Sweet Briar
Empowering women, shaping futures, embracing nature.
📍 Sweet Briar, United States 🇺🇸
🏆 #173 in United States
Quick Facts about Sweet Briar
- Type: Private
- Campus: Rural
- Tuition: $27,790 – $27,790/year
- Language: English
- Intakes: Fall, Spring
About Sweet Briar
Academics
Sweet Briar offers Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Fine Arts, and Bachelor of Science degrees, with 17 majors, 21 minors, and 3 pre-professional programs. Notably, it is one of only two women's colleges in the United States to offer an ABET-accredited engineering degree, emphasizing project-based, hands-on learning. The college has a low student-to-faculty ratio of 9:1, ensuring personalized attention, and 84% of classes have fewer than 20 students. Sweet Briar has restructured its academic programs around three centers: Engineering, Science and Technology in Society; Human and Environmental Sustainability; and Creativity, Design and the Arts.
International Students
Sweet Briar College is dedicated to supporting its international student population, which comprises 8% of its student body and represents 14 nations across five continents. The International Student Services office provides comprehensive support, including immigration advisement, pre-departure orientation, assistance with F-1 visas, and help with transitioning to campus life. The college takes a personalized approach to admissions and financial aid for international students. While specific diversity statistics beyond the percentage of international students are not readily available, the college fosters cultural integration through various student organizations and events like the Multicultural Night Market.
Campus & Location
Sweet Briar, Virginia, offers a serene, rural setting in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The campus itself is a significant feature, spanning 2,847 acres with two lakes, forests, and 22 buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Beyond the natural beauty, the campus boasts a 130-acre riding center, one of the nation's largest indoor college arenas, and facilities for arts and sciences. The college is located three minutes from Amherst, a town with restaurants and shops, and about 20 minutes from Lynchburg, which offers downtown dining and arts venues. Charlottesville, home to the University of Virginia and various attractions, is approximately 50 minutes away.
Career Outcomes
Sweet Briar graduates enter diverse fields, supported by a powerful alumnae network that spans the globe. The Career Services Center assists students with career preparation, connecting them with employers for recruitment, full-time and part-time employment, internships, and co-ops. While the overall graduation rate is 48%, the college emphasizes preparing women for leadership roles in various sectors. Graduates, on average, earn about $33,000 in their early careers. The college encourages entrepreneurial spirit, with initiatives to elevate the culture of innovation on campus.
Information for International Students at Sweet Briar
Sweet Briar in Sweet Briar, United States welcomes international students.
- Visa support available
- On-campus work allowed
- Student housing available
- Work placement / internship opportunities available
- Teaching languages: English
Admissions Requirements for Sweet Briar
Here are the key admission requirements for international students applying to Sweet Briar:
- IELTS minimum: 6
- TOEFL minimum: 65
- Duolingo minimum: 90
- GPA minimum: 2.75
- Application fee: $40
- Selectivity: Open (60%+)
- Application deadline: Rolling
Programs at Sweet Briar (2 programs)
Sweet Briar offers 2 programs across Bachelor levels.
Bachelor Programs (2)
- Bachelor of Arts (BA) (BA) — 48 months · English · Scholarship available
Sweet Briar College provides a liberal arts education for women, offering a diverse curriculum designed to foster critical thinking, leadership, and intellectual curiosity. The programs aim to prepare students for a wide range of career paths and graduate studies.
Field: Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences
Deadline: Early Decision (November 1 or 15), Early Action (November), Regular Decision (January 1 or later) - Bachelor of Science (BS) (BSc) — 48 months · English · STEM · Scholarship available
Sweet Briar College provides a liberal arts education for women, offering a diverse curriculum designed to foster critical thinking, leadership, and intellectual curiosity. The programs aim to prepare students for a wide range of career paths and graduate studies.
Field: Natural Sciences
Deadline: Early Decision (November 1 or 15), Early Action (November), Regular Decision (January 1 or later)
Scholarships & Tuition at Sweet Briar
Annual tuition for international students: $27,790 – $27,790/year
✅ Sweet Briar offers scholarships for international students. Check the official website for eligibility, amounts, and deadlines.
Rankings of Sweet Briar
- National Ranking: #173 in United States
- Ranking tier: Research University
- Research output: Low
Campus & Facilities at Sweet Briar
- Student housing available
- Sports facilities available
- Disability support available
- Campus type: Rural
Key Highlights
- Historic women's college
- ABET-accredited engineering program
- Personalized academics, small classes
- Beautiful 2,847-acre campus
- Strong international student support
Accreditation
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Notable Alumni
- Irene Beasley
- Colleen Bell
- Janet Lee Bouvier
- Leah Busque
- Diana Muldaur
- Kitty Joyner
- Molly Haskell
- Rosemary Harris
- Natalie Babbitt
- Pamela Melroy
Frequently Asked Questions about Sweet Briar
What is Sweet Briar?
Sweet Briar is a private university located in Sweet Briar, United States. .
How much does it cost to study at Sweet Briar?
Tuition fees at Sweet Briar for international students range from $27,790 – $27,790/year. Scholarships are available for international students.
What are the admission requirements for Sweet Briar?
IELTS minimum: 6. TOEFL minimum: 65. Duolingo minimum: 90. GPA minimum: 2.75. Application fee: $40. Selectivity: Open (60%+). Application deadline: Rolling.
What language are courses taught in at Sweet Briar?
Courses at Sweet Briar are taught in English. International students need a minimum IELTS score of 6.
How many programs does Sweet Briar offer?
Sweet Briar offers 2 programs: 2 Bachelor's, 0 Master's, and 0 PhD programs across various fields of study.
What is Sweet Briar ranked?
#173 in United States.
Does Sweet Briar offer scholarships?
Yes, Sweet Briar offers scholarships for international students. Visit the university's official financial aid page for current opportunities, eligibility criteria, and deadlines.
Does Sweet Briar provide visa support?
Yes, Sweet Briar provides visa support for international students. Student housing is also available. On-campus work opportunities are available.
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