Brenau University has been ranked No. 21 on Newsweek’s inaugural list of America’s Best Colleges for Women. Brenau is ranked second-highest among the 42 public and private Georgia institutions on the list; Spelman College in Atlanta is No. 1 overall.
“We are proud to be recognized as one of the best colleges for women in the nation,” Brenau President David L. Barnett said. “Brenau has been a place where women can reach their full potential and flourish personally and professionally since its establishment in 1878 to provide higher education opportunities to women.”
While the university became co-educational in the early 1970s, The Women’s College continues to provide a unique collegiate experience on the historic Gainesville Campus. Brenau is one of only 32 members of the Women’s College Coalition. Signature programs of The Women’s College at Brenau include Greek life and intercollegiate athletics.
“The importance of women’s education and voice in Southern culture cannot be overstated. Creating and maintaining a learning environment where women’s voices inform intellectual and ethical dialogue is essential for the modern world,” Barnett said. “Maintaining that opportunity within the context of a larger university is worth the investments necessary to ensure it thrives. Equally important is the larger university serving undergraduate and graduate students, providing the opportunity to be participants in the university’s mission.”
Newsweek evaluated public and private U.S. colleges across four critical categories: leadership (35%), pay and policies (25%), safety (20%) and opportunity (20%), according to the website. Newsweek derived the scores from federally reported data, including the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and the Campus Safety and Security Database, as well as the media outlet’s own research. Evaluated institutions had at least 20 women employed in leadership positions, more than 1,000 students and awarded bachelor’s degrees, according to the methodology.
“Choosing a college is one of the most important decisions in a young woman’s life. It’s about more than academics—it’s about finding a place to thrive, to lead and to build the foundation for a successful future,” Newsweek Editor in Chief Jennifer H. Cunningham said. “The college experience should empower every student to reach their full potential, and for women, that means attending an institution that prioritizes leadership opportunities, equitable pay practices, campus safety and meaningful pathways to success.”
