As one of the nine Colonial Colleges established before the American Revolution, Brown University has a long and storied history. Founded in 1764 as the College in the English Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, Brown was the third college to be chartered in New England. The university was named for Nicholas Brown, Jr., who had been a generous benefactor of the college since its founding.
Brown began admitting women in 1891, making it one of the first coeducational institutions in New England and only the seventh in the country. Today, Brown is an internationally renowned research university with more than 7,000 undergraduate and graduate students from all 50 states and over 100 countries. The university is home to world-renowned faculty, including six Nobel Laureates and numerous Pulitzer Prize winners.
Brown offers a unique curriculum that allows students to create their own course of study through a combination of required courses, electives, independent study projects, and thesis research. This flexibility gives students the opportunity to pursue their interests both inside and outside traditional academic disciplines. As a result, Brown graduates are well prepared for success in a wide range of careers.
The university is also committed to community engagement and public service. Through its Center for Public Service, Brown provides opportunities for students to work with local organizations on issues such as education, health care, housing, economic development, and environmental conservation. Students can also choose to participate in international service projects through Brown’s Global Health Initiative or one of its many other global programs.