Brown University, an Ivy League institution, recently announced a concerning decrease in the racial and socioeconomic diversity of its incoming freshman class. This drop comes as the first cohort admitted following the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling that barred race-conscious admissions. The university revealed that among the 1,725 new first-year students, only 18% came from groups historically underrepresented in higher education, marking a significant decline from the 27% seen in the previous year’s cohort.
Logan Powell, the associate provost for enrollment and dean of undergraduate admission at Brown, acknowledged that while the newest class of students remains diverse to some extent, it is notably less diverse than in previous years. He emphasized the importance of the university’s mitigation efforts in preventing an even more substantial decrease in racial and socioeconomic diversity among incoming students. Powell’s statement reflects the challenges faced by selective colleges in adapting their admissions policies in response to the Supreme Court’s ruling.
As colleges across the country release demographic data for their incoming classes, the impact of the Supreme Court’s ruling on admissions practices is becoming increasingly apparent. Institutions like the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have also reported a decrease in racial and ethnic diversity among their incoming cohorts, attributing this trend to the court’s decision. A spokesperson for MIT expressed regret over the exclusion of well-qualified applicants from historically underrepresented backgrounds, highlighting the detrimental effects of the ruling on the admissions process.
Similarly, Brown University observed declines in representation across every racial and ethnic group tracked, with the exception of Asian students. Black and African American students experienced the most significant drop, comprising only 9% of the incoming cohort compared to 15% in the previous year. The proportion of Hispanic and Latinx students also decreased to 10% from 14% in 2023, while students identifying as American Indian, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, or Pacific Islander accounted for just 1.5% of the cohort, down from 2% the year before. Despite white students remaining the largest racial or ethnic group on campus, their numbers also decreased from 46% to 43% this year.
Moreover, Brown University witnessed an increase in incoming students who chose not to disclose their race, rising by 3 percentage points to 7% in 2024. Additionally, the university noted a decline in the number of freshmen qualifying for financial aid, with only 45% receiving need-based scholarships or grant aid compared to 50% in the previous year. Brown suggested that challenges associated with the updated Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) may have discouraged prospective students, particularly those with high financial need, from applying for admission.
In response to the anticipated loss of student diversity following the ban on race-conscious admissions, Brown University implemented several proactive measures to address the issue. The university expanded its outreach efforts to community organizations serving underrepresented students in higher education, increased recruitment travel to bring prospective students from rural areas to campus, and established partnerships with historically Black colleges and a military academy. These initiatives aimed to enhance race-neutral strategies for attracting a diverse and talented incoming class, with a continued focus on prioritizing diversity in future admissions cycles.
Looking ahead to the Class of 2029, Brown University will require applicants to submit standardized test scores for the first time since the onset of the pandemic. The decision to reintroduce testing stemmed from internal research suggesting that students from less advantaged backgrounds may have chosen not to submit scores that could have bolstered their chances of admission. In conjunction with the return to testing, the university plans to increase educational outreach to help applicants understand how their scores are contextualized within the broader context of their academic record, background, and opportunities.
In conclusion, Brown University’s recent announcement regarding the decrease in diversity among its incoming freshman class underscores the ongoing challenges faced by selective colleges in maintaining equitable admissions practices. As institutions navigate the implications of the Supreme Court’s ruling on race-conscious admissions, it is evident that concerted efforts are needed to ensure that all students, regardless of background or identity, have access to higher education opportunities. By prioritizing diversity and implementing strategic initiatives, universities like Brown can work towards creating more inclusive and representative student bodies that reflect the rich tapestry of our society.
