Brown University Scholarships (2025–2026)

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Brown is one of the nation’s most selective private universities, and while it doesn’t hand out automatic merit scholarships, it does promise to meet 100% of every admitted student’s demonstrated financial need. That means real families can focus less on chasing “merit aid” and more on understanding how Brown packages grants and other resources. If your student is applying to schools in Rhode Island, don’t forget to also check the Rhode Island state aid guide alongside this page and our main College Scholarships Hub.

💰 Cost of Attendance at Brown University

FAQ on Brown Costs

Who qualifies for in-state tuition? Everyone pays the same — there is no in-state discount at Brown.

How much can aid reduce the cost? Brown meets 100% of demonstrated financial need. Many families see their out-of-pocket price drop well below the sticker cost once grants are applied. Some awards may require filing the CSS Profile in addition to the FAFSA.

Is the net price automatic or application-based? Aid is not automatic — you must apply with FAFSA and CSS Profile by Brown’s priority deadlines.

✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships

Brown does not award automatic merit scholarships based on GPA or test scores. Instead, all undergraduate aid is strictly need-based and requires the FAFSA and CSS Profile.

Note: Brown is a partner school with the QuestBridge National College Match. This is a competitive process (not automatic), but finalists who match with Brown may receive a full financial aid package covering tuition, room, and board. Brown does not participate in National Merit or Stamps.

FAQ on Automatic Scholarships

Do I need a separate application? No. As long as you file the FAFSA and CSS Profile by the deadlines, Brown will automatically calculate and package your need-based scholarship.

Does Brown superscore the SAT or ACT? Yes. Brown considers the highest section scores across test dates for both SAT and ACT. Students may also apply test-optional, but strong scores can still support an application.

Can these awards stack with outside scholarships? Outside scholarships are applied first to reduce work-study and summer contribution, then may reduce Brown Scholarship if they exceed those amounts. Families should report all outside awards to the financial aid office.

🏆 Flagship Scholarships (Competitive Scholarships)

These are Brown’s most selective, high-impact opportunities—think “flagship” awards that function like competitive scholarships. They aren’t automatic; finalists typically face extra steps (essays, rankings, verifications) and awards are limited.

Note: This section lists flagship/competitive scholarships only (university-level or partnered). Departmental awards and Honors-related funding appear in their respective sections. For need-based packaging steps, many programs require both FAFSA and the CSS Profile.

Flagship (Competitive) FAQ

Is QuestBridge automatic? No. It’s a national competitive process. Students must be named Finalists and then complete Brown’s Match requirements to be considered.

If I Match to Brown, do I have to attend? Yes. A Match is a binding offer; matched students commit to enroll at Brown and withdraw other applications.

Can a QuestBridge package stack with outside scholarships? Outside awards are coordinated with Brown’s need-based aid and may reduce student work or summer contribution first before affecting Brown Scholarship.

Do test scores matter for these competitive scholarships? Brown is test-optional and superscores SAT/ACT when provided; strong scores can support admission, but QuestBridge selection emphasizes overall academic rigor, context, and achievement.

💎 Hidden Gem Scholarships

While Brown doesn’t hand out automatic merit awards, there are several “hidden gems” that families often overlook. These aren’t called scholarships in the traditional sense, but they can significantly reduce costs if you qualify.

Disclaimer: ROTC and VA benefits are coordinated with Brown’s aid office to prevent double coverage of tuition. Research and study abroad funding varies by program and year; students must apply directly for each cycle.

Disclaimer: Award amounts and eligibility details are based on official program descriptions and Brown’s financial aid policies. Ron Brown Scholar amounts are fixed nationally. Brown University Scholarship and Kessler funding vary by family need; exact amounts are determined annually after FAFSA and CSS Profile review.

• Student clubs, fraternities/sororities, and campus groups at Brown may offer small stipends or book awards, but these are not published with consistent amounts and are not considered flagship hidden gems.

Note: Brown also partners with the QuestBridge National College Match, but that program is considered a flagship/competitive scholarship and is listed in the section above.

Hidden Gems FAQ

Do these hidden gem awards require essays? No. Most are tied to financial aid eligibility, veteran status, or program participation (like ROTC or research proposals).

Can hidden gems stack with my Brown Scholarship? Yes. These usually layer on top of your need-based award, though ROTC and VA benefits are coordinated with Brown aid to prevent double coverage of tuition.

Are these awards guaranteed? No. While many (like BCMS) apply automatically if you qualify, research and study abroad funding require a successful application each cycle.

How do I know if I qualify? Check your financial aid award letter or contact the relevant office (Financial Aid, ROTC, Study Abroad, or Veterans Benefits).

⭐ College Specialty

Brown isn’t just famous for its Ivy League label—it’s known for doing things differently. The Open Curriculum lets undergrads design a path that’s both rigorous and personal, encouraging exploration and independence. Parents often hear Brown called a “thinking school,” and it lives up to that reputation with research strength, innovation, and top-ranked programs that open doors nationwide.

• Neuroscience & Brain Science — Brown’s Carney Institute is one of the largest brain science research centers in the world, funding 200+ labs and offering premier undergraduate research opportunities.
• Applied Mathematics — Brown consistently ranks among the top 10 in the nation for applied math (U.S. News 2023), and its ICERM institute is NSF-funded and internationally respected.
• English & Creative Writing — Known for one of the strongest MFA and undergraduate writing cultures in the Ivy League, producing nationally acclaimed authors.
• Entrepreneurship — The Nelson Center for Entrepreneurship supports student ventures and is recognized as one of the most active Ivy entrepreneurship hubs, with alumni startups earning national attention.

🎖️ Honors College

Brown does not have a separate Honors College. Instead, students can pursue Honors in their concentration (major). This typically means completing advanced coursework, maintaining strong grades, and writing a senior thesis under faculty supervision. Honors is designed to recognize depth and rigor, not to add extra semesters to your degree.

Honors FAQ

Is admission automatic? No. Students must apply for honors within their department, usually junior year, with an approved thesis plan and strong grades.

Does it add time to graduate? No. Honors requirements are built into the standard 8-semester degree and are completed during senior year.

Are there scholarships tied to Honors? No. Honors at Brown is an academic distinction, not a funding program. Need-based scholarships are awarded separately through Financial Aid.

What deadlines should I know? Each department sets its own timeline—typically thesis proposals are due in junior year and the thesis itself in senior year.

📎 Official Links

• Brown University Homepage
• Brown Honors (Graduating with Honors)
• Scholarships & Financial Aid at Brown

Final Thoughts

Brown is different from many colleges in this guide: there are no flashy automatic merit scholarships or stacks of competitive awards. Instead, Brown’s promise is simple and powerful — if your student is admitted, the university will meet 100% of demonstrated financial need without loans. That means families don’t have to gamble on GPA cutoffs or essay contests; the focus is on fit, the Open Curriculum, and whether Brown feels like the right academic home. For first-gen and cost-conscious parents, it’s reassuring to know that the price tag you see on paper is rarely what you’ll actually pay once Brown’s aid kicks in.

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