Brenau University

Gainesville, GA

private nonprofitgraduate

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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: Blending historic women's college tradition with innovative co-educational programs.

Brenau University, founded in 1878 as a private institution for women, has evolved from a proprietary college into a comprehensive, not-for-profit university governed by an independent board of trustees. While upholding its proud legacy with the residential undergraduate Brenau Women's College, the university has expanded to offer co-educational programs across its campuses, online, and at the graduate level, ensuring a dynamic and inclusive learning environment.

Known for its broad-based liberal arts education, Brenau offers over 50 areas of study designed to support both traditional and non-traditional students. Its distinctive name, 'Brenau,' meaning 'gold refined by fire,' reflects its enduring motto and commitment to excellence. The university's academic strengths are further showcased in its diverse graduate offerings, including specialized doctoral programs in Nursing Practice, Occupational Therapy, and Physical Therapy, alongside a Master of Fine Arts in Interior Design.

Prospective students will find a university that values tradition while embracing modern educational needs. The Women's College provides unique opportunities for leadership development through an interdisciplinary certificate program, while the university's co-educational graduate and online programs cater to a wide array of professional and personal aspirations. Brenau University is deeply embedded in its community, hosting the Northeast Georgia History Center, which enriches the student experience with local historical context.

Key Highlights

✦Founded in 1878 as a private institution for women, evolving into a comprehensive university.
✦Maintains the traditional residential Brenau Women's College alongside co-educational undergraduate, graduate, and online programs.
✦Offers over 50 areas of study with a strong emphasis on a broad-based liberal arts education.
✦Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
✦Designated as a Level V doctoral degree-granting institution, offering DNP, OTD, and DPT programs.
✦Features a unique interdisciplinary Women's Leadership Certificate Program for students.
✦Home to the Northeast Georgia History Center on its Gainesville campus.

Timeline

1878

Founded as Georgia Baptist Female Seminary, a private institution for women.

1900

Purchased by H. J. Pearce and renamed Brenau, meaning 'gold refined by fire'.

1911

Transitioned from private ownership to stewardship by a board of trustees.

1928

Created a female, residential college-preparatory school (grades 9-12).

1960

Began offering evening and weekend classes to both men and women.

1992

Renamed Brenau University, reflecting comprehensive programs and diverse student body.

2002

Launched its first online programs to expand accessibility.

2004

Northeast Georgia History Center at Brenau University opened its new facility on campus.

2010

Approved as a Level V doctoral degree-granting institution; launched MFA in Interior Design.

2011

Launched the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program.

2014

Started the first cohort for the Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program.

2015

Began the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program.

Schools & Colleges

2 notable schools within Brenau University

🏫

Brenau Women's College

Continues the tradition of education for women, serving residential and commuter students with a strong emphasis on liberal arts and leadership development.

🎓

Sidney O. Smith Jr. Graduate School

Focuses on the needs of graduate students, offering a wide array of master's, education specialist, and doctoral programs, including DNP, OTD, and DPT.

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