Overview of Bryn Athyn College of the New Church
Bryn Athyn College of the New Church, located in Bryn Athyn, Pennsylvania, is a small, private liberal arts college affiliated with the General Church of the New Jerusalem, a Christian denomination based on the teachings of Emanuel Swedenborg. Established in 1877, the college is known for its commitment to spiritual exploration, holistic education, and community engagement.
Religious Affiliation and Swedenborgian Tradition: Bryn Athyn College is rooted in the Swedenborgian tradition, named after Emanuel Swedenborg, an 18th-century Swedish scientist, philosopher, and theologian. The college embraces the teachings of Swedenborg, which include a focus on spiritual exploration, the integration of faith and reason, and the idea that the Bible contains a deeper, symbolic meaning.
The religious identity of Bryn Athyn College plays a central role in its academic and community life. Students are encouraged to explore their spiritual beliefs, engage in theological discussions, and develop a deeper understanding of the Swedenborgian tradition.
Academic Programs: Bryn Athyn College offers a range of undergraduate programs in the liberal arts, sciences, and humanities. The academic curriculum is designed to provide students with a well-rounded education that combines intellectual inquiry with spiritual exploration. Majors and minors include fields such as biology, psychology, religious studies, and the arts.
The faculty at Bryn Athyn College are dedicated educators who foster a supportive and intellectually stimulating environment. The college’s commitment to small class sizes allows for personalized attention, mentorship, and meaningful interactions between faculty and students.
Spiritual Development and Chapel Services: Spiritual development is a core aspect of life at Bryn Athyn College. The college holds regular chapel services and worship gatherings, providing students with opportunities for prayer, reflection, and communal worship. The chapel services often incorporate elements of the Swedenborgian tradition, including readings from Swedenborg’s writings and discussions on spiritual topics.
The spiritual dimension of Bryn Athyn College is woven into the fabric of campus life, contributing to a sense of community and shared values among students, faculty, and staff.
Community Life and Service: Bryn Athyn College emphasizes community engagement and service as integral components of the student experience. Students are encouraged to participate in community service projects, both locally and globally. The college’s commitment to service aligns with its mission to instill a sense of social responsibility and a commitment to making positive contributions to the world.
The community life at Bryn Athyn College extends beyond the classroom, with student organizations, clubs, and events that cater to various interests. The sense of community fosters a supportive and close-knit campus environment.
Arts and Culture: Bryn Athyn College values the role of the arts in fostering creativity and self-expression. The college hosts cultural events, performances, and art exhibitions that showcase the talents of students and faculty. The arts are seen as a means of exploring and expressing spiritual themes, enriching the overall educational experience.
New Church Theological School: In addition to its undergraduate programs, Bryn Athyn College is home to the New Church Theological School, which offers graduate-level courses in theology and ministry. The theological school is part of the broader educational mission of the college, providing advanced studies for those interested in pursuing careers in ministry or furthering their theological understanding.
Cultural Heritage and Historic Campus: Bryn Athyn College is situated in a picturesque setting with a historic campus that reflects the cultural heritage of the Swedenborgian tradition. The Glencairn Museum, located on the campus, houses a collection of religious art and artifacts, providing students and visitors with insights into the cultural and religious history of the New Church.
Online Learning: Recognizing the evolving landscape of education, Bryn Athyn College has incorporated online learning options. The college offers online courses, allowing students to engage with the curriculum in a flexible and accessible format. Online courses at Bryn Athyn College maintain the same commitment to academic excellence and spiritual exploration found in traditional on-campus programs.
Alumni Success: Bryn Athyn College has a dedicated and engaged alumni community. Graduates of the college can be found in various professions, including education, ministry, the arts, and community service. The values instilled at Bryn Athyn College contribute to the success and contributions of its alumni in their respective fields.
Bryn Athyn College of the New Church stands as a unique institution that blends academic rigor with spiritual exploration within the context of the Swedenborgian tradition. With a commitment to holistic education, community engagement, and the integration of faith and reason, Bryn Athyn College continues to provide a distinctive educational experience for its students.
2965 College Drive, PO Box 717 Bryn Athyn, PA 19009
Phone: (267) 502-2511
Email: admissions@brynathyn.edu
Web site: http://www.brynathyn.edu
Rankings: Bryn Athyn College of the New Church
Located in Bryn Athyn, PA, Bryn Athyn College of the New Church is one of the best universities in the state of Pennsylvania. On this page, you will find in-depth rankings for Bryn Athyn College of the New Church in the following areas: graduation rates, teaching resources, financing opportunities, and alumni donations. Latest acceptance rate is also given to show how competitive is Bryn Athyn College of the New Church.
Bryn Athyn College of the New Church is ranked among the top 20 regional colleges in the North by U.S. News & World Report, and is also recognized for its excellent academic programs and faculty. The college offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degree options, including business, education, engineering, science and technology. Bryn Athyn’s comprehensive liberal arts program helps to prepare students for success in any field they choose to pursue. The college’s small class sizes ensure that each student receives individual attention from professors who are dedicated to helping them reach their full potential. The college also provides many extracurricular activities and clubs that students can participate in to further enrich their educational experience. Additionally, Bryn Athyn’s campus is located on a beautiful historic estate with access to nearby Philadelphia, allowing students to take advantage of all the city has to offer while still enjoying the quiet atmosphere of Bryn Athyn College. With its diverse student body and commitment to excellence in academics and student life, Bryn Athyn College of the New Church definitely deserves its ranking as one of the top regional colleges in North America.
| Rankings, Ratings, and Admissions Statistics | |
| Peer college rating (out of 5) | 1.6 |
| Graduation and retention ranking: | N/A |
| Average freshman retention rate: | 70.0% |
| 6-year graduation rate: | 23.8% |
| Predicted graduation rate: | 62% |
| Overperformance(+)/Underperformance(-): | -38 |
| Faculty resources ranking: | N/A |
| Classes with under 20 students (2020): | 92.2% |
| Classes with 50 or more students (2020): | 0.0% |
| Student faculty ratio (2020): | 4:1 |
| Percent of faculty who are full-time (2020) | 58.4% |
| Student selectivity ranking: | N/A |
| SAT/ACT 25th-75th percentile (2020) | 950-1300 |
| 2020 Freshmen in top 10 percent of high school class: | N/A |
| Freshmen in top 25 percent of high school class (2020): | N/A |
| Fall 2020 Acceptance rate: | 87.9% |
| Financial resources rank: | N/A |
| Alumni giving rank: | N/A |
| Average alumni giving rate (2020): | N/A |
Essential Facts: Bryn Athyn College of the New Church
- Bryn Athyn College is affiliated with the New Church, a branch of Christianity based on the Bible and the theological writings of Emanuel Swedenborg.
- Bryn Athyn College offers both courses and extracurricular arts opportunities in studio arts, theater, and music.
- The 130-acre campus is located in Bryn Athyn, Pennsylvania, just 14 miles north of center-city Philadelphia.
Rules and regulations Sports Activities
| General Information | |
| Percent of undergraduate students who live in college-owned, operated, or affiliated housing: | 55% |
| Percent of undergraduates who are members of a fraternity: | 0% |
| Percent of student body who are members of a sorority: | 0% |
| Average percentage of students on campus during weekends: | N/A |
| Are all students permitted to have cars on campus? | Yes |
| Percent of students who have cars on campus: | 26% |
| Is alcohol permitted on campus for students of legal age? | No |
| Additional policies and regulations: | class attendance policies set by individual instructors, hazing prohibited |
| Collegiate athletic association: | N/A |
| Men’s scholarship sports: | N/A |
| Women’s scholarship sports: | N/A |
| Student activities: | choral groups, dance, drama/theater, international student organization, music ensembles, student government, student newspaper |