College comparison

Brown vs Northwestern

A side-by-side of acceptance rate, test scores, and cost — source-cited estimates, not guarantees. Want the number that actually matters for your student? Model your admit odds at each.

Metric	Brown Providence, RI	Northwestern Evanston, IL
Acceptance rateBrown University is more selective	5%	8%
SAT (25–75)	1510–1580	1510–1570
ACT (25–75)	—	—
Undergrad enrollment	7,226	9,201
Avg net price	$25,184	$29,167
Test policy	—	—
Type	Private (nonprofit)	Private (nonprofit)
Location	Providence, RI	Evanston, IL

Quick answers

Is Brown University or Northwestern University harder to get into?

Brown University is more selective: Brown University's acceptance rate is approximately 5% and Northwestern University's is approximately 8% (estimates from public and primary sources).

What SAT score do you need for Brown University vs Northwestern University?

The middle-50% SAT range is 1510–1580 at Brown University and 1510–1570 at Northwestern University. Scores outside these bands are still admitted, especially with strong applications.

Figures are estimates compiled from public datasets (College Scorecard / IPEDS) and primary sources; verify with each institution before relying on them.

These outputs are estimates from a baseline model — not guarantees of admission, cost, or outcome.