Berry College (BC)

A quick 90-minute drive north of Atlanta and nestled in the rolling mountains of northwest Georgia, Berry offers you an education nationally recognized for its quality and value. U.S. News & World Report has previously ranked Berry as the nation's #1 "Up-and-Coming" liberal arts college, as well as the #3 best value school in the South.

Berry has delivered much more than exceptional rankings since our founding in 1902. Berry seeks to educate the entire you: through an education of your mind, the practical experience of hands-on work and fostering of your commitment to service. Berry prepares you to embrace the world. Students who strive to improve the places where they work and live, every day, will find a welcoming home here.

Students often refer to the "Berry bubble," a term that emphasizes their close fellowship and the strength of their collective identity. "Berry is a tight-knit community and there's a friendly face around every corner." The relatively small student body enhances this sense of unity and school loyalty. "At Berry, no matter what kind of person you come across, everyone is genuine, kind, and helpful." Students praise the college as grounded in Christian principles, but proudly diverse, warmly welcoming members of all faiths. Many students take the school's ministering motto to heart, frequently volunteering to help their fellow students as well as those in need beyond the campus. "Even when it feels like nobody out there cares, some student here is waiting to change your mind." As another observes, "Our community is focused on service and giving back. We do many projects for classes that include serving in the community outside of our school." While all religious life is voluntary at Berry, many choose to attend services regularly and can be seen frequenting the many stunning chapels and other houses of worship that dot the Berry campus.

Berry's sprawling campus, located at the foot of the Appalachian Mountains, comprises 27,000 acres of mountains, streams, and woodlands, making it the largest contiguous college campus in the world. "My favorite extracurricular activity at Berry College is walking the trails or taking drives around our mountain campus, especially during studentorganized midnight/full-moon hikes." Groups of students can often be found scaling Lavender Mountain to reach the House o' Dreams-the founder's quaint stone and boardand-batter cottage from which one can not only see the entire campus, but also Northwest Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee. "Berry's beautiful campus encourages lots of outdoor activities and engagement." Pickleball is a favorite among students and a social ritual for many, as are the various activities organized by the Krannert Center Activities Board, such as skate nights, concerts, and talent shows, all of which are alcohol-free (as liquor is prohibited on the main Berry campus). Students consider the optional LifeWorks program, which guarantees a paying job for all four years of college, one of the best aspects of campus life. "It's given me the leg up I need by helping me gain professional experience by doing things that actually affect the campus and its brand." Lifeworks jobs cover a broad range of interests, such as arts and theater, animal care, hospitality, athletics, and technology.

The Career Development office at Berry College offers a comprehensive support system to guide students through every stage of their career journey. Central to this support is a robust career development network that includes Career Consultants, faculty advisors, alumni, and employer partners. Students can begin their exploration with tools like the PathwayU Assessments, which help identify their career interests, core values, personality traits, and workplace preferences. To promote further self-discovery, Berry offers for-credit exploratory courses such as Exploring Self, Majors, and Careers. Career Consultants are available for one-on-one meetings with students to discuss and explore possible majors and career paths. They also assist students in refining their résumés and cover letters, practicing interviews, and developing effective job search and application strategies. Additionally, students can connect with alumni and hiring managers through Berry College Networking Events, gaining valuable professional insights and opportunities. Career Peer Advisors also play a key role by offering one-on-one career development consultations, conducting mock interviews, and leading workshops and presentations. "The LifeWorks program is incredible!" says one student, referring to an initiative that allows students to explore career possibilities with paid work positions across 180 departments. "My on-campus jobs have given me invaluable experience in my major and field." Through this layered and proactive approach, Berry College equips students with the tools and confidence they need to successfully navigate their immediate job searches and long-term career paths. The median early-career salary for Berry graduates, according to PayScale.com, is $56,700, with 20 percent entering STEM fields.