At Berea, your education comes first; loans come last. In the most recent aid year, federal loans never came into the picture for 96% of our students. For more than 100 years, Berea has done something no other college has dared: make education affordable without students holding insurmountable levels of debt. 

Berea doesn’t just do financial aid – we redefine it. 

At Berea, we believe cost should never stand in the way of potential. That’s why we commit to funding as much of your college experience as we possibly can without loans. 

The result? 83% of our graduates leave with zero federal loan debt. And for those who do borrow, the average debt of a Berea graduate is only 10% of the national average for undergraduate students.

College is one of the most important investments you’ll ever make. And you can be one of the most important investments we’ll ever make. For many students, college with a price tag that follows them, because the debt weighs them down for decades to come. You shouldn’t have to start your future in that position.

Most colleges ask families to:

At Berea, our approach is rooted in affordability. We believe education should be a launchpad, not a liability. Your financial aid package is designed to minimize borrowing from the start. Our no-loan policy prioritizes transparency, ensuring your first financial aid offer each academic year is loan-free, giving you a clear starting point for planning. All other forms of financial aid are explored first, and loans are used as the absolute last resort if your family chooses them to assist with a federally required family contribution.

Graduating with little to no debt means you will leave Berea with more than a degree. You leave with freedom that lasts — knowing you are equipped and empowered for the next step into your future as you launch forward with greater flexibility to pursue career choices, graduate school, service, or entrepreneurship.

Explore these graduates’ stories and ask, “Who will I become with the freedom to choose my path?” 

While our no-loan policy makes it possible for many students to graduate from Berea with little to no debt, some families may wish to use loans to help finance some costs, including things such as study abroad trips or their family contribution. Our professional staff in Student Financial Aid Services are equipped to help you and your family navigate borrowing and review your loan options.