Sweet Briar College
Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains and founded in 1901, Sweet Briar College is a historic women’s college where tradition meets trailblazing ambition. On our 2,847-acre campus featuring vineyards, an apiary, elite equestrian facilities, and cutting-edge labs, we amplify everything that makes you extraordinary and help you own it in ways you never thought possible.
Here, leadership isn’t just taught, it’s lived. Through hands-on programs in engineering, sustainability, business, and the arts, students tackle real-world challenges, develop their voices, and lead with confidence. With a core curriculum focused on women’s leadership and a 95% placement rate in jobs or graduate school within six months, Sweet Briar delivers outcomes that matter.
At Sweet Briar, you’ll be supported by a strong community of faculty, coaches, friends, and alumnae who will push you, excite you, and energize you so you can graduate ready to shape the world.
So Stand Up, Stand Out, Unleash Your Bold.
Academic programs
- Engineering
- Science
- Liberal Arts
- Business
- Education
- Music
- Art & Design
- Economics
- Finance/Accounting
- Government/Political Science
- Performing Arts
- Social Science
- Visual Arts
- Psychology
Student experience
- Athletics
- Co-op/Internship Opportunities
- Disability Services
- Intramural/Club Sports
- LGBTQIA Services
- On-Campus Housing
- Study Abroad
- Undergraduate Research
- Veteran Fee Waiver
Application information
First-year
You’re considered a first-time, first-year student if you’re currently in high school or have not enrolled in college since graduating. An official high school transcript is required for admission. Sweet Briar also accepts a GED in place of a diploma.
We’re test-optional for students with a GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale. If your GPA is below 3.0, an SAT or ACT score is required. Unofficial transcripts and test scores may be used for the initial review, but official copies must be submitted before you enroll.
Transfer
Students are considered transfer applicants if they have earned 24 or more credits from a regionally accredited college or university. Those with fewer than 24 credits must meet first-year admission requirements.
Transfer applicants must submit an official transcript from each college attended, along with documentation of good academic standing at each institution. Unofficial transcripts may be used for initial application review; however, official copies are required before enrollment. While not required, submitting an official high school transcript is strongly recommended.
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Additional information
Scholarships and Financial Aid
Sweet Briar offers merit scholarships based on GPA, academic achievement, and other qualifications. All applicants are automatically considered for merit scholarships during the admission review—no separate application is required. These awards are distinct from need-based financial aid.
To estimate your potential financial aid, visit our scholarship and net price calculators at sbc.edu/financial-aid.
Be sure to file your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) starting October 1 at fafsa.gov. Use Sweet Briar’s FAFSA code: 003742.
Visit us
Welcome to Sweet Briar College—a nationally recognized liberal arts and sciences institution for women. Known for its innovative academic programs, personalized mentorship, and unmatched natural beauty, Sweet Briar fosters bold leaders and critical thinkers. Join Alex Boylan, host of The College Tour, and nine Sweet Briar remarkable students whose stories reveal the heart of our extraordinary college.
https://www.sbc.edu/about/the-college-tour/
Campus visits are available Monday through Friday and on select non-holiday Saturdays from September through the weekend before Commencement. We’ll tailor your experience based on your academic, athletic, or leadership interests.
Your visit can include a tour of the Harriet Howell Rogers Riding Center, lunch in the dining hall, meetings with faculty, class visits, conversations with coaches, financial aid, and more.
Schedule your visit at sbc.edu/visit, and our visit coordinator will confirm your details and send you a personalized itinerary, parking pass, and campus map.
“Choosing Sweet Briar was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. From the moment I stepped on campus, I felt genuinely welcomed and supported by friends, professors, and staff alike. The sense of community here is truly incredible.”