Since 1855, Berea College has burst open the doors. Between the things students can’t control and everything they can possibly conceive of. Between the barriers that hold so many back and the education that moves them ahead. Between the dream and making it real. At Berea, you are the only thing you need to dream boldly and to bring your dream to life. Bring your drive, your imagination, your vision. We’ll see to the rest.
The Berea Difference
Berea is covering all tuition, housing, food, and fee expenses.
That's one faculty member for every nine students.
No Tuition
$0. That’s how much 1,454 Berea College students paid for tuition last year. Berea College believes your income shouldn’t limit your outcome, which is why we have not charged students tuition since 1892. Learn more here.
Academics
Recognized among America’s top schools, Berea College combines academic rigor with a diverse and supportive learning community. Berea College offers majors in more than 33 fields of study that can lead to Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and/or Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degrees. Don’t see your exact major? An Independent Major option is available to students who want to pursue a customized field of study that isn’t already an established major program. Explore what Berea has to offer!
Student Voices
Supportive Environment
We're in this together
Nationally, just 21 percent of first generation and economically disadvantaged students graduate college within six years. At Berea, our graduation rate for these groups is three times as high.
At a Glance
We provide juniors and seniors with funds to buy professional clothing, and we even take them to a department store where a representative helps them make the best choices.
Berea empowers its students by providing a laptop at no cost, which they can keep when they graduate.
Berea College funds internship opportunities that help students grow, learn and find their career paths.
Why?
It’s because we know that just selecting you for admission is not enough. Low-income students face pressures and life situations that wealthier students do not. Because of that, Berea College has developed programming to help students transition into college, through college, and out into a career after college. It helps, too, that all of our students are in the same financial boat, meaning nobody is alone here.
Opportunities
We encourage our students to explore opportunities that will make their four years unforgettable—from studying abroad, to paid internships and labor positions that explore their range of interests.
Labor Program
Berea College hires every student to work campus jobs that enhance their education while preparing them for life after college. When our students enter the professional world, the experience they have gained in the labor program gives them an advantage over graduates from other schools. Learn more about the program.
As a student, Emely Alfaro-Zavala ’21 worked in IS&S, then as a computer science teaching assistant. Now, she works at Google.
Upon graduating from Berea College, Xhafer Rama ’17 began working at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland, where he developed a software platform for the U.S. Department of Defense that collects data about the mosquito-borne illness Chikungunya.
Life at Berea
Berea College offers a collaborative learning environment where faculty, staff and students grow as individuals and as a community.
Nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Berea is a place where art, crafts, music and the imagination thrive. We support a wealth of local eateries, and the area is a favorite of outdoor enthusiasts—including biking, hiking, kayaking and more. On campus, we offer engaging programs, athletics, and 60+ active recognized organizations and clubs. Explore life at Berea!
Contact Us
Berea College | 209 Chestnut St. | Haaga House | CPO 2220 | Berea, KY 40404 | 800-326-5948 | askadmissions@berea.edu