PROVIDENCE, R.I. [Brown University] — Brown University offered admission to 1,511 prospective members of next year’s entering undergraduate class on Thursday, March 27. Admitted through Brown’s regular decision process, the students join 907 early decision applicants offered admission in December 2024 for a total admitted class of 2,418.

The admitted students were selected from a total pool of 42,765 applicants to Brown’s Class of 2029, who hailed from every U.S. state and 167 countries. Many of the high-achieving students from a diverse array of backgrounds and experiences were drawn to Brown’s rigorous, student-centered approach to education, said Logan Powell, associate provost for enrollment and dean of undergraduate admission.

“This year’s cohort of admitted students are an exceptionally gifted group, showcasing remarkable intellect, creativity and passion for learning both inside and outside the classroom,” Powell said. “With intentional outreach, our admissions team worked to extend the University’s reach, making a Brown education accessible to bright and ambitious students from communities across the country and the globe.”

Among the admitted students, 19% will be the first in their family to attend college, and 73% indicated an intent to apply for financial aid — a reflection of Brown’s commitment to expanding opportunities for students from all socioeconomic backgrounds and ensuring they can thrive as they complete their Brown degrees, Powell said.

Brown has continued to strengthen its financial aid packages and introduce new access initiatives, and the University meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for all who enroll. The University also introduced a need-blind admission process for international students starting with Class of 2029 applicants, meaning both domestic and international students now are admitted without regard to their ability to pay tuition.

“The wide-ranging characteristics of this year’s applicants coincide with dedicated outreach to prospective students who come from a broad array of backgrounds, interests and intended areas of study,” Powell said. “These students have demonstrated a profound commitment to serving their communities, and we were struck by their creative and thoughtful approaches to solving problems. They also showed a desire to contribute to Brown’s dynamic academic environment and an appreciation for the knowledge they will both share and gain as part of our vibrant academic community.”

Powell said the total number of applicants saw a decrease from last year, which was expected following the University’s reinstatement of its requirement that applicants for first-year admission submit standardized tests scores. However, the pool reflects a 16% increase in applications compared to the admitted Class of 2024 — the last to be admitted before Brown implemented a temporary test-optional policy when the COVID-19 pandemic forced the closure of high schools and ACT/SAT testing centers.

“Our admissions team offered enhanced outreach to students and counselors, emphasizing that standardized test scores are considered within the context of each applicant’s background and as just one part of a holistic review process” Powell said. “The centerpiece of our communications has been that we’re looking for excellence in context: for students who have excelled in their environment, exceeded expectations, made the most of their opportunities, overcome obstacles, and who truly shined in their local setting.”

When comparing the cohort to the admitted Class of 2024 — the most recent before four test-optional years — Powell noted remarkable indicators of expanded access among the Class of 2029 applicants, enabled in part by dedicated outreach by Brown’s admissions staff.

“The number of first-generation applicants increased by 24%, the number of applicants from rural areas and small towns grew 10%, and the number of applicants who attend public school rose by 16%,” Powell said. “Students indicating they will apply for financial aid increased by 23% compared to Class of 2024 applicants, and students who attended high school in Rhode Island rose 29%.”

He said Brown has strengthened outreach to help more prospective students learn about the University’s generous financial aid, support for academic success, innovative career support and more. Those efforts come as part of a commitment to sustaining the diversity of perspectives and experiences that is central to achieving the highest standards of academic excellence and preparing students to grow and lead in a complex world.

“The admitted members of the Class of 2029 show a commitment to engaging in rigorous and respectful debate about a range of issues, and they will bring together a wealth of talent, perspectives and a deep sense of intellectual curiosity that will enrich the Brown community in countless ways,” Powell said.

Geographically, the admitted students represent 89 nations, all 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Ninety students were admitted through Brown’s partnership with QuestBridge, a national nonprofit that works to equalize access to top colleges and universities for talented high school students from low-income families. Those QuestBridge students comprise 4% of admitted students, a number that has steadily grown over the last decade, surging from 64 students last year.

Among the admitted students, the top countries represented outside the United States are Canada, China (including Hong Kong), the United Kingdom, India and South Korea. The U.S. states from which the highest numbers of admitted students hail are California, New York, Massachusetts, New Jersey and Texas. Among the admitted students, 1,444 are enrolled in public high school, 735 attend private school, 230 attend religious school and six are homeschooled. The admitted students include 64 students who will enroll in Brown’s distinctive eight-year Program in Liberal Medical Education, and 21 students admitted to the Brown-RISD dual-degree program.

Applicants began logging on to a secure website at 7 p.m. Eastern time on Thursday, March 27, to learn the status of their applications. Following the release of admission decisions, Brown will host two admitted student programs on campus for the Class of 2029. A Day on College Hill sessions will take place on Friday, April 11, and Thursday, April 24, for students who are able to visit Providence in person. The University will also continue to support admitted students with virtual programming that provides opportunities to explore, learn, ask questions and connect to the campus while showcasing the Brown community.

Admitted students have until Thursday, May 1, to accept the University’s offer of admission.