About Berry College
Berry College sprawls across 27,000 acres, making it the largest contiguous college campus in the world. This liberal arts college in small-town Georgia enrolls 2,213 students who combine traditional academics with hands-on work experience. The college's work program has students managing everything from the campus farm to the school's facilities. Students score an average 1200 on the SAT, and 66% of applicants get accepted.
The sticker price hits $55,646, but most students pay far less. The average net price drops to $21,568 after aid kicks in. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $16,036 annually. Graduates earn a median $53,800 ten years out, while carrying $23,250 in debt. Monthly loan payments average $246, making this a reasonable investment for most graduates.
Women make up 63% of the student body at this Georgia institution. The Vikings compete in Division III sports across 22 teams, with 483 total athletes. About 74% of students come from in-state. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio keeps classes small. Students stick around, with an 83% retention rate, though the four-year graduation rate of 69% suggests many take their time finishing.
The sticker price hits $55,646, but most students pay far less. The average net price drops to $21,568 after aid kicks in. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $16,036 annually. Graduates earn a median $53,800 ten years out, while carrying $23,250 in debt. Monthly loan payments average $246, making this a reasonable investment for most graduates.
Women make up 63% of the student body at this Georgia institution. The Vikings compete in Division III sports across 22 teams, with 483 total athletes. About 74% of students come from in-state. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio keeps classes small. Students stick around, with an 83% retention rate, though the four-year graduation rate of 69% suggests many take their time finishing.
Academics & Faculty
Berry College operates as a liberal arts college that blends traditional classroom learning with practical work experience through its student work program. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio ensures professors know students personally and can provide individualized attention. With a 73.90% six-year graduation rate, most students successfully complete their degrees despite the college's rigorous academic and work requirements. The school is particularly known for its education, business, and animal science programs. Students gain real-world skills by working in campus operations, from the dairy farm to administrative offices. This combination of academics and hands-on experience prepares graduates for immediate employment, with a 97% employment rate within six months of graduation.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 12:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 77.4%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 69.4%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 73.9%
- Retention Rate
- 83.0%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $53,800
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Small)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $70,176 |
| Curriculum and Instruction. | Master | $61,020 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $51,482 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $50,439 |
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $46,673 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $43,798 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $40,747 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $39,369 |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $38,289 |
| Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs, Other. | Bachelor | $35,810 |
Campus Life
Berry College's 27,000-acre campus creates a unique college experience where students regularly encounter deer, wild turkeys, and cattle while walking to class. The campus sits about 75 miles northwest of Atlanta, giving students access to a major city while maintaining a rural, peaceful atmosphere. Georgia's mild climate means light jackets suffice for winter, though summer heat calls for plenty of water bottles. With housing capacity for 1,979 students and total enrollment of 2,213, nearly 90% of students live on campus, creating a tight-knit residential community.
The 12:1 student-faculty ratio fosters close relationships between professors and students. Berry is famous for its work program, where students earn money through campus jobs ranging from managing the campus dairy to maintaining the extensive grounds. Weekends often involve hiking the numerous trails, attending athletic events for the Vikings' 22 varsity teams, or exploring nearby Rome, Georgia. The 62.68% female student body contributes to a collaborative rather than competitive atmosphere. Students frequently gather around the campus lake or participate in outdoor activities that take advantage of the massive, scenic campus.
The 12:1 student-faculty ratio fosters close relationships between professors and students. Berry is famous for its work program, where students earn money through campus jobs ranging from managing the campus dairy to maintaining the extensive grounds. Weekends often involve hiking the numerous trails, attending athletic events for the Vikings' 22 varsity teams, or exploring nearby Rome, Georgia. The 62.68% female student body contributes to a collaborative rather than competitive atmosphere. Students frequently gather around the campus lake or participate in outdoor activities that take advantage of the massive, scenic campus.
- Setting
- Suburb-Small
- Housing Capacity
- 1,979 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1902
Campus Safety (2023)
28 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rape | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 30°–52°F
- July Avg
- 67°–89°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 55.1"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.4"
Student Demographics
Berry College draws students who value both academic rigor and practical experience, with women making up nearly two-thirds of the 2,213 students. Three-quarters come from Georgia, reflecting the school's strong regional reputation for combining liberal arts with hands-on work programs. About one in four students receives Pell Grants, showing the college serves middle-class families seeking affordable education. The gender split reflects Berry's strength in education, nursing, and other fields that traditionally attract more women, while the work program appeals to students who want real-world experience alongside their degrees.
- Men
- 37.3%
- Women
- 62.7%
- White
- 72.4%
- Black
- 8.6%
- Hispanic
- 10.1%
- Asian
- 2.8%
- In-State Students
- 74.5%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 24.3%
Location
Berry College sits in Mount Berry, Georgia, about 70 miles northwest of Atlanta. The 27,000-acre campus sprawls across the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in northwest Georgia's rural landscape. With just 2,213 students, the college creates an intimate community within one of the most expansive college campuses in the world. The small-town setting offers a stark contrast to urban college experiences, with rolling hills, forests, and pastoral views defining the environment. Nearly 75% of students come from in-state, reflecting Georgia's draw to this unique mountain setting. Students considering colleges in Georgia may also compare Berry College with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Mount Berry, Georgia 30149
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $53,800
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $51,866
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $32,300
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 72.7%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $246/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $23,250
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Berry College?
Berry College accepts 66.31% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1200. The college attracts students who want a close-knit liberal arts education on the world's largest contiguous college campus.
How much does Berry College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $21,568 after aid, less than the $55,646 sticker price. The college provides institutional grants averaging $29,670 to about one-third of students, making this private education more accessible.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Berry College?
Berry College maintains a 12:1 student-faculty ratio with just 2,213 total students. This small liberal arts college emphasizes personalized attention and combines classroom learning with hands-on work experience programs.
What do Berry College graduates earn after graduation?
Graduates earn a median salary of $53,800 ten years after graduation with typical monthly loan payments of $246. The college boasts a 97% employment rate and focuses on preparing students for careers through its unique work-study programs.
Where is Berry College located and what is campus life like?
Berry College sits on 27,000 acres in Mount Berry, Georgia, making it the largest contiguous college campus in the world. With housing capacity for 1,979 students and 22 varsity sports teams, the campus offers abundant outdoor recreation and athletic opportunities.
Does Berry College offer athletic scholarships?
Berry College offers $0 in athletic scholarships as a NCAA Division III institution. The 483 student-athletes compete in the Southern Athletic Association and represent about 22% of the total student body, playing for the love of their sport rather than financial compensation.
