I don't think Brown being an Ivy should matter, the MFA program should, and I don't think the funding package for Brown is that great considering just how expensive Boston is. This is from http://themfayears.com/fully-funded-programs/
Brown University: “In the first year, all graduate students receive a fellowship that pays a monthly stipend and covers tuition, the health fee, and health insurance. Fellowships do not require employment or teaching. The stipend for the 2014-2015 academic year is $11,500 (payable at the end of the month from September through May).
Between the first and second academic year, students in good standing receive a summer stipend of $2,500 (payable at the end of the month from June through August).
In the second year, all graduate students in good standing who are qualified will be awarded teaching assistantships. Teaching assistants teach one undergraduate writing workshop per semester, and receive a full stipend, tuition, health fee, and health insurance. The stipend for the 2014-2015 academic year is $23,000.”
Whereas Michener:
University of Texas, James Michener Center: “each admitted student receives a Michener Fellowship of $27,500 per academic year, plus remission of all required tuition and fees.”
Doing the math in my head, Michener gives out 18K more over a two year period and doesn't require /give their students (the opportunity to?) teach. I wish I had applied to the Michener!