UT Austin comparison · vs Brown
UT Austin vs Brown University
UT Austin in-state tuition is $11,688/year vs Brown in-state at $68,000/year. Out-of-state at UT is $44,908/year vs Brown out-of-state at $68,000/year. For out-of-state families, the Texas residency pathway can convert the UT non-resident rate to the resident rate in 12 months, making UT after residency the cheapest of the four classifications.
Summary
UT Austin and Brown represent different university models. Brown is a top-15 US private Ivy League research university in Providence, RI, distinctive for its Open Curriculum (no required distribution). UT is a top-30 public flagship. Brown sticker: ~$68,000/year. UT non-resident: $44,908. Brown offers substantial need-based aid.
Cost comparison
| Tuition + Required Fees | UT Austin | Brown | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-state (resident) | $11,688 | $68,000 | UT cheaper by $56,312 |
| Out-of-state (non-resident) | $44,908 | $68,000 | UT cheaper by $23,092 |
| UT after Texas residency | $11,688 | vs Brown in-state: $56,312 cheaper at UT |
Brown sticker approximately $68,000/year. Brown need-based aid meaningful for lower-and-middle-income families. UT with Texas residency pathway dramatically cheaper.
Where UT Austin wins
- UT non-resident at $44,908 is materially cheaper than Brown sticker at $68,000
- UT after Texas residency at $11,688 is dramatically cheaper than Brown
- McCombs Business is top-tier undergrad business (Brown has no business school)
- Cockrell Engineering is stronger than Brown Engineering
- Larger undergraduate program breadth
- Austin tech ecosystem vs Providence area
Where Brown wins
- Brown ranks top 15 nationally
- Brown Open Curriculum is distinctive (no required courses; students design own path)
- Brown-RISD dual degree program is unique (with Rhode Island School of Design)
- Small undergraduate focus (~7,000 undergrads)
- Ivy League brand recognition
- Brown need-based aid is generous (no loans for families under $150K)
Program comparison
For overall prestige: Brown wins. For undergrad Business: UT wins decisively (Brown has no business school). For CS: comparable at top-15 tier. For Engineering: UT wins. For interdisciplinary liberal arts with open curriculum: Brown wins.
Admissions comparison
Brown acceptance rate ~5%; UT ~31% overall. Brown is dramatically more selective. Brown emphasizes intellectual curiosity and initiative (Open Curriculum design).
Culture and campus
Brown is in Providence, RI, mid-sized New England city. Brown culture emphasizes intellectual freedom, small-college feel, creative interdisciplinary work. UT Austin is much larger urban public research university.
The Texas residency angle
For families admitted to Brown with substantial aid: Brown can be competitive with UT. For higher-income families: UT after Texas residency is dramatically cheaper. Open Curriculum vs UT structured degree paths is a fit question.
Frequently asked questions
Is Brown better than UT?
What is Brown's Open Curriculum?
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