Berea College does not charge tuition. Every admitted student receives a scholarship that covers the full cost of tuition (valued at over $45,000 per year).

Berea College is tuition-free for every admitted student through a scholarship valued at over $45,000 per year. However, “tuition-free” does not always mean $0 total cost. Students are still responsible for things like housing and food. The good news is that for 85% of the 2025–2026 class, these additional costs were also covered entirely by financial aid, meaning many students truly do attend at zero cost.

Starting a century ago, all estate gifts to Berea College—money or real estate left in the wills of generous supporters—were placed into Berea’s endowment. Read about this historic decision here. Endowment earnings provide 76% of our operating budget. Another 17% comes from state and federal aid. Generous donors help Berea raise the remaining 7% every year.

Yes. Berea College is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization under the IRS tax code. Contributions are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law, and we provide formal acknowledgment receipts for all charitable gifts to assist with your tax reporting. Berea College’s Employer Identification Number (EIN) or tax ID is 61-0444650.

There are many benefits at Berea College! Every student attends tuition-free, and all students participate in the Work Program, gaining hands-on experience and a paycheck while they earn their degree. Beyond that, Berea supports students with a free laptop, funded internships, a $400 stipend for professional clothing, and so much more. The goal is to ensure students can focus on their education without the burden of student loan debt.

While there is no strict “cutoff,” Berea College is dedicated to students with significant financial need. 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 navigate here to check their financial eligibility.

Berea College is one of only ten federally recognized Work Colleges in the United States. Unlike a standard “work-study” program, every Berea student is required to work at least 10 hours per week in one of 130+ campus departments. This program honors the dignity of all work by allowing students to gain professional experience, develop career-ready skills, and contribute to the College’s daily operations.

Absolutely! Berea College is nationally ranked. Recently, Washington Monthly named Berea College the #1 Best College in the U.S.

Supporting Berea students requires a holistic approach that goes beyond simply covering tuition. At Berea College, we ensure student success by removing financial barriers while simultaneously providing an integrated ecosystem of academic, professional, and personal support. Our proven “success model” includes:

• Financial Autonomy: Berea offers each admitted student a scholarship that covers 100% of tuition, ensuring students graduate with little to no debt.
• Professional Integration: The Work College Program provides work experience, bridging the gap between classroom theory and real-world career readiness.
• Holistic Support: We provide “Whole You” services—including healthcare, professional development, and internship funding—to ensure students are equipped to thrive both in and out of the classroom.

By investing in these comprehensive support systems, you provide more than an education. You provide a foundation for long-term economic mobility and career success.