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Brenau University

Gainesville, GA·Private nonprofit·981 students
Last updated: March 21, 2026

A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and students who want small classes and close faculty access. graduation rate is below 40%; freshman retention is below 65%. financial aid brings net price below sticker.

87%
Accept
981
Students
$20,786
Net Price
35%
Grad Rate
$45,400
Earnings
10 yr
$18,425
Debt

About This School

Brenau University is a private nonprofit institution located in Gainesville, Georgia with approximately 981 undergraduate students enrolled. Brenau University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 87%. The average net price after financial aid is $20,786 per year. The graduation rate is 35%, and the typical graduate earns $45,400 within 10 years of enrollment.

Brenau University is a private university in Gainesville, Georgia. Founded in 1878, the university enrolls more than 2,800 students from approximately 48 states and 17 foreign countries who seek degrees ranging from associate through doctoral degrees. The main campus of the Georgia-based institution includes the Brenau Women's College. Brenau also offers another location in Norcross, Georgia.

The numbers tell a mixed story here: while the $20,786 average net price and relatively low $18,425 median debt are genuinely manageable, a 35% graduation rate and 62% freshman retention rate suggest a significant number of students either leave or struggle to finish — that's worth taking seriously before enrolling. Worth considering if you're drawn to the women's college experience, a small campus community, or specific programs like nursing or the arts, but come in with a clear plan and strong support system, because the outcome data ($45,400 median earnings after 10 years) is modest for the investment.

Founded
1878
Setting
Small city

Popular Programs

Health Professions29%
Education18%
Visual & Performing Arts14%
Business & Marketing10%
Psychology7%
Biological Sciences1%
Communications1%
English1%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1087
Reading 75th %ile590
Math 75th %ile580

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite23

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$33,275
Out-of-State Tuition
$33,275
Avg Net Price
$20,786
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants47%
Median debt at graduation$18,425

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
35%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
62%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$45,400
after enrollment
Median Debt
$18,425
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$18,425
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$41,300
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$45,400
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 2.5x

Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White44%
Black24%
Hispanic/Latino19%
Asian2%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (981 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Brenau University

500 Washington Street SE

Gainesville, GA 30501-3668

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Georgia

Browse all Georgia schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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