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Brown University vs University of Texas at Austin

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

5.0% Brown acceptance
29.0% UT Austin acceptance
$119,944 UT Austin cheaper over 4 years
Updated 2026 · Data: NCES, College Scorecard, IPEDS All figures in USD unless noted

School Overview

Brown
Providence, Rhode Island
Private
Founded
1764
Enrollment
10,696
Setting
Urban
UT Austin
Austin, Texas
Public
Founded
1883
Enrollment
52,384
Setting
Urban

At a Glance

Tuition UT Austin saves $24,586
Brown
$65,656
UT Austin
$41,070
Acceptance Rate Brown more selective
Brown
5.0%
UT Austin
29.0%
Graduation Rate Brown higher
Brown
96%
UT Austin
87%
Avg SAT Score Brown higher
Brown
1530
UT Austin
1370
Starting Salary Brown higher
Brown
$77,400
UT Austin
$68,500

Detailed Comparison

Metric Brown UT Austin Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$65,656$41,070UT Austin
Tuition (In-State)$65,656$11,448UT Austin
Room & Board$17,680$12,280UT Austin
Acceptance Rate5.0%29.0%Brown
Graduation Rate96%87%Brown
Average SAT15301370Brown
Student-Faculty Ratio6:117:1Brown
Enrollment10,69652,384-
Avg Financial Aid$52,820$14,990Brown
Starting Salary$77,400$68,500Brown
Endowment$6.6B$44.9BUT Austin
Campus Size146 acres431 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

Brown
$333,344
4-year total (private)
VS
UT Austin
$213,400
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Brown = $122,064 | UT Austin = $153,440. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

Brown Top Majors

Computer ScienceEconomicsBiologyApplied MathematicsHistory

UT Austin Top Majors

BusinessEngineeringComputer ScienceBiologyCommunication

Campus & Student Life

Setting
BrownUrban
UT AustinUrban
Campus Size
Brown146 ac
UT Austin431 ac
Athletics
BrownNCAA D1
UT AustinNCAA D1
Region
BrownNortheast
UT AustinSouth
Founded
Brown1764
UT Austin1883
Enrollment
Brown10,696
UT Austin52,384

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Brown or UT Austin harder to get into?+
Brown is more selective with an acceptance rate of 5.0% compared to 29.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Brown or UT Austin?+
At sticker price, UT Austin costs less over 4 years ($213,400 vs $333,344). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Brown offers an average of $52,820/year in aid while UT Austin offers $14,990/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Brown and UT Austin?+
The average SAT score at Brown is 1530 and at UT Austin it is 1370. 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 UT Austin graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Brown have a higher average starting salary ($77,400 vs $68,500). 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 UT Austin has 17:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do Brown and UT Austin compare for campus life?+
Brown is located in Providence, Rhode Island (urban setting) with a 146-acre campus. UT Austin is in Austin, Texas (urban setting) with 431 acres. Brown competes in NCAA D1 athletics and UT Austin in NCAA D1.