Brenau University: 86.6% Acceptance Rate

86.6%Acceptance

$33,275Tuition

981Students

35%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$54,003Earnings

Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalResearch UniversityNAIAStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Brenau University

Brenau University has championed women's education for nearly 150 years, serving 981 students in the foothills of North Georgia. The university built its reputation on strong performing arts programs and preparing women for leadership roles. With 92% of students being women, Brenau maintains its traditional focus while also admitting men to select graduate programs. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate learning environment in this small city setting.

Students face a sticker price of $47,115 for total attendance, but the average net price drops to $20,786 after aid. Nearly half of students receive Pell Grants, indicating significant financial need in the student body. Graduates earn a median of $54,003 ten years after leaving, which helps justify the typical $27,000 in student debt. The monthly loan payment of $286 represents a manageable burden given career outcomes.

Brenau's Golden Tigers compete in 11 NAIA sports with $1.7 million in athletic scholarships supporting 160 student-athletes. However, academic persistence remains challenging with only 35% of students graduating within six years and a 62% retention rate. The campus houses 447 students, creating a close-knit residential community where 89% of students come from Georgia.

Academics & Faculty

Brenau University specializes in women's education with particularly strong performing arts and theater programs that have earned national recognition. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio provides close mentorship, though the 35.4% six-year graduation rate suggests students face significant academic or financial challenges. Brenau's nursing program maintains solid regional standing, while its education and business degrees serve local workforce needs. The small class sizes allow professors to work individually with students on everything from undergraduate research to career planning. With 92.5% of students being women, the university creates a supportive environment where female students can develop leadership skills without traditional gender barriers found at coeducational institutions.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Full-Time Faculty: 50.6%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 39.1%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 35.4%
Retention Rate: 62.0%
Median Earnings (10 years): $54,003
Carnegie Classification: Doctoral/Professional University

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Health and Medical Administrative Services.	Master	$78,343
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions.	Doctoral	$65,387
Human Resources Management and Services.	Master	$61,516
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Bachelor	$60,523
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Master	$60,173
Accounting and Related Services.	Master	$52,941
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods.	Master	$48,198
Gerontology.	Master	$41,342
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods.	Bachelor	$38,289
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology.	Master	$33,993

View all 75 programs →

Campus Life

Students navigate a compact campus where nearly half of the 447 housing spots fill with residents. The Golden Tigers call a small Georgia city home, about an hour northeast of Atlanta's sprawling metro area. With 92.46% women, the campus creates a supportive sisterhood atmosphere that defines daily interactions. Students bundle up for chilly January mornings but spend most of the year in lighter layers as Georgia's mild climate dominates.

The 11:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and academic struggles. With only 981 total students, you'll recognize faces across the quad and in Pearce Auditorium during performances. The performing arts programs draw talented singers and dancers who practice late into evenings. Weekend trips to Atlanta satisfy students craving city life, while Lake Lanier's beaches provide summer recreation just minutes away. The intimate campus size means student organizations and the 11 varsity sports teams actively recruit members. Nearly 89% of students come from Georgia, creating a hometown feel where regional traditions and Southern hospitality shape the social fabric.

Setting: City-Small
Housing Capacity: 447 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1878

Campus Safety (2023)

7 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential
Fondling	1	1
Rape	1	1
Stalking	1	1
Motor Vehicle Theft	1	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 33°–50°F
July Avg: 69°–87°F
Annual Precipitation: 107.1"
Annual Snowfall: 1.9"

Student Demographics

Brenau draws students who want a close-knit women's college experience in north Georgia. Nearly 9 out of 10 students come from Georgia, reflecting the university's strong regional reputation among families seeking single-gender education. The student body is diverse, with students of color making up more than half the enrollment. Many students come from working-class backgrounds, as nearly half receive Pell Grants. This creates a community where first-generation college students and women seeking leadership opportunities in fields like nursing, education, and the arts can thrive together.

Men: 7.5%
Women: 92.5%
White: 43.7%
Black: 24.5%
Hispanic: 19.0%
Asian: 1.8%
In-State Students: 88.6%
Pell Grant Recipients: 46.7%

Location

Brenau University sits in Gainesville, Georgia, about 50 miles northeast of Atlanta. The campus occupies a historic district in this city of 42,000 residents. Gainesville serves as the gateway to Lake Lanier, one of the most visited lakes in America. The North Georgia mountains provide a scenic backdrop just minutes from campus. Students enjoy a classic college town atmosphere with downtown shops and restaurants within walking distance. The area attracts outdoor enthusiasts year-round with hiking trails, water sports, and mountain recreation nearby. Gainesville's location offers small-town charm while keeping major city amenities accessible by car. Students considering colleges in Georgia may also compare Brenau University with similar schools in the region.

Address: Gainesville, Georgia 30501-3668

BRENAU COLLEGE DISTRICT, GAINESVILLE, HALL COUNTY, GA

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $54,003
Median Earnings (5 years): $57,264
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $41,300
Loan Repayment Rate: 45.4%
Monthly Loan Payment: $286/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $27,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Brenau University?

Brenau University accepts 86.55% of applicants, making admission relatively accessible for prospective students. This women-focused institution in Gainesville has built its reputation around nurturing students in the performing arts and liberal arts. The high acceptance rate reflects Brenau's commitment to providing educational opportunities to a diverse range of students.

How much does Brenau University cost after financial aid?

Students at Brenau University pay an average net price of $20,786 after financial aid, less than the sticker price of $33,275 for tuition. Nearly half of students (46.71%) receive Pell Grants, indicating strong support for lower-income families. The university's generous aid packages help make this private women's education accessible to students from various economic backgrounds.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Brenau University?

Brenau University maintains an 11:1 student-faculty ratio with just 981 total students, creating an intimate learning environment. This small size allows for personalized attention that supports the university's strong programs in performing arts and women's leadership development. The close-knit campus culture has been a hallmark of Brenau since its founding in 1878.

What are the graduation rates at Brenau University?

Brenau University has a 39.13% four-year graduation rate and a 35.40% six-year graduation rate, which are below national averages. However, graduates earn a median salary of $54,003 ten years after graduation, demonstrating the value of the education despite completion challenges. The university's focus on women's helpment and performing arts creates strong career networks for those who complete their degrees.

Where is Brenau University located and what is campus life like?

Brenau University sits in Gainesville, Georgia, a small city setting that provides a tight-knit community atmosphere. With housing capacity for 447 students and a 61.98% retention rate, many students develop strong connections to the campus. The Golden Tigers compete in 11 NAIA sports with 160 total athletes, creating school spirit despite the small enrollment.

Is Brenau University still a women's college?

Brenau University remains predominantly a women's institution with 92.46% female enrollment and only 7.54% male students. This gender composition reflects the university's historical mission as a women's college founded in 1878, though it now admits men in certain programs. The strong focus on women's education continues to attract students seeking helpment and leadership development in a supportive environment.