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Brenau University

Gainesville, GA

private nonprofitgraduate

Quick Facts

981
Total Students
$33K
Tuition (In-State)
$33K
Tuition (Out-State)
$21K
Avg Net Price
87%
Acceptance Rate
35%
Graduation Rate
6-year
62%
Retention Rate
Doctoral/Professional Universities
Classification

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

About Brenau University

Brenau University: Where tradition meets innovation, empowering women and fostering co-educational excellence.

Brenau University, established in 1878, offers a distinctive educational experience that blends its rich heritage as a women's college with comprehensive co-educational programs. What began as the Georgia Baptist Female Seminary (though never religiously affiliated) was renamed Brenau in 1900, a name signifying "gold refined by fire"—a powerful testament to its enduring motto. Today, Brenau proudly maintains its residential undergraduate Brenau Women's College, while also embracing diversity through co-educational undergraduate, graduate, and online programs, creating a dynamic learning environment for all.

Academically, Brenau is renowned for its broad-based liberal arts education, supporting over 50 areas of study. Its commitment to leadership development is evident in the interdisciplinary Women's Leadership Certificate Program. The university has significantly expanded its graduate offerings through the Sidney O. Smith Jr. Graduate School, becoming a Level V doctoral degree-granting institution. This expansion includes highly respected programs like the Doctor of Nursing Practice, Doctor of Occupational Therapy, Doctor of Physical Therapy, and a Master of Fine Arts in Interior Design, showcasing Brenau's academic rigor and forward-thinking approach.

The student experience at Brenau is shaped by its supportive community and emphasis on personal growth. Whether you're drawn to the unique sisterhood of the Women's College, the focused studies of a graduate program, or the flexibility of online learning, Brenau provides a setting where students can thrive. Beyond academics, the university enriches the community by hosting the Northeast Georgia History Center, further cementing its role as a hub for education and cultural preservation in the region. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, Brenau ensures a high-quality, impactful education.

Key Highlights

  • Founded in 1878, Brenau University began as a private institution for the education of women.
  • Features a unique blend of a residential undergraduate Brenau Women's College and co-educational programs across graduate, online, and other undergraduate offerings.
  • Adopted the motto "As Gold Refined by Fire" in 1900, reflecting its name from German "brennen" (to burn) and Latin "aurum" (gold).
  • Offers over 50 areas of study, underpinned by a strong liberal arts foundation and an interdisciplinary Women's Leadership Certificate Program.
  • Became a Level V doctoral degree-granting institution in 2010, offering advanced degrees including Doctor of Nursing Practice, Occupational Therapy, and Physical Therapy.
  • Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
  • Home to the Northeast Georgia History Center, preserving regional history and providing educational programming.

Timeline

1878
Founded as a private institution for women, initially named Georgia Baptist Female Seminary.
1900
H. J. Pearce purchased the institution and renamed it Brenau, adopting the motto "As Gold Refined by Fire."
1911
Brenau College transitioned to a not-for-profit institution governed by a board of trustees.
1928
Created a female, residential, college-preparatory school serving grades 9 through 12.
1960
Began offering evening and weekend classes to both men and women apart from Women's College classes (late 1960s).
1992
Brenau College became Brenau University, reflecting its expanded programs and scope.
2002
Offered its first online programs to meet student needs.
2004
The Northeast Georgia History Center opened on Brenau University's campus.
2010
Approved as a Level V doctoral degree-granting institution by SACSCOC; launched its first terminal degree, a Master of Fine Arts in Interior Design.
2011
Launched the Doctor of Nursing Practice program.
2014
The first cohort of the Doctor of Occupational Therapy program began.
2015
A Doctor of Physical Therapy Program began.

Schools & Colleges

2 notable schools within Brenau University

🏫

The Women's College of Brenau University

Continues the tradition of education for women, serving both residential and commuter students with a strong emphasis on broad-based liberal arts and an interdisciplinary Women's Leadership Certificate Program.

🎓

Sidney O. Smith Jr. Graduate School

Established to focus on the needs of graduate students, offering a wide array of master's, education specialist, and doctoral-level programs including Doctor of Nursing Practice, Doctor of Occupational Therapy, and Doctor of Physical Therapy.

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