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Arizona State University vs Brown University

A comprehensive side-by-side comparison of academics, cost, admissions, campus life and career outcomes to help you choose.

88.0% ASU acceptance
5.0% Brown acceptance
$152,544 ASU cheaper over 4 years
Updated 2026 · Data: NCES, College Scorecard, IPEDS All figures in USD unless noted

School Overview

ASU
Tempe, Arizona
Public
Founded
1885
Enrollment
83,446
Setting
Urban
Brown
Providence, Rhode Island
Private
Founded
1764
Enrollment
10,696
Setting
Urban

At a Glance

Tuition ASU saves $34,456
ASU
$31,200
Brown
$65,656
Acceptance Rate Brown more selective
ASU
88.0%
Brown
5.0%
Graduation Rate Brown higher
ASU
69%
Brown
96%
Avg SAT Score Brown higher
ASU
1230
Brown
1530
Starting Salary Brown higher
ASU
$60,100
Brown
$77,400

Detailed Comparison

Metric ASU Brown Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$31,200$65,656ASU
Tuition (In-State)$12,479$65,656ASU
Room & Board$14,000$17,680ASU
Acceptance Rate88.0%5.0%Brown
Graduation Rate69%96%Brown
Average SAT12301530Brown
Student-Faculty Ratio18:16:1Brown
Enrollment83,44610,696-
Avg Financial Aid$12,400$52,820Brown
Starting Salary$60,100$77,400Brown
Endowment$1.5B$6.6BBrown
Campus Size1,695 acres146 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

ASU
$180,800
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
Brown
$333,344
4-year total (private)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: ASU = $131,200 | Brown = $122,064. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

ASU Top Majors

BusinessEngineeringPsychologyBiologySupply Chain

Brown Top Majors

Computer ScienceEconomicsBiologyApplied MathematicsHistory

Campus & Student Life

Setting
ASUUrban
BrownUrban
Campus Size
ASU1,695 ac
Brown146 ac
Athletics
ASUNCAA D1
BrownNCAA D1
Region
ASUWest
BrownNortheast
Founded
ASU1885
Brown1764
Enrollment
ASU83,446
Brown10,696

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is ASU or Brown harder to get into?+
Brown is more selective with an acceptance rate of 5.0% compared to 88.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, ASU or Brown?+
At sticker price, ASU costs less over 4 years ($180,800 vs $333,344). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. ASU offers an average of $12,400/year in aid while Brown offers $52,820/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for ASU and Brown?+
The average SAT score at ASU is 1230 and at Brown it is 1530. Keep in mind that admitted students often score across a range, and many schools practice holistic admissions where test scores are just one factor.
Do ASU or Brown graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Brown have a higher average starting salary ($77,400 vs $60,100). Salary outcomes vary significantly by major, industry, and location — so this is a general average across all graduates.
What is the student-to-faculty ratio at each school?+
ASU has a 18:1 student-to-faculty ratio while Brown has 6:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do ASU and Brown compare for campus life?+
ASU is located in Tempe, Arizona (urban setting) with a 1,695-acre campus. Brown is in Providence, Rhode Island (urban setting) with 146 acres. ASU competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Brown in NCAA D1.