A College Unlike Any Other
No Tuition, No Kidding! Berea College students receive a high-quality education without breaking the bank. Our No-Tuition Promise guarantees that no student pays tuition, a savings worth more than $176,000 over 4 years. Berea is committed to offering students of great promise a world-class education, funded internship and study abroad opportunities, and the support necessary to ensure their success beyond graduation. With our nationally ranked-education, distinguished work program and our historic commitment to diversity, we are and always have been a college unlike any other.

Academics
Berea's educational experience provides students the knowledge and skills to navigate the world successfully.  Ranked the #13 Liberal Arts College in the US by Washington Monthly, the College provides students with experiential learning opportunities in the classroom and extending to convocations, internships, study abroad and more. 

  • Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees offered in 33 majors
  • Pre-professional programs and independent/student-designed majors available
  • 16 honor societies
  • 90% faculty hold terminal degree

In conjunction with our high-quality academics, Berea students also participate in our Work Program.  Participation in the Program requires each student complete 10 hours each week in one of 130 work departments across campus.  In addition to compensation for their work, students learn valuable skills which translate into their future careers.  When a student graduates from Berea, they do so with  a resumé and work transcript, little-to-no debt, and a major edge on any competition in the job market. 

Residential Life

Participating in a residential community that values diversity has long been a core value at Berea.  Our students represent 70+ countries and more than 45 states.  40% of our student body identify as students of color and 57% are first-generation college students.  Learn more about our historic commitment to diversity here.

The opportunities for leadership development, understanding of social responsibility, and the development of lifelong friendships are just a few of the benefits of being part of a residential campus. Living alongside one's peers provides a sense of community and a network of like-minded individuals that can contribute to their overall success. Being part of a residential community encourages all members of our campus to be mindful of others, communicate effectively, and learn valuable life skills that will be beneficial long after a student has graduated from Berea.  Learn more here.  

Extracurricular Life
At Berea we offer a multitude of extra and co-curricular activities for students to get involved in. Our 80+ clubs and organizations range in focus from educational, service-oriented, cultural, physical activity to much more.  You can be sure that you will find an organization that you are passionate about that will also enhance your college experience.

In addition, Berea has a robust performing arts history. We offer 10 music ensembles, eight dance groups and our theatre department stages 4 shows each year.

Admissions Website
Please see the Berea Admissions website for more information.

Virtual tour of Berea College

Important Message
The Standout App is only available for international students at this time. We anticipate domestic students will be able to use the Coalition App next fall. Click here to apply as a domestic student.

Deadline Information
Domestic Applicants
Early Action I (non-binding): November 15
Early Action II (non-binding): January 31 
Regular Deadline: March 31
Admissions decisions for Early Action I will be released in December.  Early Action II decisions are released in February and final decisions are available by early April. 
International Applicants 
Early Action (non-binding): October 15
Regular Deadline:  January 15
Early Action updates are released by end of December.  All final international decisions are released by end of March.  

All candidates have until May 1 to accept an offer of admission.

Required Application Materials (Domestic Application)
Students may submit an application online.  The following items are also required for a complete application for admission:

Learn more here. 

Financial Aid
No Berea College student pays tuition. The No-Tuition Promise is valued at more than $176,000 over four years and is comprised of scholarships, grants and non-loan aid. This means students graduate with an elite degree, little to no debt, and a bright future.  The average student pays $1100 annually toward the cost of housing, meals and fees.  Significant financial assistance is also available for textbooks.

Net Price Calculator
6-Year Graduation Rate: 66%
% of Students receiving Financial Aid: 100%
% of Students who Graduate with No Loan Debt: 55%
Average Debt (of all graduates): $2,074
Total Cost of Attendance: $49,854
Average Financial Aid Award: $44,650

Additional Information
Visit Campus
Financial Eligibility Estimator
Parent and Family Resources
Internships & Career Development
Center for International Education
Athletics
Work Program
Transfer Applicants
International Applicants