Brown vs. Olin College

Comparable Facts

Compare Brown University in Providence, RI with Franklin W Olin College of Engineering in Needham, MA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Brown University is larger than Olin College based on total student enrollment (11,956 students vs. 405 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Brown University is located in Providence, RI (Midsize City setting); Franklin W Olin College of Engineering is in Needham, MA (Large Suburban setting).
• Brown University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Franklin W Olin College of Engineering is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Brown University 6:1; Franklin W Olin College of Engineering 9:1.

Brown vs. Olin College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Brown or Olin College? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Brown University than Olin College ($26,256 vs. $43,184).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Brown University are 16.2% lower than at Franklin W Olin College of Engineering ($17,444 vs. $20,810).
• Brown University is 7.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Olin College (about $5,014 more per year; $71,412.00 vs. $66,398.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 7.6% higher at Brown than at Franklin W Olin College of Engineering (about $5,014 more per year; $71,412.00 vs. $66,398.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Franklin W Olin College of Engineering than at Brown University (100% vs. 52%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Brown University students is 41.8% larger than aid received by Franklin W Olin College of Engineering students ($61,392 vs. $43,290).

Brown vs. Olin College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Brown or Olin College? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Olin College and Brown.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Brown University (1550) is 20 points higher than at Olin College (1530).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Brown University 1510/1580; Franklin W Olin College of Engineering 1493/1558.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Brown University 34/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Brown - Required; Olin College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Brown Jan 5, 2027; Olin College Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Brown students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.94) than students at Olin College (3.9).
• Olin College has a higher acceptance rate (25.2%) than Brown (5.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 65.2% at Brown vs. 43.7% at Olin College.

Brown vs. Olin College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Brown and Olin College? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Franklin W Olin College of Engineering's six-year graduation rate (96%) is higher than Brown University's (95%).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Franklin W Olin College of Engineering graduates have a $290 lower median loan debt than Brown graduates ($14,710 vs. $15,000).
• Among borrowers, Olin College graduates have an estimated $3 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Brown graduates ($152 vs. $155).

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.