Berry College

Mount Berry, GA

private nonprofitgraduate

Find Scholarships Here

Quick Facts

2,213

Total Students

$40K

Tuition (In-State)

$40K

Tuition (Out-State)

$22K

Avg Net Price

62%

Acceptance Rate

74%

Graduation Rate

6-year

83%

Retention Rate

Master's Colleges & Universities

Classification

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Berry College

Experience education on 30,000 acres, built by students, sustained by history.

Nestled on a sprawling 30,000-acre campus, Berry College offers a truly unique educational journey rooted in its rich history. Founded in 1902 by Martha Berry, the institution began as the 'Boys Industrial School,' built on the revolutionary idea that students could work to earn their education, helping to construct and maintain the very campus they called home. This pioneering work-study model evolved, welcoming girls in 1909 and eventually growing into a senior college graduating its first class in 1932.

Berry College is renowned for its commitment to practical learning and its stunning natural environment, greatly expanded by a significant donation from Henry Ford during the 1930s. The early ethos of self-sufficiency and communal effort has shaped a distinctive student experience, though modern practices include paying student workers and offering a diverse, inclusive environment.

The institution's academic strength is underpinned by its long-standing accreditation by the SACS since 1957, reflecting a consistent dedication to quality education. Beyond its core college programs, Berry extends its educational mission through the Berry College Elementary and Middle School, providing a comprehensive learning environment for younger students right on its expansive campus. Prospective students will find a college deeply connected to its origins, offering both a vibrant academic life and an unparalleled sense of community and place.

Key Highlights

✦Founded in 1902 by Martha Berry as an innovative industrial school where students worked for their education.
✦Features a vast 30,000-acre campus, significantly expanded with support from Henry Ford.
✦Graduated its first senior college class in 1932, evolving from a junior college.
✦Achieved accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) in 1957.
✦Pioneered a work-study model, initially exchanging labor for education, and later paying student workers.
✦Home to the Berry College Elementary and Middle School, serving students up to eighth grade with a 1:12 teacher-to-student ratio.

Timeline

1902

Martha Berry founded the "Boys Industrial School" on 83 acres of land.

1904

Became the first approved school of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

1909

The "Martha Berry School for Girls" was added, forming the Berry Schools.

1926

The school became a junior college.

1932

Graduated its first senior college class.

1930s

Campus grew to 30,000 acres, aided by a large donation from Henry Ford.

1957

Berry College became accredited by the SACS.

1960s

Began paying student workers instead of crediting accounts; ended mandatory religious services.

1977

Berry College Academy (later Berry College Elementary and Middle School) was established.

Schools & Colleges

1 notable schools within Berry College

🏫

Berry College Elementary and Middle School

A private school located on Berry College's mountain campus, established in 1977, serving students from elementary to eighth grade with a focus on extended class days and a low teacher-to-student ratio.

Find Scholarships at Berry College

Start Your Free Search