PROVIDENCE, R.I. [Brown University] — On Wednesday, Dec. 17, Brown University invited 890 students who applied through its early decision program to become the first members of its undergraduate Class of 2030.
The University delayed the release of the decisions by two days following a tragic act of violence that devastated the campus community. While Brown continues to mourn the loss of two beloved students and support the healthy recovery of other community members impacted, University leaders said they recognize that admission decisions mark a very important day for the many talented applicants to Brown.
As work to support both current and future Brown students continues, the University admitted 890 students from a pool of 5,406 early decision applicants who demonstrated a tremendous array of academic achievements, talents and interests, said Associate Provost for Enrollment and Dean of Admission Logan Powell. He added that the applicants reflect the University’s commitment to making a Brown education accessible to accomplished students who will contribute a wide range of ideas, perspectives and experiences.
“The inaugural members of the Class of 2030 represent a remarkable blend of intellectual curiosity, creativity and resilience,” Powell said. “The first members of the newest generation of Brunonians were drawn to Brown’s signature student-centered learning, possess an astounding array of interests and talents, and demonstrate an eagerness to embrace a Brown education to empower them to lead successful lives and careers in a complex and changing world.”
The 890 admitted students demonstrated characteristics including a commitment to collaboration, the self-motivation to be architects of their own education, and a desire to solve problems and make a difference in the world, Powell said.
“These extraordinary students are not only incredibly accomplished and brilliant, but also demonstrate a willingness to challenge themselves, to risk failure and to learn from those experiences,” Powell said. “This ethos of intellectual risk-taking and embracing a diversity of ideas, perspectives and experiences is fundamental to a Brown education, and our newest students will help strengthen an academic community grounded in the pursuit of knowledge and understanding.”
Of the admitted students, 66% applied for financial aid, and 16% will be the first in their family to attend college — characteristics that reflect the University’s dedicated outreach to prospective students who come from rural, first-generation and low-income backgrounds, Powell said. Fifty-two students were admitted through Brown’s partnership with QuestBridge, a national nonprofit that works to equalize access to top colleges and universities for high school students from low-income families.
Brown has continued to strengthen its financial aid packages and introduced new access initiatives to help enroll students from every socioeconomic and geographic background, from rural areas to students who are military veterans, according to Powell. In the last year, this has included measures like the expansion of Brown’s travel grant program for prospective and admitted low-income students to enable travel to campus; a fall fly-in program for students and counselors affiliated with organizations focused on high-achieving low-income students from around the country; and the establishment of five new regionally based admissions positions focused on local recruiting across the U.S., working with high schools and community-based organizations, Powell said. It also includes an expanded network of alumni volunteers who serve as beacons for information, inspiration and engagement with prospective students, Powell said.
“Our new and expanded outreach is incredibly robust, and it supports Brown’s commitment to the recruitment, matriculation and retention of a diverse community of students capable of achieving the highest standards of academic excellence,” Powell said. “We continue to invest in actions that ensure a dynamic pool of highly qualified students can learn about Brown’s generous financial aid, support for academic success and innovative approach to career exploration.”
The students admitted to the Class of 2030 through early decision represent 46 U.S. states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, as well as a broad range of countries across the world. Among the admitted students, the U.S. states from which the highest numbers of admitted students hail are New York, California, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Texas, Connecticut, Florida, Pennsylvania, Georgia and Virginia.
Among the admitted students, 453 are enrolled in public high school, 333 attend private school, 100 attend religious school and four are homeschooled. The group includes 23 students who intend to enroll in Brown’s distinctive eight-year Program in Liberal Medical Education.
Brown’s Office of College Admission informed early decision applicants on Sunday, Dec. 14, that notifications would be delayed until Wednesday, Dec. 17, at 7 p.m. given the tragic events on the University’s campus. The deadline for regular decision applications for Brown’s undergraduate Class of 2030 is Monday, Jan. 5, 2026.