Brown vs. UChicago: How Do Their Need-Based Financial Aid Policies Compare?

For a high-need applicant, Brown and UChicago have very similar core commitments: both meet 100% of demonstrated financial need for admitted undergraduates and package that aid without student loans. Neither school uses FAFSA’s Student Aid Index as the final answer to what your family can pay; each makes its own institutional need calculation using the CSS Profile, tax information, assets, and family circumstances. The practical difference will usually come from how each college evaluates your particular income, savings, home equity, business ownership, and any unusual expenses.

Brown’s Brown Promise replaces loans with scholarships or grants in every need-based aid package. UChicago likewise provides need-based grants instead of loans.

Apply for aid at both schools and run both net price calculators using the same accurate financial information. If admitted, compare the actual grants, parent contribution, work expectation, and whether any outside scholarships reduce grant aid. If a parent’s job loss, medical costs, or another major change is not reflected in the tax year requested, both financial-aid offices have processes for reconsidering an award.