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Quick Facts
Berea College campus aerial fall

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Distinction

  • No student has paid tuition since 1892. Each student receives a Tuition Promise Scholarship worth almost $200,000 over four years.
  • The first interracial and co-educational college in the South.
  • One of ten federally recognized Work Colleges. Every student has a job on campus.
  • Berea is located where Kentucky’s Bluegrass Region meets the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, just 42 miles south of Lexington, Ky., off Interstate 75. Get directions here.

$0
The amount every enrolled student pays in tuition.

Student debt disproportionately impacts economically disadvantaged families. That's why Berea College has been paying for students' tuition since 1892.

1,454
Total Student Body

Our students come from 45 states, one U.S. Territory and 70 countries.

No. 2
Washington Monthly magazine has ranked Berea College the No. 2 liberal arts college in the nation in its 2023 College Guide and Rankings

Berea by the Numberschevron_right

Academics

  • Berea College offers majors in 33 fields of study, along with 39 minors that can lead to Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and/or Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degrees. 
  • 16 national and international honor societies.
  • More than 250 students participate in internships for academic credit each summer in 30+ states, and most receive internship grants to make it possible.
  • Berea has 139 full-time faculty, resulting in a student-to-faculty ratio of 8:1.

Work Program

  • Through the labor program students gain valuable workplace experience, earn money for books, food and other expenses, and their appreciation for the dignity and utility of work is enhanced.
  • In any given year, approximately 60 percent of currently enrolled students participate in the Berea Patrons program by making a gift to the College from their work earnings. Since the Patrons program began in 2014, students have contributed more than $175,000 to the College, beginning their philanthropic journeys.
  • Every student works 10-15 hours per week while carrying a full academic load.
  • Students choose work options in more than 100 college positions. Farming. Web design. Ceramics. You name it; you can probably do it here and enter the workforce with hands-on experience.
tech campaign
Berea College student making a clay bowl on the pottery wheel
Anita

Alumni Success Stories

Once a Berean, always a Berean. After graduation, Berea College alumni are ready to take life by the reins. We are so proud of our distinguished alums and their continued influence. You will find just a few examples of the important work accomplished by notable Bereans below. Read the Berea College Magazine for even more Alumni Impact stories!

Headshot of Carter Woodson
Dr. Carter G. Woodson

Dr. Carter G. Woodson, a 1903 alum, was an African American historian known as the “Father of Black History,” who dedicated his life to promoting the study and recognition of Black contributions to American history.

Kiki Ramsey
Dr. Kiki Ramsey

Kiki Ramsey ’02, steering her nearly multi-million-dollar business, has reached heights she never thought possible. She is leaning into her life’s work: motivating women to transform their life and career.

Juanita Kreps

Juanita Kreps ’42 was an American economist and educator who served as the United States Secretary of Commerce.

Jack Roush
Jack Roush

Jack Roush ’64 began his career at Ford Motor Company, and went on to become the winningest team owner in NASCAR history. He was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2019.

Student Life

  • Convocations feature notable national and international speakers, scholars and performers.
  • A wellness program, Thrive, that encourages healthy lifestyles.
  • Through NCAA Division III, students can participate in seven men’s and seven women’s sports.
  • More than 60 student clubs and organizations enhance student life.
Photo of Basketball player dunking

Centers

Berea College's centers are intricately woven into the fabric of the institution's Great Commitments mission statement. The diverse centers play a vital role in not only ensuring the fulfillment of each Commitment but also in enriching students' learning experiences and providing crucial support.

Sustainable Campus Features

  • Lincoln Hall — The first building in Kentucky to achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification.
  • Shinn Hall — The “greenest” residence hall in the world when it opened in 2013. It earned LEED Platinum-Plus certification as well as Living Building Petal certification.
  • Boone Tavern — Kentucky’s first green hotel, attaining LEED Gold Certification.
  • Ecovillage — Kentucky’s first ecological village is a sustainable housing and learning complex at Berea College. Ecovillage consumes 75 percent less energy and water per capita than conventional housing.

Outreach to The Appalachian Region

  • Brushy Fork Leadership Institute — Empowers leaders by providing opportunities to enhance skills, gain innovative perspectives, and connect with others, all while honoring the voice and vision of local communities.
  • Grow Appalachia — Grow Appalachia partners with communities in six states throughout central Appalachia to combat food insecurity and malnutrition by empowering families in Appalachia to create healthy, resilient and economically viable food systems.
Berea College Pinnacles forest Appalachia

Admissions and Tours

We’re looking for students with grit, determination and financial need. Students ready to take on a rigorous, top-ranked liberal arts education and turn it into a rewarding career. Students willing to work, to grow, and to expand their horizons through diversity. And students who want to join a community of support that is invested in their success. Learn more about what Berea College has to offer.

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