Overview of Berry College
Berry College, located in Mount Berry, Georgia, is a private liberal arts college known for its expansive campus, commitment to student work experiences, and emphasis on a holistic education. Founded in 1902 by Martha Berry, the college follows the traditions of the Southern United States and is situated on one of the world’s largest campuses, spanning more than 27,000 acres. Berry College is dedicated to providing a well-rounded education that combines academic excellence, work experience, and a sense of community.
Academic Programs: Berry College offers a range of undergraduate programs in the arts, humanities, sciences, social sciences, and business. The college places a strong emphasis on a liberal arts education, aiming to develop critical thinking, effective communication, and problem-solving skills among its students. The academic programs are designed to provide a foundation for lifelong learning and prepare students for success in their chosen fields.
Experiential Learning: A distinctive feature of Berry College is its commitment to experiential learning. The college operates on the belief that education is not limited to the classroom but extends to practical experiences that prepare students for real-world challenges. This commitment is evident in the LifeWorks program, which integrates work experience into the academic curriculum. Students are required to work on campus for at least 10 hours per week, gaining valuable skills and contributing to the overall campus community.
Work Program: The Student Work Program at Berry College is deeply embedded in the institution’s culture. It is the largest campus-based work program in the country, and students engage in a variety of jobs, from administrative roles to maintaining the campus grounds. This program not only helps offset the cost of education but also instills a strong work ethic and a sense of responsibility in students.
Beautiful Campus: One of the standout features of Berry College is its stunning campus, which encompasses woodlands, meadows, and a large freshwater reservoir known as Berry College’s Viking Exploratory Center. The scenic beauty of the campus provides a tranquil and inspiring setting for learning and personal growth. The Martha Berry Museum and Oak Hill, the historic home of Martha Berry, offer glimpses into the college’s history and mission.
Community Engagement: Berry College emphasizes community engagement as an integral part of the educational experience. Students are encouraged to participate in service projects and volunteer opportunities in the local community. This commitment to service aligns with the college’s mission of developing responsible citizens who contribute positively to society.
Small Class Sizes and Personalized Attention: With a low student-to-faculty ratio, Berry College fosters a close-knit academic community where students receive personalized attention from faculty members. This allows for meaningful interactions, mentorship opportunities, and a supportive learning environment. Professors at Berry are not only dedicated educators but often play a crucial role in guiding students through their academic and personal development.
Interdisciplinary Studies: Berry College promotes interdisciplinary studies, recognizing the interconnectedness of various fields of knowledge. Students have the flexibility to explore diverse subjects and customize their academic experience. The college encourages a well-rounded education that prepares students for adaptability in a rapidly changing world.
Animal Science Program: One of Berry College’s unique features is the Animal Science Program, which includes the Berry College Dairy and the Berry College Eagle Cam. The dairy serves as an educational and research facility where students gain hands-on experience in animal husbandry, and the Eagle Cam provides a live stream of a bald eagle nest on campus, allowing students and the public to observe and study wildlife.
Arts and Culture: Berry College supports a vibrant arts and culture scene on campus. The college hosts various events, performances, and exhibitions that showcase the talents of students and faculty. The creative and artistic expression is valued as an integral part of the college experience.
Athletics: Berry College competes in NCAA Division III sports as a member of the Southern Athletic Association (SAA). The college’s athletic programs include a variety of sports, and student-athletes have the opportunity to balance their academic pursuits with athletic achievements.
Berry College stands out for its commitment to a holistic education that combines academic rigor with experiential learning and a strong sense of community. The college’s unique work program, stunning campus, emphasis on service, and dedication to interdisciplinary studies contribute to a transformative educational experience for its students.
PO Box 490279 Mount Berry, GA 30149
Phone: (706) 236-2215
Email: admissions@berry.edu
Web site: http://www.berry.edu
Rankings: Berry College
Located in Mount Berry, GA, Berry College is one of the best universities in the state of Georgia. On this page, you will find in-depth rankings for Berry College in the following areas: graduation rates, teaching resources, financing opportunities, and alumni donations. Latest acceptance rate is also given to show how competitive is Berry College.
Berry College is a private liberal arts college located in Rome, Georgia. It is ranked as one of the top liberal arts colleges in the United States, with an overall ranking of #81 according to US News and World Report. Founded in 1902, it has consistently earned high rankings for its academic excellence and exceptional faculty. The college offers more than 70 majors and minors, as well as numerous graduate programs. It also boasts one of the best study abroad programs in the country and offers a variety of extracurricular activities and clubs for students to get involved with. Berry College also has a strong commitment to sustainability, which is reflected in its campus initiatives such as composting, energy efficiency initiatives, and green building practices. The college’s commitment to sustainability has earned it recognition from the Princeton Review’s Guide to Green Colleges. Additionally, Berry College was recently ranked #2 among all colleges by Forbes Magazine for “Best Value” among private institutions; this ranking reflects Berry’s commitment to providing access to a quality education at an affordable price point. All these factors contribute to Berry College’s impressive rankings among other liberal arts colleges across the nation.
| Rankings, Ratings, and Admissions Statistics | |
| Overall Ranking: | 112 |
| Score: | 49 |
| Peer college rating (out of 5) | 2.9 |
| Graduation and retention ranking: | 157 |
| Average freshman retention rate: | 76.8% |
| 6-year graduation rate: | 61.0% |
| Predicted graduation rate: | 74% |
| Overperformance(+)/Underperformance(-): | -13 |
| Faculty resources ranking: | 68 |
| Classes with under 20 students (2020): | 68.5% |
| Classes with 50 or more students (2020): | 0.5% |
| Student faculty ratio (2020): | 11:1 |
| Percent of faculty who are full-time (2020) | 88.5% |
| Student selectivity ranking: | 113 |
| SAT/ACT 25th-75th percentile (2020) | 1020-1240 |
| 2020 Freshmen in top 10 percent of high school class: | 34% |
| Freshmen in top 25 percent of high school class (2020): | 65% |
| Fall 2020 Acceptance rate: | 70.4% |
| Financial resources rank: | 68 |
| Alumni giving rank: | 129 |
| Average alumni giving rate (2020): | 24.6% |
Essential Facts: Berry College
- Academically, it has difficult requirements for admission test scores, generally admitting students who score in the top 36 percent.
- Unlike large state schools, Berry has a tight knit community. Everyone rallies together when there’s a problem or student in need. Berry College is an amazing place to graduate from!
- Successful applicants typically send ACT scores in the top 27 percent nationally. We estimate the school accepting minimum ACT composite scores around 21 in some instances.
Rules and regulations Sports Activities
| General Information | |
| Percent of undergraduate students who live in college-owned, operated, or affiliated housing: | 79% |
| Percent of undergraduates who are members of a fraternity: | N/A |
| Percent of student body who are members of a sorority: | N/A |
| Average percentage of students on campus during weekends: | 60% |
| Are all students permitted to have cars on campus? | Yes |
| Percent of students who have cars on campus: | 95% |
| Is alcohol permitted on campus for students of legal age? | No |
| Additional policies and regulations: | class attendance policies set by individual instructors, hazing prohibited, other |
| Collegiate athletic association: | NAIA |
| Men’s scholarship sports: | N/A |
| Women’s scholarship sports: | N/A |
| Student activities: | campus ministries, choral groups, concert band, dance, drama/theater, international student organization, jazz band, literary magazine, model UN, music ensembles, musical theater, student government, student newspaper, symphony orchestra, television station, yearbook |