Barry University is a private Catholic university located in Miami Shores, Florida. Founded by the Adrian Dominican Sisters, it serves students at the undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels. The university offers more than 100 degree programs across several schools and colleges, including programs in nursing, education, business, social work, podiatric medicine, and law. Its main campus is in Miami Shores, with additional locations in Orlando and other parts of Florida. Barry University attracts students seeking a faith-based educational environment grounded in the liberal arts tradition, as well as those pursuing professional and health-related fields in South Florida’s diverse metropolitan setting.
With a 77.24% acceptance rate, Barry University is moderately selective. Applicants are expected to show good academic performance and readiness for college-level coursework. Students with consistent grades, extracurricular involvement, and a well-prepared application are typically competitive for admission.
Barry University was founded in 1940 in Miami Shores, Florida, as Barry College for Women by Mother Gerald Barry and Bishop Patrick Barry of the Adrian Dominican Sisters. Established to provide higher education for Catholic women in Florida, the college opened in September 1940 with a small inaugural class. Mother Gerald Barry served as the first president and guided the institution through its early decades of growth. Over time, Barry College expanded its academic offerings beyond the liberal arts to include professional programs in nursing, teacher education, and social work. In 1981, Barry College officially became Barry University, reflecting its expanded mission and coeducational status. In the decades that followed, Barry University added graduate and professional programs, including a School of Law in Orlando, and developed into a comprehensive Catholic university serving students across Florida.
Barry University has a 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio, which means small class sizes and close interaction with professors. Students often benefit from more personalized attention, accessible faculty mentorship, and greater opportunities for discussion and research collaboration.
Applying to Barry University involves submitting an online application, academic transcripts, and any required program-specific materials. Located in Miami Shores, Barry University considers academic preparation, personal background, and career goals in its admissions process. Some graduate and professional programs, including law and health sciences, have additional requirements and deadlines.
Barry University offers financial aid options that may include federal and state grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study opportunities. Students applying to Barry University are encouraged to complete the FAFSA to determine eligibility for need-based assistance. Institutional scholarships and program-specific awards can also help reduce overall costs.
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