Readmit Applicant Info
We’re glad you’re considering returning to complete your degree. If you previously attended Berea College and have had a break in enrollment, the readmission process can help you resume your studies.
Your path to readmission depends on your academic standing, the length of time since you last enrolled, and whether you completed coursework at another institution during your absence.
Readmission Eligibility Requirements
Students dismissed under College policies that explicitly prohibit return are not eligible for readmission. Students who have been suspended twice for academic reasons are ineligible to apply for readmission. No student is permitted to apply for readmission more than three times total and applications must be submitted within five years of the student’s last term.
Readmission is not guaranteed and is contingent upon meeting academic, labor, financial, social and health-related eligibility requirements.
Before submitting an application, students considering readmission should confirm they meet the standards outlined below.
Application Requirements & Deadlines
Applicants must submit all required materials by the deadline for the term they wish to return. Incomplete applications will not be considered and the applicant is responsible for monitoring their application checklist in their application portal.
Spring Deadline: October 1
Fall Deadline: February 1
1. Application for Readmission
Complete the Berea College Application for Admission for Readmission. There is no application fee.
2. FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
Applicants will be required to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at studentaid.gov. Berea's FAFSA code is 001955.
Spring Applicants - Applicants are required to submit the 2026-2027 FAFSA.
Fall Applicants - Applicants will be required to submit the 2027-2028 FAFSA.
3. Former Student Essay
Personal Essay - Submit your essay response via this form. Your essay should include responses to all of the questions below and should be no fewer than 500 words:
Essay Prompts:
2. How have you spent your time since leaving Berea College? Are there particular habits, skills or personal development activities you have engaged in?
3.Share about your former experience at Berea, including your academic performance. Please include an explanation of why you left the College.
4. Official College Transcripts
Submit your official transcripts from any institutions you have attended since leaving Berea (if applicable) at transcripts@berea.edu. If final transcripts are not available, midterm grades or statements from faculty should be submitted.
5. Academic Plan (if required)
Any student who had declared a major must provide a detailed academic plan explaining how they plan to complete their degree requirements.
6. Recommendation Letter(s)
One recommendation that provides clear evidence and supports readiness to return across each applicable area listed below:
7. Interview (if required)
In some cases, students seeking readmission will be required to complete an interview with Admissions staff. This interview may also include other College administrators. If required, Admissions staff will contact the student to schedule.
8. Proof of Residency (if required)
For eligible non-citizens, depending on your USCIS status, a copy of your resident card or employment authorization card will be required.
Applications are assessed by the Office of Admissions utilizing feedback and in consultation with the offices listed below. All review, consideration and final readmission decisions rest solely with the Office of Admissions. For that reason, direct contact with College Administration or the offices listed below is prohibited unless conducting official college business (e.g. payment on student account balance, return of laptop).
- Care Team
- Community Standards
- Financial Aid
- Information Technology
- Labor Program
- Provost Office
- Public Safety
- Registrar
- Residential Education
- Student Accounts
- Student Affairs
- NEST
- Title IX
Applications are evaluated using application file components and information submitted by the applicant and criteria that consider academic readiness, progress toward degree, conduct and community standing, labor performance history, resolution of circumstances that led to discontinuation of enrollment, and financial and health clearances. The Office of Admissions reserves the right to defer readmission to a future term based upon course availability and necessary campus preparation for student to return.
Students readmitted after suspension or administrative withdrawal may return under specific conditions, including:
- Academic Status: Students who left on academic suspension or probation will return on academic probation. They may also be required to submit an SAP to the Financial Aid Office. The College may require ongoing engagement with the Office of Student Success and Transition to monitor academic performance and class attendance.
- Social Status: Students returning after disciplinary suspension may return with conduct conditions set by the College.
- Labor Program: Students who left on labor probation will return on labor probation and may be assigned a specific position.
- Admissions decisions are released as promptly as possible after application assessment.
- Applicants who are denied may apply in a future term if they can demonstrate new or additional evidence of readiness to meet academic, labor, conduct and health expectations.
- Applications for readmission are considered for spring and fall terms. No applications for summer term will be accepted.
- Students will not be readmitted if required progress toward graduation is not feasible, or if continued separation is determined to be in the best interests of the student, the College, or both.
- Students who were suspended because of serious violations of Berea College rules may not apply for readmission.
- Any exceptions to this policy must be appealed directly to the Provost.