Brown University is an Ivy League private research university in Providence, Rhode Island, USA. It is a medium-sized institution with ~11,000 students, of which ~7,600 are undergraduates and 3,400 graduate students, ~20% of whom are international. Brown is very selective with an acceptance rate of ~5%. Brown is most famous for its Open Curriculum, which permits undergraduates to create their own course of study without general education courses. Popular programs are Computer Science, Economics, Political Science, Biology, International Relations, English, and Neuroscience. In the QS World University Rankings 2026, Brown ranks roughly #69 globally and in the top 20 in the United States. Brown is particularly strong in the humanities, life sciences, and social sciences. Its alumni pursue high-level careers in academia, medicine, law, policy, finance, and creative pursuits.
Columbia University is a private Ivy League research university in New York City, USA. It is a huge university with ~34,000 students in its undergraduate, graduate, and professional schools, with ~16,000 undergraduate students. Approximately 30% of its students are from abroad. Columbia is extremely selective with an acceptance rate of ~4%. It is renowned for the Core Curriculum, which mandates that all undergraduates take courses in literature, philosophy, history, science, and art. Popular majors are Economics, Engineering, Computer Science, Political Science, Law, Medicine, and Journalism. Columbia is #38 globally in QS World Rankings 2026, and top 10 in the U.S. consistently. Columbia is highly regarded globally, particularly in finance, law, and media, with unmatched access to opportunities in New York City.
| Brown University | Columbia University | |
|---|---|---|
| Collegedunia Score | 6.7 Out of 10 | 8.4 Out of 10 |
| ranking (overall) | # 65 Times Higher Education 2026 # 69 QS World University 2026 # 58 Times Higher Education 2025 | # 20 Times Higher Education 2026 # 38 QS World University 2026 # 8 Center for World University Rankings 2025 |
| Subject Strength | # 90 for Engineering by Times Higher Education 2025 # 51 for Data Science and Analytics by QS World University 2025 # 116 for Medicine by QS World University 2025 | # 18 for Engineering by US News 2025 # 17 for Medicine by QS World University 2025 # 5 for Law by Times Higher Education 2025 |
| Programs | UG Programs -59 PG Programs -26 Doctorate Programs -7 | UG Programs -25 PG Programs -61 Doctorate Programs -7 |
| Acceptance Rate | 5.0 % | 4.0 % |
| Exam Score | IELTS-8 SAT-1500 TOEFL-100 | GMAT-732 GRE-324 IELTS-7.5 SAT-1510 TOEFL-105 |
| Cost to Study | Average Tuition Fees 59254 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 59254 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 9774 Per Year | Average Tuition Fees 58440 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 103304 [For PG Program] |
| placement (average package) | Brown University is one of the top private universities in Providence, United States. It is ranked #63 in QS World University Rankings 2023. It ranks #55 in the graduate employability rank Brown University Graduates & Alumni Salaries - By Degree
| Columbia University is one of the top private universities in New York City, United States. It is ranked #22 in QS World University Rankings 2023. Ranked #18 in Graduate Employability Rank Base Salaries by the following degrees:
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| Campuses and B-Schools | NA | Teachers College at Columbia University Columbia Business School |
| CollegeDunia Reviews | 6.9/10 Read 2 reviews | 7.2/10 Read 22 reviews |
Top Courses Comparison
| ranking | # 37 for Business by Times Higher Education 2025 # 351 for Business by QS World University 2025 | # 9 for Business by US News 2025 # 14 for Business by Times Higher Education 2025 # 20 for Business by QS World University 2025 |
| exam scores | GMAT - 700/800IELTS - 7/9TOEFL - 90/120 | IELTS - 7/9PTE - 68/90TOEFL - 100/120 |
| documents required | #Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose | #Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose |
| application dates | Dec 8, 2024 (Priority Review 1 Application Deadline for 2026 Intake) Nov 3, 2025 (Priority Review 1 Application Deadline for 2026 Intake) Feb 19, 2026 (Final Application Deadline for 2026 Intake) | Oct 14, 2025 (Late Fall Application Deadline for May 2026 intake) Jan 13, 2026 (Early Spring Application Deadline for May 2026 intake) Mar 10, 2026 (Late Spring Application Deadline for May 2026 intake) |
Other Popular Comparisons
| General Facts | Brown University | Columbia University |
|---|---|---|
| Type of University | University | University |
| Student:Faculty Ratio | 6:1 | 6:1:1 |
| Male:Female | 46% Male, 54% Female | 48% Male, 0% Female |
| Location Facts | Campus is located in College Hill and Jewelry District; Main campus is situated on the east side of Campus Hill and has 235 buildings | Lies in the heart of NYC on Broadway and two faculties located outside Manhattan. |
| Library | One of the USA’s oldest library; has 6 million items including bound volumes, periodicals, maps, sheet music, digital objects, manuscripts, and electronic resources; 6 libraries ie. John D. Rockefeller Jr Library for humanities and social science, Science Library, John Hay Library for special collections, Orwig Music Library, Art Slide Library and Library Collections Annex | The low memorial library is a landmark. The university owns around 23 libraries scattered across the city. |
| Campus Life | 38 varsity sports team having more than 900 student-athletes; Over 400 student organizations including Capella groups and community services, 4100 intramural sports participants and 60 public service groups; Main campus centuries-old-structures, labs and world-class ibraries | Art Gallery The university offers it all!!! |
| Hostel | #On campus - $9774 | - |
| Famous Alumni | John Hay (US Secretary of State); Charles Evans Hughes (Chief Justice and US Secretary of State); John D Rockefeller Jr (philanthropist); Jim Yong Kim (World Bank President); Ted Turner (CNN founder and America’s Cup yachtsman); Dara Khosroswshahi (Uber CEO); Emma Watson (actress); Mary Chapin Carpenter (humorist); Samuel Gridley Howe (historian) | Barak Obama (Former US President), Alexander Hamilton (founding father of USA), Alicia Keys (singer), Sara Ali Khan (actress), Dorothy Irene Height (Women rights activist), Jake Gyllenhall (actor). |
| City Life | Providence is the capital city of Rhode Island; Originally was known as Providence Plantations; One of the first industrialized cities in the USA; known for textile manufacturing, machine tool, jewelry, and silverware industries; Unemployment rate was 4.1% in January 2020 |
Total international students in NY- 11% |
| Weather |
Columbia University vs Brown University
Subject Strength
Both Columbia University and Brown University are Ivy League schools that have some of the best programs in computer science, economics, and social science. Columbia is ranked #38 internationally (QS World University Rankings 2026), with premier programs in law, and business. Brown, ranked #69 in the QS World University Rankings 2026, has strong programs in applied math and entrepreneurship, with its open curriculum encouraging cross-disciplinary study. Columbia is best for students aiming for finance or media, while Brown is appropriate for those looking for loose, student-led academics.
General Information
Brown University, established in 1764, is a private R1 university with ~11,000 students (20% foreign), on a 143-acre campus that is urban but walled within Providence. Columbia University, founded in 1754, is a private R1 university with 34,000 students (30% foreign), on a 36-acre, Campus is urban, in Manhattan's Morningside Heights. Brown's smaller campus cultivates an intimate community with 20% international students, whereas Columbia's bigger campus and 30% international student population provide a worldwide network of alumni.
Acceptance Rate
Columbia has an acceptance rate of ~4%, marginally more selective than Brown's ~5%. Brown accepts students with outstanding academic success and creativity. Characterized by flexible academic routes, whereas Columbia is one of the most competitive within the Ivy League, emphasizing academic seriousness and compatibility with the Core Curriculum. International students encounter highly competitive admissions at both, although Brown's marginally higher acceptance rate may provide a slightly improved opportunity.
Location Facts
Brown's Providence campus is a lively, college-town environment with proximity to cultural centers such as Thayer Street and proximity to Boston. Rhode Island – a smaller, arts-oriented city with a strong college-town atmosphere (shared with RISD). Lower living costs than NYC, with easy proximity to Boston (1 hour) and NYC (3 hours). Columbia's campus in Manhattan is located in Morningside Heights, a global hub of the world, providing students with unrivaled access to internships, research, and job opportunities. But cost of living is very high. Brown's campus environment is appropriate for students who desire a less urban, community-oriented experience, while Columbia's city location provides greater professional networking and cultural exposure opportunities.
Cost & Financial Aid
Brown's Tuition is approximately USD $68,000/year, with total cost of attendance ~USD $88,000/year. Need-blind for U.S. citizens, need-aware for internationals, but highly generous in terms of aid.
Columbia's Tuition is approximately USD $69,000/year, with total cost ~USD $92,000/year. Similarly, need-blind for U.S. citizens, need-aware for internationals, but with one of the largest Ivy League budgets for financial aid.
Career Outcomes & Alumni Success
Brown's Alumni consist of John F. Kennedy Jr., Emma Watson, and notable academics, scientists, and entrepreneurs. Graduates achieve in medicine, public service, arts, and academia. Brown's smaller network is tight and powerful in creative, nonprofit, and research industries.
Columbia's Alumni are Barack Obama, Warren Buffett (attended), Alexander Hamilton (founding father), and numerous Nobel laureates. Columbia boasts unparalleled placement in finance, law, journalism, and policy due to its NYC location. Its alumni network is among the most influential globally.
Infrastructure
Brown's Smaller facilities, but world-famous research institutes in neuroscience, public health, and the humanities. Collaborative environment with neighboring RISD.
Columbia's Top research force with vast libraries, medical campus (CUIMC), and global research centers. Ranked top 5 in America for research productivity and funding.
Brown is optimal for students craving intellectual autonomy, small-town intimacy, and liberal arts environment within the Ivy League. And Columbia is optimal for students craving a disciplined, serious education and access to the resources of New York City and an immense global network.
