Brown University vs Boston College: A Comprehensive Guide

In your quest for quality education in the Northeastern US, you might be comparing Brown University vs. Boston College.

These two institutions have unique histories, academic programs, and student experiences. This comprehensive guide will provide detailed information about each university, so you can better understand what each has to offer and decide which school is a better fit for you.

Location and Campus Size

Brown University is located in Providence, Rhode Island, while Boston College is located in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts — a wealthy suburb of Boston. Brown’s campus is relatively small, with 143 acres, while Boston College’s campus is much larger, with 339 acres.

Brown is within Providence’s densely-populated urban area, making it more accessible to the city’s amenities. In contrast, Boston College is more secluded and has its own commuter rail station.

Despite Brown’s smaller campus size, it boasts a diverse range of architectural styles, from colonial to modernist. The campus is also home to several notable landmarks, including the John Hay Library and the Pembroke Campus, which was once a women’s college.

Additionally, Brown’s location in Providence provides students with easy access to cultural attractions such as the Rhode Island School of Design Museum and the Providence Performing Arts Center.

Boston College’s larger campus size allows for a wider range of facilities and amenities, including multiple sports fields, a golf course, and a campus recreation center. The campus is also home to several notable landmarks, including the Gasson Hall bell tower and the McMullen Museum of Art.

Boston College’s location in Chestnut Hill provides students with a quieter, more suburban environment, while still being within close proximity to the city of Boston.

Majors and Programs Offered

Brown and Boston College offer a range of undergraduate majors and programs. Brown has over 80 fields of study and encourages interdisciplinary exploration. Students can combine multiple areas of study and even design their own major.

Boston College also has a wide variety of undergraduate majors but is particularly known for its strong liberal arts offerings, including philosophy and theology.

In addition to their undergraduate programs, both Brown and Boston College also offer graduate programs in various fields.

Brown has graduate programs in areas such as engineering, public health, and education, while Boston College offers graduate programs in fields such as law, social work, and business.

Furthermore, both universities have a variety of research centers and institutes that provide opportunities for students to engage in cutting-edge research and scholarship.

Brown has research centers focused on topics such as brain science, environmental studies, and public policy, while Boston College has centers focused on areas such as Irish studies, entrepreneurship, and social justice.

Student Life and Extracurricular Activities

Brown and Boston College offer students plentiful opportunities to get involved on campus and in the surrounding communities. Brown has over 500 student organizations, covering areas such as politics, music, and community service.

Boston College has over 300 student organizations, including cultural clubs, club sports, and student government. Both schools offer students plenty of options for recreational and cultural activities, including concerts, lectures, and film screenings.

Additionally, both Brown and Boston College have strong athletic programs, with opportunities for students to participate in varsity, club, and intramural sports.

Brown is a member of the Ivy League and offers 38 varsity sports teams, while Boston College is a member of the Atlantic Coast Conference and offers 31 varsity sports teams. Both schools also have state-of-the-art athletic facilities, including gyms, pools, and fields.

Furthermore, both schools have active community service programs, providing students with opportunities to engage in meaningful volunteer work. Brown’s Swearer Center for Public Service offers a variety of programs, including community-based research, advocacy, and direct service.

Boston College’s Office of Student Involvement also offers community service opportunities, including service trips and partnerships with local organizations.

Career Services and Post-Graduate Outcomes

Brown and Boston College provide students with robust career services and opportunities for post-graduate success. Brown has the CareerLAB, which offers individualized coaching and resources in career exploration, internships, and job search strategies.

Boston College has the Career Center, which provides similar support and hosts career fairs, networking events, and employer presentations. Graduates from both Brown and Boston College have gone on to successful careers in a variety of industries and fields.

Additionally, both Brown and Boston College have strong alumni networks that provide valuable connections and mentorship opportunities for current students. These networks can help students secure internships and job opportunities, as well as provide guidance and advice on career paths.

Furthermore, both universities offer programs and resources for students interested in entrepreneurship and starting their own businesses. Brown has the Nelson Center for Entrepreneurship, which provides funding, mentorship, and workshops for student entrepreneurs.

Boston College has the Shea Center for Entrepreneurship, which offers similar resources and hosts events and competitions for student startups.

Athletics and Sports Programs Offered

Both Brown and Boston College have competitive athletic programs and offer a range of intercollegiate sports, including football, basketball, and hockey. Brown is a Division I program that competes in the Ivy League, while Boston College competes in the Atlantic Coast Conference as a Division I program.

Additionally, both universities offer a number of club sports and opportunities for recreational athletics and fitness.

Aside from the traditional sports, both universities also offer unique athletic programs. Brown University has a highly regarded rowing team, which competes in the Eastern Association of Rowing Colleges.

Boston College, on the other hand, has a strong skiing program, with access to nearby mountains for training and competitions.

Furthermore, both universities prioritize the well-being of their student-athletes. They provide resources such as athletic trainers, sports psychologists, and nutritionists to ensure that their athletes are healthy and performing at their best.

Both universities also have strict policies on concussion management and injury prevention, ensuring that their athletes are safe while competing.

Campus Safety and Security Measures

Brown and Boston College prioritize the safety and well-being of their students. Both universities have campus police departments, and safety measures such as emergency phones and call boxes are positioned throughout each campus.

Brown has a safety escort program and provides resources for students to report incidents of bias and harassment. Boston College has a crisis management plan and offers training to students and staff on safety procedures and awareness.

In addition to these measures, both universities have implemented new safety protocols in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Brown has implemented a daily symptom tracking system for students, faculty, and staff, and requires face coverings to be worn in all indoor public spaces.

Boston College has also implemented a daily symptom tracking system and requires all students, faculty, and staff to participate in regular COVID-19 testing.

Furthermore, both universities have established partnerships with local law enforcement agencies to enhance campus safety. Brown has a close relationship with the Providence Police Department and collaborates with them on safety initiatives.

Boston College has a partnership with the Boston Police Department and works with them to ensure the safety of students both on and off campus.

Housing Options for Students

Brown and Boston College offer a range of housing options for undergraduate students. Brown has a variety of on-campus residence halls, suites, and apartments, as well as off-campus housing options. Boston College also has on-campus residence halls and apartments, as well as off-campus housing options.

Both universities prioritize creating a sense of community and belonging among their students and offer resources and support for students living on campus.

Additionally, both universities offer specialized housing options for students with specific needs or interests. For example, Brown has substance-free housing options for students who choose to live in an environment free from drugs and alcohol.

Boston College offers themed housing options, such as the Women’s Experience floor, which provides a supportive community for female-identifying students. These specialized housing options allow students to live with peers who share similar values and interests, creating a more personalized and fulfilling living experience.

Research Opportunities for Undergraduates

Brown and Boston College are both research-focused institutions and provide undergraduate students with opportunities to conduct original research and engage in innovative projects. Brown has the Undergraduate Teaching and Research Award program, which allows students to propose independent research projects and receive funding for their work.

Boston College has the University Fellowships Program, which provides students with funding for research, internships, and other academic pursuits.

Additionally, both institutions have research centers and institutes that offer undergraduate students the chance to work alongside faculty members on cutting-edge research projects.

Brown’s Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs and Boston College’s Institute for the Liberal Arts are just two examples of the many research centers available to undergraduates. These centers provide students with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in their field of study and contribute to important research in their respective fields.

Study Abroad Programs Offered

Brown and Boston College both offer study abroad programs for undergraduate students, with opportunities for language immersion, research, and cultural exchange. Brown has over 200 approved study abroad programs, including both semester-long and year-long options.

Boston College has over 100 approved programs and encourages students to explore a range of countries and cultures. Both universities prioritize international education as a key component of a well-rounded undergraduate experience.

In addition to the traditional study abroad programs, both Brown and Boston College also offer alternative options for students who may not be able to commit to a full semester or year abroad.

Brown offers short-term programs during winter and summer breaks, as well as a unique program called “Maymester” which allows students to study abroad for the month of May. Boston College offers a variety of faculty-led programs, which are typically shorter in duration and led by a BC professor.

These alternative options provide students with the opportunity to gain international experience and cultural exposure, even if they have limited time or resources.

Student Support Services Available on Campus

Brown and Boston College offer a range of student support services, including academic advising, counseling, and wellness resources. Brown’s Student Support Services team provides individualized resources and support for students with disabilities, as well as academic coaching and study skills workshops.

Boston College has the University Counseling Services, which offers counseling and mental health support to undergraduate students, and the Office of Learning Resources, which provides academic support for students with different learning needs.

In addition to these services, both Brown and Boston College have career centers that offer resources and support for students seeking internships, jobs, and career guidance. Brown’s CareerLAB provides career counseling, networking opportunities, and workshops on resume writing and interviewing skills.

Boston College’s Career Center offers similar services, as well as career fairs and employer information sessions.

Campus Sustainability Initiatives

Brown and Boston College both actively promote sustainability and environmental responsibility on their campuses. Brown has an Office of Sustainability, which oversees initiatives such as composting and renewable energy efforts, and encourages greater awareness and environmental advocacy among students.

Boston College has the Department of Sustainability, which participates in initiatives such as waste reduction and provides educational and outreach opportunities for students to learn about climate change and sustainability practices.

In addition to these initiatives, both universities have implemented sustainable transportation options for students and staff. Brown offers a bike share program, as well as discounted public transportation passes to encourage the use of public transit.

Boston College has a shuttle service that runs on biodiesel fuel and has implemented a carpooling program for students and staff. These efforts not only reduce carbon emissions, but also promote healthy and active lifestyles.

History of Brown University and Boston College

Brown University was founded in 1764 and is the seventh-oldest college in the United States. Originally a Baptist-affiliated institution, Brown has evolved over the years to become a nonsectarian Ivy League university known for its emphasis on interdisciplinary study and progressive intellectual inquiry.

Boston College was founded in 1863 and is a private Jesuit Catholic university. The university is known for its strong liberal arts tradition and its commitment to social justice and community service.

As you consider your college options, remember to take into account not only the academic programs and campus culture of each school but also the location and size of the campus, extracurricular opportunities, and campus resources.

With its unique blend of innovation, interdisciplinary study, and socially responsible values, Brown University may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, Boston College offers an exceptional liberal arts education with a commitment to service and its Jesuit values. You can’t go wrong with either of these remarkable institutions.

It is interesting to note that both Brown University and Boston College have a strong commitment to research and innovation.

Brown University has a long history of groundbreaking research in fields such as neuroscience, computer science, and environmental studies. The university is also home to the Brown Institute for Brain Science, which brings together researchers from different disciplines to study the brain and its functions.

Boston College, on the other hand, has a strong focus on research in the humanities and social sciences. The university’s Institute for the Liberal Arts supports research and scholarship in areas such as philosophy, history, and literature.

Both universities offer students the opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in their respective fields.