Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)
Estimated sticker price before financial aid.
Brown
$333,344
4-year total (private)
VS
Northwestern
$333,540
4-year total (private)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Brown = $122,064 | Northwestern = $138,980. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.
Brown Top Majors
Computer ScienceEconomicsBiologyApplied MathematicsHistoryNorthwestern Top Majors
EconomicsJournalismEngineeringComputer SciencePsychology
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Brown or Northwestern harder to get into?+
Brown is more selective with an acceptance rate of 5.0% compared to 7.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Brown or Northwestern?+
At sticker price, Brown costs less over 4 years ($333,344 vs $333,540). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Brown offers an average of $52,820/year in aid while Northwestern offers $48,640/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Brown and Northwestern?+
The average SAT score at Brown is 1530 and at Northwestern it is 1520. 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 Brown or Northwestern graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Northwestern have a higher average starting salary ($80,600 vs $77,400). 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?+
Brown has a 6:1 student-to-faculty ratio while Northwestern has 6:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do Brown and Northwestern compare for campus life?+
Brown is located in Providence, Rhode Island (urban setting) with a 146-acre campus. Northwestern is in Evanston, Illinois (suburban setting) with 231 acres. Brown competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Northwestern in NCAA D1.