Berea College Ranked No. 1 in Best Value and Service Learning by U.S. News & World Report

BEREA, Ky. — Berea College has again earned national recognition for delivering an exceptional, affordable education, ranking No. 1 in Best Value Schools and No. 1 in Service Learning in the 2027 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings. The College was also ranked No. 62 among National Liberal Arts Colleges, No. 4 among Most Innovative Schools, and recognized among the nation's leaders in first-year experiences, internships, undergraduate teaching and social mobility. 

The announcement comes as Berea College is revolutionizing the economics of higher education through its newly announced Financial Freedom Pledge, a bold commitment that will provide every enrolled student with a fully funded degree beginning in Fall 2027. 

The comprehensive initiative guarantees 100 percent of tuition, housing, food and fees without loans, providing students with unlimited potential and limited resources a fully funded, comprehensive, no-loan degree.

Rooted in access, affordability and opportunity, the Financial Freedom Pledge builds upon Berea’s longstanding mission by ensuring talent — not income — determines opportunity.

“To be recognized as the nation’s No. 1 Best Value and No. 1 for Service Learning is especially meaningful because those honors reflect our deepest commitments: opening the doors of opportunity to talented students and preparing them to use their education in service to their communities and the wider public good.

“As we look toward our Financial Freedom Pledge, we are building on that legacy—removing financial barriers while giving students an extraordinary education filled with meaningful work, hands-on learning, service and a community that believes deeply in their potential.”

The College's No. 1 Best Value ranking reflects a model that combines academic rigor, financial accessibility and strong student outcomes. At a time when concerns about student debt continue to shape higher education decisions, Berea's fully funded approach offers students and families a distinctive alternative. 

Berea also retained the No. 1 ranking in Service Learning, recognizing the College's deep commitment to connecting academic study with meaningful engagement in communities. Through service opportunities, community-based learning and the Labor Program, students develop practical skills while making tangible contributions on campus and beyond. 

Additional recognitions in the 2027 rankings include No. 4 in Most Innovative Schools, No. 7 in Co-ops/Internships, No. 9 in First-Year Experiences, No. 17 among Top Performers on Social Mobility, and No. 20 in Best Undergraduate Teaching. 

President Nixon also emphasized the wide range of top rankings achieved by Berea College.

“We are also thrilled to be recognized as the No. 4 Most Innovative School in the country. This ranking recognizes how our work in many areas—our internship opportunities (ranked No. 7), first-year experience program (ranked No. 9), Work College model and academic excellence—combine to create an unparalleled student experience!”

According to U.S. News & World Report, the Best Colleges rankings assess colleges and universities on measures related to student success, academic excellence and institutional effectiveness. The rankings incorporate factors such as graduation and retention rates, social mobility, student outcomes and other indicators designed to provide prospective students and families with a comprehensive view of institutional performance.

The complete rankings are available on the Berea College U.S. News profile.