Brown College

I went to Brown College way back in 2003 for TV production.

Here are my words of advice to anyone wishing to go to Brown:

1) The general education classes are a joke. They are nowhere near college level. I felt like I was back in Junior High School. Additionally, these classes do not transfer in the MNSCU system. If you decide to go to a MN state college later, you will have to retake all of these classes! I know, because I am having to do this myself and frankly it pisses me off! However, in Brown's defense, I do know for a fact that schools like National American University, DO take Brown's credits. Basically they only transfer amongst "like" schools.

2) Choose your program wisely! It is true, some of the programs at Brown are a joke. One of my relatives was employed by Unysis until he retired last summer. It is common knowledge amongst companies like this, that the Computer Programming degree is a joke. They will not even consider someone who went to Brown for a job. However, I would recommend the technical instruction classes in TV Production. My studio, editing, visual effects, and production teachers were phenomenal. The rest of the classes were a huge waste of my time.

3) Know what your diploma is really worth. For me, my TV diploma was my ticket in the door. Without it I never would have gotten an interview or a job (I worked for Fox9 for 3 years.) However, outside of the TV field, my diploma is somewhat useless. I decided to change careers three years ago and I have basically had to start over from the beginning with my education.

4) Forget Career Services. I had the same experience as another reviewer. Career services will not help you get a job in your job field. I attended job fairs, handed out resumes and found a job on my own. Expect to take the initiative in your own job search.

5) Cost. Brown is ridiculously expensive. Seven years later, I am still trying to pay off my loans.

So, to sum up:
1) Don't take the general education classes. If you're going to Brown, take your generals at a community college first!

2) The only programs generally thought of as not being a joke are TV and Radio.

If you choose to go to Brown...good luck!

Posted 11/01/09 | Report Abuse

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I have always wanted to go to school for graphic design. I did some searching online for potential schools, and Brown always came up. (Probably because they've paid someone to rank their page up in Google). I was extremely surprised by how easy the application process was. I answered a few personal questions, gave the lady $50.00 and was accepted. I suppose it should have sent up a red flag at that point that something wasn't right.

First of all, the school is criminally expensive. It should be unlawful to charge students as much as they do at Brown. Especially with the level of education you receive there. Teachers expect absolutely nothing from you. There is no push or drive from other students. Turning in D work and getting a B is a common occurrence. It almost seems as if they want to set you up for failure later on. The student body is worthless. I've been able to find one or two close friends who actually gave a damn and acted like they wanted to be there. Everyone else just sluffs off and does poor work, which in turn looks bad for the rest of the kids who do actually care about how they are perceived when it comes to job hunting time.

Oh, and the job hunting thing. That's a load of bull. Saying that their career services department was sub par, would be a compliment. I can say with the utmost confidence that I am one of the more talented students in my class, and when I approached my career services lady, I was told to go apply at Kinko's and Officemax. Upon follow up meetings with her, I am constantly made to feel like there is no hope, I won't find a job, and should just be happy with what I have. "Don't I pay you to help me?!?!?"

When all's said, please, for the love of god, don't apply to this school. You will be more in debt that you can possibly fathom, and you'll be working retail for the rest of your life anyways. If you do not have the drive and ambition to go out and learn from experience, your peers, and other outside sources, this school will only disappoint you.

Do they offer refunds on college education?

Posted 06/15/09 | Report Abuse

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I started at Brown College in the Summer of 2006 right after graduating from High School. I should have thought something of it at the time when I was asked for $20,000 in loans right away. Then 6 months later when I was asked for the other $22,000 in loans. Due to some medical issues and personal issues, I did have to take a quarter off from the school. Only to return to $42,000 in debt and still a year and some change from graduation. Again, like a idiot, I signed for more money when I should have stopped at that point.

Shouldn't it be to a point when your dumping this much money in the program and nobody is wondering why your having issues? I understand the whole "For Profit" function of the college. BUT, if your just spinning your tires, should someone say, "Hey, let's figure out what the issues are and help the student to succeed? Vs screwing them out more money?"

Try asking for a tutor if your unavailable during their "Math or Writing Center" hours. They will tell you to hire your own tutor and take care of it after hours. Hmmm, funny, what am I paying them for then???

To end a rant, Avoid this college all potential seekers. You may succeed, but in the end of it, Your still getting screwed by the good ol' B.C.

Posted 05/05/09 | Report Abuse

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1st -- Brown is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology (ACCSCT). 2nd -- The transfer of credits is ALWAYS up to the receiving institution regardless of national or regional accreditation. 3rd -- Brown College does not guarantee employment.

Posted 03/04/09 | Report Abuse

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Yup, looks like the other reviewer had the same experience. Wish I wasn't so young and stupid at the time, but I'm happy I'm not alone here. Parents didn't know any better either. It's 10/07 as I write this and I graduated in '03. Few interviews here and there but no offers and credits will hardly transfer anywhere because of lack of regional accreditation. Although a few of the teachers were great, the degree was a waste. BE WARNED!

Posted 10/14/07 | Report Abuse

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