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Barry University

Miami, FL Private ยท Suburban www.barry.edu
Accept Rate
59.07%
Grad Rate
37.7%
Enrollment
2,245
Tuition
$33,450
Median Salary
$55,966
Overall Grade
C
C
Academics
C
Value
C
Admissions
A
Diversity
C+
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

Barry University offers a close-knit, supportive atmosphere rooted in its Catholic identity, fostering a sense of community where students are known by name. The suburban Miami Shores campus feels like a tranquil, green oasis away from the city's chaos, yet it pulses with diverse, multicultural energy. You'll feel a sense of belonging here, with a strong focus on service and personal growth.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

59.07%
Moderately Selective

Test Optional

This school does not require SAT/ACT scores for admission

Admissions Tips

As a test-optional school, emphasize your GPA, rigor of high school coursework, and a compelling personal essay that aligns with Barry's mission of service and social justice. Highlight any volunteer work, healthcare shadowing, or leadership roles in your application, as these experiences resonate strongly with the admissions committee. Apply early in the fall to maximize your chances for merit-based scholarships, as funds are limited.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1200
40080012001600

โš ๏ธ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.

Academics & Majors

Barry's academic strengths lie in its professional programs, particularly within the College of Nursing and Health Sciences and the Andreas School of Business, which offer hands-on learning and strong clinical placements. Small class sizes ensure personalized attention from faculty who are invested in student success, and research opportunities are accessible, especially in biology and biomedical sciences through partnerships with local institutions.

Popular Majors

Health Professions
27%
Business & Marketing
21.4%
Biology & Biomedical
8.6%
Public Administration
6.7%
Psychology
6.3%
Computer Science
5.8%
Visual & Performing Arts
4.7%
Social Sciences
4%
Education
3.1%
Communications
3%
Parks, Recreation & Fitness
2.5%
Criminal Justice
1.9%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

37.7%
Graduation Rate
57.7%
Retention Rate
2,245
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$33,450
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$22,978
After financial aid
Total Cost
$48,300
Cost of attendance/year
45.7%
Receive Pell Grants
51.6%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Miami

Students at Barry have easy access to the vibrant culture of Miami, spending weekends exploring the art deco architecture of South Beach, the nightlife of Brickell, or the trendy shops and cafes in the nearby Wynwood arts district. On campus, student life is active with a strong emphasis on service, Greek life, and athletics, but the city's beaches, parks, and major events like Art Basel are always just a short drive away.

Local Rent Check

$1,884 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Miami
Explore Miami

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$133,800
$0Est. 4 Years: $133,800

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($55,966):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

The Barry University campus in Miami Shores is considered very safe, with its own campus police force and a quiet, residential neighborhood feel. While the surrounding area is peaceful, students should practice standard urban safety precautions when venturing into greater Miami.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Strong programs in healthcare and business with excellent hands-on training and clinical opportunities.
  • โœ“ Small class sizes foster a supportive, personalized learning environment with engaged faculty.
  • โœ“ Prime location in Miami Shores offers a safe suburban campus with easy access to Miami's vibrant culture and job market.
  • โœ“ Significant financial aid availability, with nearly half of students receiving Pell Grants.

Cons

  • โœ— The graduation rate of 37.7% is significantly below the national average for private universities.
  • โœ— Campus social life can feel quieter compared to larger public universities, with a strong commuter influence.
  • โœ— Retention rate of 57.7% suggests some students struggle to transition to their second year.

Notable Alumni

Kathy Castor
U.S. Representative for Florida's 14th congressional district, serving since 2007.
Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson
World-famous actor and former professional wrestler; attended on a football scholarship before transferring.
Carlos Gimenez
Former Mayor of Miami-Dade County and current U.S. Representative for Florida's 28th congressional district.

Frequently Asked Questions

Barry University is primarily known for its strong professional programs, especially in Nursing, Medicine (osteopathic), Physical Therapy, and Business. As a Catholic institution founded by the Adrian Dominican Sisters, it is also recognized for its commitment to service, social justice, and providing a supportive, personalized educational experience.

No, Barry University has an acceptance rate of 59.07%, making it a moderately selective school. This means that while admissions are not automatic, a majority of applicants are accepted, provided they meet the academic standards. The university is test-optional, placing emphasis on a student's overall profile, including GPA and extracurriculars.

Campus life at Barry is community-focused and intimate due to the small enrollment of around 2,200 students. The suburban campus is green and walkable, fostering a tight-knit feel with active student organizations, Greek life, and a focus on service. While it offers plenty of on-campus engagement, students often venture into Miami for entertainment, making it a blend of quiet study and vibrant city exploration.

For students pursuing high-demand fields like healthcare or business, Barry can be a worthwhile investment. The average net price of $22,978 is considerably lower than the sticker price, and the 10-year median earnings of $55,966 are solid. However, prospective students should be mindful of the lower graduation and retention rates, which can impact the overall return on investment if not completed on time.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Jackson Health System Baptist Health South Florida Miami-Dade County Public Schools University of Miami Miami Children's Hospital
Smart Start Score
52

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Private
  • Setting Suburban
  • Undergrad 3,438
  • In-State Tuition $33,450
  • Zip Code 33161

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 36.9% โ™€ 63.1%

The Money Talk

With a sticker price of $33,450, Barry's tuition is competitive for a private university, and the average net price of $22,978 after aid makes it more accessible for many families. The 10-year median earnings of $55,966 provide a solid return on investment, particularly for graduates in high-demand fields like healthcare and business, though the lower graduation rate is a factor to consider.

*Based on Dept of Education data

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๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $33,450
Housing (12 mo) $22,608
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $63,258
With avg financial aid:
$22,978/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.