Berry College (BC)

Since its founding in 1902, Berry College has dedicated itself to providing a well-rounded liberal arts education and, being "Christian in spirit," the option for religious life. There are over 75 areas of study at Berry, ranging from traditional subjects like physics, French, nursing, art, and psychology, to innovative programs like One Health-a transdisciplinary approach to solving health-related problems-and a career path in professional tennis management. True to its liberal arts mission, Berry encourages students to explore their various academic interests and, above all, acquire a broad-based education. "We are a liberal arts school, so the foundation classes we take are just as important as our classes required for our major." Students speak glowingly of their professors and of the dedication they display. "I truly feel as if my success is their top priority." Students believe that Berry's traditionally small classes and faculty-student ratio (roughly 12 to 1) enhances their learning and the overall quality of the college experience. "I have had many classes where the whole reason I got up in the morning was because of said class and professor." Adds another: "These professors are skilled in their respective fields and bring a level of passion to their classes that is unrivaled." Berry supports students from start to finish, with faculty and peer mentors directly helping first-year students identify and ultimately achieve their academic goals.

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.