Openness - Brown's Defining Climate
Brown University's predecessor was the College of Rhode Island which was founded in 1764. Brown is famed for its distinctive undergraduate curriculum dating to 1969 - 70. The curriculum harks back to a philosophy shaped by the University's fourth President Francis Wayland (presidency: 1827 - 1855). The curriculum is characterized by the rich freedom students have in shaping their own academic programme. Students will be challenged to define liberal education for themselves.

A Globally and Nationally Recognized University
In the Times Higher Education-QS World University Rankings 2009, Brown was ranked 31st. Brown is not only a globally recognized university but also a major university in the US. Brown has been ranked 15th among US national universities, as shown in the 2011 edition of America's Best Colleges published by U.S. News & World Report in August 2010.

The Brown faculty's commitment to undergraduate teaching is unusual, as evidenced in U.S. News & World Report: America's Best Colleges: 2011 Edition where the University was ranked 6th among US national universities in undergraduate teaching. In a survey done by U.S. News & World Report in spring 2010, the guidance counsellors from America's Best High Schools were invited to answer the question of which US national universities they think offer the best undergraduate education to their students. Brown was ranked 6th by the counsellors.

A Very Special City and State - Brown's Home
Brown is housed in a very unique city and state. Providence is a "Renaissance" city of arts and cross-culturalism. It is the capital of Rhode Island, which was the first of the 13 colonies to declare independence. Rhode Island has historically fostered a strong spirit of independence among its citizenry - the majestic State House is topped with a statue of "the Independent Man."