Brown University vs Johnson & Wales University-Online
Brown University is extremely selective with a 5.2% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than Johnson & Wales University-Online (54.3%). Graduates of Brown University earn $50,069 more per year at the 10-year mark ($93,487 vs $43,418). For families earning $48k–$75k, Brown University is more affordable at $7,757 net price vs $20,720. Students at Brown University graduate with less debt ($11,428 vs $26,000).
Admissions & Outcomes
Johnson & Wales University-Online has a higher yield rate (64.0%), meaning a larger share of admitted students choose to enroll — a strong signal of student preference.
Providence, RI
Providence, RI
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 $25,365.
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. Johnson & Wales University-Online enrolls more Pell Grant recipients (36%), 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
Johnson & Wales University-Online
- 1 Business Administration, Management and Operations$37,054
- 2 Hospitality Administration/Management$36,275
- 3 Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations$35,849
- 4 Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management$34,153
- 5 Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services$32,707
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
Johnson & Wales University-Online
- 1 Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services
- 2 Business Administration, Management and Operations
- 3 Hospitality Administration/Management
- 4 Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management
- 5 Psychology, 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
Johnson & Wales University-Online
- International students1%
- Tuition (international)$13,365
- 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 Johnson & Wales University-Online?
Brown University is more selective with a 5.2% acceptance rate, compared to 54.3%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.
Which school has higher earnings: Brown University or Johnson & Wales University-Online?
Brown University graduates earn more at the 10-year mark, with median earnings of $93,487 compared to $43,418. Earnings vary significantly by major — STEM fields typically produce the highest returns at both schools.
Which is cheaper: Brown University or Johnson & Wales University-Online?
For middle-income families ($48k–$75k), Brown University has a lower net price at $7,757 per year vs $20,720. Net price varies by family income — use each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
Which school has more international students: Brown University or Johnson & Wales University-Online?
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 Johnson & Wales University-Online?
At Brown University, Computer Science graduates earn a median of $153,718 within two years. At Johnson & Wales University-Online, the top-earning major is Business Administration, Management and Operations at $37,054. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on earnings than which school you attend.