Head-to-Head Comparison
Brown University vs University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
- Brown Wins
- 25
- Tied
- 12
- Minnesota-Twin Cities Wins
- 11
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Brown University achieves a higher graduation rate (96% vs 85%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $25,184 compared to University of Minnesota-Twin Cities's $16,778 for in-state paths. Students who choose University of Minnesota-Twin Cities benefit from a cost structure that keeps debt manageable while maintaining competitive graduate earnings of $69,020 at ten years.
48 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Brown
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $93,487 ten years after enrollment, 35% more than University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
- Higher grad rate: 96% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $11,428, the lower of the two
- More selective: Admits 5% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
Minnesota-Twin Cities
- Lower cost: Average net price of $16,778, roughly $8,406 a year less
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Brown graduates concentrate in Social Sciences (23% of degrees); Minnesota-Twin Cities in Business & Marketing (13%). If you already know the field you want, the choice is mostly made for you.
Based on each school's share of degrees by field (College Scorecard). It shows where graduates actually concentrate, not the only path a school offers.
Which School Fits You?
Pick Brown University over University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. Median earnings of $93,487 ten years after enrollment vs $69,020.
Pick University of Minnesota-Twin Cities over Brown University. Net price $16,778 vs $25,184.
Pick Brown University over University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. 96% completion rate vs 85%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Brown University and University of Minnesota-Twin Cities are close on paper, but Brown University wins the head-to-head, leading on 4 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
Brown University is the harder admit. It takes 5% of applicants, while University of Minnesota-Twin Cities takes 80%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,546 to 1,362.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Brown University sets the higher bar. The less selective school is easier to get into, which can work in your favor rather than against it.
What it costs
On price, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $16,778, about $8,406 a year below Brown University's $25,184. Graduates of Brown University also borrow less: median debt of $11,428, against $19,500.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $33,624 before any change in aid. Choosing University of Minnesota-Twin Cities leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Brown University graduates report median earnings of $93,487, compared with $69,020 at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. That is a 35% advantage. Set against borrowing, Brown University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.12x to 0.28x.
So what: An earnings gap of 35% this early in a career tends to widen, since raises build on the higher base. Of the measures on this page, this one carries the most financial weight.
Finishing the degree
Brown University graduates a larger share of its students, 96% versus 85%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 11% is a risk measure. Students at the school with the lower rate face higher odds of leaving with debt and no degree, the most expensive outcome in higher education.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick University of Minnesota-Twin Cities to keep costs and debt down; pick Brown University for the higher earnings ceiling.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 5 of 6 core signals used here; where one school is missing a figure, that row is left out of the comparison rather than estimated.
Counterintuitive Insights
The cheaper school is not the lower-earning one here. University of Minnesota-Twin Cities saves about $8,406 a year, yet Brown University graduates earn $24,467 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
Their academic identities diverge. Brown University concentrates enrollment in Social Sciences, while University of Minnesota-Twin Cities leans toward Business & Marketing. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $25,184 runs well above University of Minnesota-Twin Cities's $16,778.
- Business and consulting-track students: Brown University has less business program depth, and University of Minnesota-Twin Cities offers the stronger options.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $19,500, against $11,428 at Brown University.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of University of Minnesota-Twin Cities's enrollment, and Brown University is stronger here.
- Students who want a smaller campus: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities's enrollment of 31,855 far exceeds Brown University's 7,226.
Full Data Breakdown
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 4 metrics
Cost & Financial Aid 9 metrics
Academics 5 metrics
Student Body 6 metrics
Outcomes 6 metrics
Social Mobility (Chetty) 4 metrics
Social Capital 3 metrics
Research (Times HE) 4 metrics
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
Brown University
Providence, RI · Private nonprofit
With an acceptance rate of just 5%, Brown University in Providence, RI, is a selective option that attracts students driven to excel academically and personally. It’s a place for those who thrive in a collaborative environment and are eager to dive into programs like Social Sciences, Computer Science, Biology, Mathematics, and Engineering. The high graduation rate of 96% speaks to the strong support system in place, making it a solid choice for ambitious students.
After graduation, Brown alumni see impressive earning potential, with a median income of $93,487 ten years post-graduation. This financial trajectory suggests that graduates are not just securing jobs, but often moving into roles that reward their hard work. While this school may come with a price tag, the outcomes reflect a community that values education and shapes successful careers.
When it comes to the finances, the net price after aid stands at $25,184, and the median debt is relatively manageable at $11,428. This is encouraging, especially for students who may be concerned about student loans. Those who tend to thrive here are often self-motivated and ready to engage deeply with their studies, taking full advantage of the opportunities that come their way.
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Minneapolis, MN · Public
With an enrollment of over 31,000 students, the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities stands out as a vibrant public university where a diverse array of students can thrive. If you're interested in business, biology, computer science, engineering, or psychology, you're likely to find a strong community here. The 80% acceptance rate shows that the university is accessible to many, making it an attractive option for students from various backgrounds seeking to gain a solid education in these fields.
After graduation, students can expect a median earning of around $69,020 within ten years, which is a promising number that speaks to the value of a degree from this university. While the data on mobility rates isn't available, the strong graduation rate of 85% suggests that most students are completing their programs and moving into the workforce with a competitive edge. This financial outlook is further enhanced by the affordability of the education, allowing graduates to step into their careers without overwhelming debt.
Speaking of costs, the net price after financial aid stands at approximately $16,778, which is quite manageable compared to many other institutions. With a median debt of $19,500, students here tend to leave with a reasonable financial burden. The university attracts those who are motivated and ready to invest in their futures, and it seems well-suited for individuals who are driven and eager to engage in a collaborative learning environment.
Rankings They Appear On
Brown University is featured on the Best Colleges in Rhode Island ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Brown's top program is Sociology (23% of enrollment), while Minnesota-Twin Cities leads with Business Administration (13%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Brown) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Minnesota-Twin Cities).
The two schools feed different job markets. Brown University is strongest in Social Sciences, Mathematics & Statistics, while University of Minnesota-Twin Cities concentrates in Business & Marketing, Engineering. Those concentrations determine which recruiters show up on campus and where alumni cluster by industry. Match the school's program strengths to the field you plan to enter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Brown University or University of Minnesota-Twin Cities?
Brown University is harder to get into, admitting 5% of applicants compared with 80% at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.
Which is more affordable, Brown University or University of Minnesota-Twin Cities?
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities is more affordable, with an average net price of $16,778 after aid versus $25,184 at Brown University.
Do Brown University or University of Minnesota-Twin Cities graduates earn more?
Brown University graduates earn more: median earnings of $93,487 ten years after enrollment, versus $69,020 at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.
Which has a better graduation rate, Brown University or University of Minnesota-Twin Cities?
Brown University has the higher graduation rate, 96% versus 85%.
Should you choose Brown University or University of Minnesota-Twin Cities?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose University of Minnesota-Twin Cities if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Brown University if you're optimizing for post-grad earnings. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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