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Admissions / Financial Aid

We seek candidates for admission to our Masters programs who are intellectually curious, highly motivated, and well prepared for the study of public policy. Students from a variety of different backgrounds and fields of study are welcome to apply. Our admissions committee evaluates candidates based on several different considerations: personal essays, official academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, community activities, relevant job experience, extra-curricular activities, standardized test performance, and other factors brought to our attention in the application process.

Interested students must submit the following materials to be considered for admission to the two-year Masters of Public Policy program or the one-year Masters of Public Affairs program:

  • application for admission
  • official transcripts of all prior academic work at institutions of higher education
  • three letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with your academic potential
  • official Graduate Record Examination scores use
    ( Brown University Institution Code 3094);
    (Code for Public Policy Studies:  1903)
  • TOEFL scores (international applicants only)
  • the non-refundable application fee

Students matriculate into the program at the beginning of the fall semester.  To be considered for financial aid, students should apply by January 1.  Students applying for financial aid after this deadline will be considered only to the extent that money is available.

Students can request an application online by visiting http://www.brown.edu/Divisions/Graduate_School/ or they can call the Brown University Graduate School at (401) 863-2600. Completed applications may be submitted online at the Graduate School website or sent via postal mail to: Brown University Graduate School, Box 1867, Providence, Rhode Island 02912-1867.

The Taubman Center offers financial aid to a large percentage of students who are admitted to the program. To be considered for financial aid, students should mark the appropriate box on the university application form. No separate application financial aid form is required for consideration. All scholarships are awarded on a competitive, merit basis. Scholarship awards vary and may be renewable for a second year for MPP students.

To apply for federal loans, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAPSA). This form is available from the Federal Student Aid Program at (800) 433-3243. Alternatively, students can fill out this form online at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov.

In addition to scholarships and loans, admitted applicants are eligible for student employment at Brown University. The Brown Office of Student Employment posts a large number of jobs for which admitted students may apply. Compensation varies with the type of work undertaken. The Center's Public Opinion Laboratory regularly hires students for interviewing positions. In addition, faculty work on a wide range of research projects that provide job opportunities for students.