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 covers the cost of tuition, housing, food and fees.
That's one faculty member for every nine students.
No Tuition
$0. That’s how much 1,500+ 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 how Berea College has provided a tuition-free education for more than a century.
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 for every student to help them 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 work positions that explore their range of interests.
Every Berea Student Has a Job
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 Berea’s Work College Program gives them an advantage over graduates from other schools. This commitment to hands-on learning and career readiness earned Berea College a spot on the Forbes list of the "15 Top Colleges for Launching Your Career."
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
Quick FAQS
Berea College does not charge tuition. Every admitted student receives scholarships and grants that cover the full cost of tuition (valued at over $55,000 per year).
Berea College does not charge tuition to students who are admitted. Tuition is covered using money from the College, government grants, scholarships, and additional awards. However, “tuition‑free” does not always mean there are no costs at all. Students may still have some expenses, like housing and food. The good news is that for most students in the 2025–2026 class, financial aid also covered those costs, and Berea does not require students to take out loans. As a result, many students were able to attend Berea College with $0 out‑of‑pocket cost.
We’re fortunate to work with partners who share our belief that students deserve a college education that’s affordable. For more than a century, every estate gift to Berea College has been—and continues to be—placed directly into the endowment. Read about this historic decision here. Endowment earnings provide 74% of our operating budget. Another 19% comes from state and federal aid. Generous donors help Berea raise the remaining 7% every year.
Berea College admits students who show strong academic accomplishments and come from families with limited financial resources. Admitted students average a 3.65 GPA in high school and qualify for federal Pell Grants. While the college has a special commitment to students from Appalachia, it welcomes applicants from across the United States and from other countries.
Most admitted families have an annual household income within the range of federal poverty guidelines (e.g., approximately $35,000–$73,000 depending on family size). Prospective students are encouraged to find more information about financial eligibility here.
Yes, Berea College lets students decide whether to submit ACT or SAT scores. If students decide to apply without a test score, we consider the merits of their academic successes alongside the other relevant information they submit as part of their application.
Berea College has multiple application deadlines for first-year domestic students:
Early Action I: November 1
Early Action II: January 31
Regular Decision: March 31
Applying by the Early Action deadlines is highly recommended, as admission is selective and space in the incoming class is limited. Check out all deadlines here.
Berea College offers benefits and value that are unmatched by other schools. In addition to nationally-ranked academics and no tuition, students receive a free laptop, study abroad opportunities, fully-funded internships, a guaranteed on-campus job, and relocation funds after graduation. These benefits help students focus on learning without worrying about taking on student loan debt. Check out more free support for our students here.
Graduates of Berea College leave with strong outcomes. More than 80% of students graduate with $0 federal student loan debt. Many find jobs or enter graduate school soon after graduation and earn competitive salaries over time. Students also gain valuable experiences, like studying abroad, which help prepare them for careers and life after college.
Yes, many national publications, employers, and education professionals across the country consistently recognize Berea as a top-in-the-nation model. “Berea College’s students outperform expectations in every way: graduation rate, debt, and earnings. That’s why we’re proud this year to rank Berea the number one school in America.” -Washington Monthly
Berea College is one of only nine federally recognized Work Colleges in the United States. Unlike a standard “work-study” program, every Berea student is required to work a set number of hours per week in a campus job. This prepares them with professional skills for the workforce.
Berea College offers Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degrees in over 30 academic majors including Business, Political Science, Biology, Education, Psychology and Communication.
Apply to Berea College for free here. Students must submit required application components and have the option to complete additional electives to further strengthen their application file. Because of our unique financial eligibility requirement, all applicants must submit a FAFSA to be considered for admission.
Yes! Berea College is nationally-ranked. Recently, Washington Monthly named Berea College the #1 Best College in the U.S. If a student values quality education, meaningful work, and graduating without debt, Berea College is not just a good school—it’s an exceptional one.
Explore virtually and schedule an in-person campus visit here! Be sure to inquire about free overnight accommodations if travelling from a distance to visit.
At Berea, every student works at least 10 hours a week in a campus job. Students work in one of more than 130 departments, gaining hands‑on experience and useful skills while helping the college operate each day. This work helps lower the cost of attending Berea and shows respect for all types of work.