, Pell Grants) is not available to international students. Look for institutional aid and merit scholarships.
- F-1 visa holders can work on-campus during the school year and use CPT/OPT for internships and post-graduation employment.
- Schools with a higher international student percentage typically have stronger support services — dedicated international offices, visa advising, and cultural programs.
- With 20% international enrollment, Brown University likely has a well-established international student community.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Brown University or Colgate University?
Brown University is more selective with a 5.2% acceptance rate, compared to 11.9%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.
Which school has higher earnings: Brown University or Colgate University?
Brown University graduates earn more at the 10-year mark, with median earnings of $93,487 compared to $85,139. Earnings vary significantly by major — STEM fields typically produce the highest returns at both schools.
Which is cheaper: Brown University or Colgate University?
For middle-income families ($48k–$75k), Brown University has a lower net price at $7,757 per year vs $13,617. Net price varies by family income — use each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the graduation rate at Brown University vs Colgate University?
Brown University has a higher 6-year graduation rate at 96.0%, compared to 90.9%. A high graduation rate signals strong academic support, student engagement, and a campus culture where students thrive.
Which school has more international students: Brown University or Colgate University?
Brown University has a larger international student population at 20% of enrollment. A higher international student percentage often means stronger support services for visa holders, including dedicated international student offices, OPT/CPT guidance, and cultural programming.
What are the highest-paying majors at Brown University and Colgate University?
At Brown University, Computer Science graduates earn a median of $153,718 within two years. At Colgate University, the top-earning major is Economics at $67,995. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on earnings than which school you attend.