Date October 8, 2026
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Brown University to waive undergraduate application fee for Providence public school students

Beginning with prospective undergraduates seeking to enter Brown in Fall 2027, a new waiver will eliminate the application fee for Providence public school students.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. [Brown University] — As part of its longstanding commitment to supporting students in its home city, Brown University is waiving its undergraduate application fee for Providence public school students who apply for admission.

Seniors at all Providence public high schools, including the Providence Public School District’s 12 high schools and more than 10 additional public and charter high schools in the city, are eligible for the fee waiver beginning in Brown’s current application cycle. Eligible students can access the waiver through the Common Application, which all prospective students complete during the admission process. The waiver, which eliminates the $80 application fee, will apply to both early decision and regular decision applicants.

Brown President Christina H. Paxson said the goal is to encourage more local students to consider Brown. 

“Establishing the application fee waiver for Providence public school students is one additional step we can take to support local students thinking about attending Brown,” Paxson said. “We want to see even more Providence students on campus — visiting, taking part in programs and opportunities, and ultimately considering Brown —and the cost of applying should not stand in the way.”

By removing the application fee, we hope to build on our partnerships with local schools, get more students excited about Brown and help them see the University as a real possibility.

Logan Powell Associate Provost for Enrollment and Dean of Undergraduate Admission
 
Logan Powell speaks at a podium to a crowd on A Day on College Hill admissions event.

The waiver is the latest in Brown’s efforts to remove financial barriers for applicants. In 2017, the University began waiving the application fee for high school students eligible for the federal free or reduced lunch program, as well as those participating in federal, state or local programs that support students from low-income families. For those who are admitted, Brown meets 100% of demonstrated financial need and covers full tuition for families earning $125,000 or less with typical assets, while students from families making less than $60,000 a year receive scholarships that cover all expenses — tuition, room, board, books and other costs. 

“We know that Providence students are tremendously talented,” said Logan Powell, associate provost for enrollment and dean of undergraduate admission. “By removing the application fee, we hope to build on our partnerships with local schools, get more students excited about Brown and help them see the University as a real possibility. For students and families who may be able to afford applications to only a handful of colleges, we want Brown to be a school they can consider without hesitation.” 

Providence public school students, families, educators and community members can learn more about the fee waiver and access the full list of qualifying schools on Brown’s undergraduate admission website. The website also offers guidance on the application process, financial aid resources and opportunities to connect directly with Brown’s Office of College Admission.