“Brown University is a perennial “hot college,” with an overwhelming number of happy students and many more clamoring to join their ranks. Once here, students receive not only a prestigious and quality education, but also a chance to explore their creative sides at a liberal arts college that does not emphasize grades and pre-professionalism and shuns required courses. Brown’s environment and policies have drawn both praise and criticism over the years, but its students thrive on this discussion and lively debate.” ~ Fiske Guide to Colleges 2021
Brown University is a private Ivy League research university in Providence, Rhode Island. Founded in 1764, Brown is the seventh-oldest institution of higher education in the U.S. It ranks fourteenth in the US News & World Report 2018 edition of Best Colleges is National Universities.
Brown sets itself apart from the other Ivy schools because it is the only Ivy League institution providing students with an “open” curriculum. Brown has eliminated the mandatory “general education (core)” classes and instead allows students to be “the architects of their own syllabus.” Students are even allowed to take any course for a grade of satisfactory or unrecorded no-credit. The University’s signature academic program for undergraduates encourages intellectual exploration and risk-taking and fosters rigorous multidisciplinary study in nearly 80 concentrations, ranging from Egyptology to Cognitive Neuroscience to Business, Entrepreneurship, and Organizations.
Brown is the only Ivy League school that offers applicants interested in the medical field an eight-year program in liberal medical education (PLME). This program combines undergraduate and professional studies in a single program. For those with an interest in art and design, accepted students to Brown can take classes at the world-renowned Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). Brown and RISD also offer a 5-year program by which students can receive degrees from both institutions. Its School of Engineering prepares students for careers that will make a difference by seeking solutions to current problems that challenge our society. Brown is frequently recognized for its global reach, many cultural events, numerous campus groups and activities, and active community service programs.
In 2018, Brown released “The Brown Promise.” The Brown Promise is a tuition-based initiative that will eliminate loans from all undergraduate financial aid packages awarded by Brown. For more information regarding Brown’s Financial Aid policies, including Brown’s MyinTuition Calculator, please visit: Brown University Financial Aid Link.
The Brown Men’s rugby program (BRFC) was founded in 1960, and the Women’s Rugby program (BWRFC) in 1977. Both programs compete in the Ivy Rugby Conference against the other 7 Ivy League schools. The men’s program has qualified for USA Rugby’s Collegiate National Championships twice in the last 6 years with the last time being 2017. They carry over 50 players on their roster fielding multiple sides on the weekends. The men have won the Ivy League 15’s Championship in 1974, 1975, 1976, 1980, 1983, 1985, 1986, 1997, 1988, 1995 and 1996 and have won the 7’s Championship in 2011 and 2018. Despite not being a full varsity sport, the men’s program holds an elevated status with athletics, enjoying a number of varsity privileges such has access to the David J. Zucconi ’55 Varsity Strength & Conditioning Center.
The Brown Women’s program is now an NCAA D1 program. Prior to being a varsity program, the program was historically one of the top-ranking club teams in Division I. Brown reached the USA Rugby National Championships Round of 16 and won the Ivy Championship six years in a row. In 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2012, Brown competed in the semi-final national championship game – the furthest the club has ever gotten in its history.
In recognition of the team’s success and the dedication of its alumni and supporters, in Spring of 2013, Brown University changed the status of Brown Women’s Rugby team from club to NCAA varsity with the ability to recruit student-athletes. As a varsity program, the team has access to athletic trainers at all trainings, matches and is available for rehab care. Our state-of-the-art weight training facility and dedicated strength and conditioning coaches work to prepare the athletes for the physical demands of the sport.
As a varsity sport, the women also have access to academic tutors and a specific academic liaison to ensure academic success. The team plans to continue its success, building a perennial powerhouse through its developmental and competitive side. The team boasts an active roster of approximately 30 players, many of whom have never played a game of rugby until their college years. What the players lack in experience, they make up for in athleticism and drive.
Rugby players who aspire to attend Brown University have the opportunity to get a world-class education and still be able to participate in competitive rugby.
Website: www.brown.edu Undergraduate Enrollment: 7,125 Graduate School Enrollment: 2,689 Average Class Size: 69% fewer than 20 students Average GPA: Not Listed, 91% in Top 10% of class Middle 50% SAT: Critical Reading: 720-770; Math: 740-800 Middle 50% ACT: 33-35 Admission Deadline: Early Decision Nov 1, Regular Decision Jan 1 Acceptance Rate: 5% (Class of 2026)
Men’s Team Website: http://www.brown.edu/Athletics/Brown_Men_Rugby/index.php Men’s Head Coach: David Laflamme – david_laflamme@brown.edu Women’s Team Website: https://brownbears.com/index.aspx?path=wrugby Women’s Head Coach: Rosalind Chou - rosalind_chou@brown.edu
Extras: Brown is a “need-blind” institution, Brown / RISD relationship.
Photos courtesy of Brown University Athletics and the Brown Daily Herald. Data & facts were pulled from Brown University’s website, US News & World, and each team’s website.