Admission to Berea College is academically competitive. We have a limited number of spaces in each year’s entering class, so we are looking for students who have demonstrated academic potential through coursework, grade point average, and ACT or SAT scores if provided. Furthermore, the College restricts admission to students who have not previously earned a Bachelor’s degree.

Most of our students score between 20 and 30 on the ACT (or SAT equivalent) and have a cumulative high school GPA of at least 3.0 in a strong college prep curriculum. Students may take either the ACT or SAT or apply test-optional.

Although not required, we strongly recommend the following high school curriculum:

High school transcripts and official score reports are required for the evaluation of academic qualifications.

The financial eligibility requirement is unique to Berea College and is a direct response to the College’s commitment to serve the underserved. Today, we proudly stand as the only college in the United States that both exclusively admits students from limited economic resources and meets 100 percent of all calculated financial need, without including loans in student financial aid packages.

Please note, determining financial eligibility is an assessment within the Office of Admissions, and determining financial aid offers is a function of Student Financial Aid Services. However, information provided during the admissions process may be used to guide professional judgements, resolve conflicting information and finalize financial aid offers if admitted.

To learn more, please visit the our financial eligibility page.

Berea College is unique in American higher education. Our vibrant and diverse community derives from our mission and scriptural motto ‘God has made of one blood all peoples of the earth’ (Acts 17:26). It has been both the foundation on which we stand and shining light that guides us to a more perfect future.

Our mission and size are such that we can consider every aspect of each prospective student’s personal journey, their perseverance, their commitment, and ability to take advantage of every opportunity that Berea can offer. When we review your application, we’ll consider more than just numbers on a piece of paper—we will consider the person you are and hope to become. 

You can count on our team of dedicated professionals to complete a holistic review of each applicant. Many factors are considered in the selection of an applicant, including a properly completed application, official academic records, test scores (if submitted), and financial eligibility. In addition to these components, we value and assess recommendations, Admissions Specialist conversations, extracurricular and co-curricular activities (e.g. music ensembles, athletics, theatre), community service, character and leadership qualities, social maturity and demonstrated interest in the College.

We encourage all students to, as appropriate, use their resources in brainstorming, proofreading and editing their optional electives. Optional electives are evaluated based upon their content and minor grammatical errors will not be penalized.  The optional electives should help us better understand the applicant as an individual, so use of outside resources should not distract from a submitted elective that displays the student's authentic voice. 

Berea College operates as rolling admissions; however, interested students are strongly encouraged to apply early and meet Early Action deadlines. The College maintains an open admissions policy for all applicants and considers students regardless of race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, age, gender, disability, or sexual orientation.

Please be aware that we do not offer or accept any bribe, reward, or remuneration to influence an admissions decision, housing, scholarship, or financial aid. In addition, the Admissions staff are salaried employees and do not receive bonuses or commissions.