Brown University

Brown University's open curriculum, though celebrated for flexibility, often leaves graduates without marketable specializations, resulting in 45% of surveyed alumni reporting difficulty finding jobs directly related to their degree. This lack of structure underperforms #6 Yale's directed studies model, which provides clearer career pathways. The curriculum's freedom becomes a liability in competitive fields, where structured programs at rival schools like the University of Chicago offer more robust professional preparation. Consequently, Brown's return on investment, with a median starting salary of $65,000, trails behind more focused peers, making its prestige feel hollow.