Newberry College is a private, residential, co-educational institution with a diverse student population. Founded in 1856 and affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Newberry College continues to be ranked among the Best Regional Colleges in the South by U.S. News & World Report, rising five places to No. 11 for Best Colleges, defending its No. 6 rank for Best Value, capturing No. 6 for Social Mobility, and appearing on the unranked Economic Diversity list for 2021. Newberry also ranks No. 1 in South Carolina for least student loan debt per borrower, according to LendEDU. Offering baccalaureate degrees in 32 majors, online degree-completion programs and five dual-degree programs, the College’s foundation remains grounded in the liberal arts. In addition, the College offers 21 NCAA Division II sports, cheerleading, dance, and a growing esports program. Newberry College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, and the National Association of Schools of Music.