Miami, FLprivate nonprofitwww.barry.edu/
Barry University, a private Catholic institution in Miami, FL, offers a values-driven education with a strong emphasis on personal attention and community. Known for its 77% acceptance rate and diverse student body, Barry stands out for its hands-on learning approach and robust financial aid packages. Graduates often land in the top 10% of salary earners among Florida's private universities.
Barry University is moderately selective, with a 77.2% Acceptance rateThe share of applicants a college admits in a given year. A 10% acceptance rate means it admits about 1 in 10 applicants. (8,371 admissions from 10,838 applications in 2024). Test-optionalA policy where you choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores. If you don't, the rest of your application carries more weight. since at least 2021, Barry doesn't require SAT/ACT scores, though admitted students typically score between 910–1100 on the SAT or 23 on the ACT. The university emphasizes accessibility, with a notably higher acceptance rate for women (79%) compared to men (74%).
Barry offers over 60 undergraduate programs across 11 departments, with standout offerings in business (finance, management), health sciences, and criminology. Small class sizes foster close faculty-student relationships, a frequently cited strength. The Andreas School of Business maintains higher selectivity (31% Acceptance rateThe share of applicants a college admits in a given year. A 10% acceptance rate means it admits about 1 in 10 applicants. for graduate programs) and emphasizes practical skills like money management for finance majors. Hands-on learning—through fieldwork, research, and internships—is a curricular hallmark.
Campus life thrives on diversity and tight-knit communities. Over 50 student organizations—including the Black Student Union, Caribbean Student Association, and Muslim Student Organization—reflect Barry's multicultural student body (54% Hispanic, 18% Black). Greek life exists but is low-key, with sororities and fraternities hosting occasional parties and events. Students describe the atmosphere as 'welcoming,' with faculty and staff noted for being 'supportive' and 'pleasant.'
Barry's 6-year graduation rate sits at 40.6%, below the national average but competitive among Florida's private nonprofits. Alumni outcomes are strong: graduates rank in the top 10% of earners among Florida's 28 private universities, with median earnings of $36,427 one year post-graduation. Some programs, like nursing and business, report higher earnings (up to $69,503 for advanced degrees).
Tuition and fees total $59,642, but 74.67% of students receive financial aid, reducing the average Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. to $23,930. Merit scholarships—up to $20,000 annually—are awarded based on GPA and test scores. Graduate students can access additional aid, including TEACH Grants (up to $4,000/year) for those committing to teach in high-need fields.
Barry University distinguishes itself through its commitment to values-based education (rooted in its Catholic identity) and diverse, supportive community. Unlike larger Florida schools, it offers small classes (often under 20 students) and direct faculty access, particularly strong in nursing, business, and criminology. Its Miami location provides unique internship and cultural opportunities, while generous aid packages make private education accessible. The statistic that graduates out-earn 90% of peers from Florida's private universities underscores its ROI.