About Berea College

Founded in 1855, Berea College. is a Private college. Located in Kentucky, which is a city setting in Kentucky, the campus itself is Town. The campus is home to 1,665 full time undergraduate students, and 0 full time graduate students.

The Berea College Academic calendar runs on a Semester basis. In the school year the student to faculty ratio was 11:1. There are 145 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at Berea College include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.

Quick Facts

Acceptance Rate32%
Application Deadline
Application Fee0
SAT Range1000-1220
ACT Range22-27

Admissions at are considered More Selective, with ,8% of all applicants being admitted.

In the school year, of the students who applied to the school, only 24 of those who were admitted eventually ended up enrolling.

98% of incoming freshmen are in the top half of their high school class. 73% were in the top quarter, and 31% were in the top tenth. You can apply online.

STUDENT LIFE Reviews

We asked, and students answered these important questions about student life at Berea College.

0%
“We”re apathetic”
0%
“We know about current events and vote”
67%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
33%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
11%
“We save it for the classroom”
0%
“Sometimes, but not often”
44%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
44%
“All the time, including weekends”
0%
“I”m always terrified”
11%
“I only go out in groups”
56%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
33%
“I feel extremely safe”
44%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
44%
“We bought the gear”
11%
“We live for the big game”
0%
“It”s not really our thing”
22%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
22%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
56%
“We”re a very artistic group”
0%
“Haven”t met them”
0%
“Available in class”
44%
“They keep regular office hours”
56%
“They”re always available”
78%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
22%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
0%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
0%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
11%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
67%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
22%
“We only party on weekends”
0%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
11%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
56%
“There might be people who do”
33%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
0%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
0%
“We”re apathetic”
0%
“We know about current events and vote”
67%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
33%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
11%
“We save it for the classroom”
0%
“Sometimes, but not often”
44%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
44%
“All the time, including weekends”
0%
“I”m always terrified”
11%
“I only go out in groups”
56%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
33%
“I feel extremely safe”
44%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
44%
“We bought the gear”
11%
“We live for the big game”
0%
“It”s not really our thing”
22%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
22%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
56%
“We”re a very artistic group”
0%
“Haven”t met them”
0%
“Available in class”
44%
“They keep regular office hours”
56%
“They”re always available”
78%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
22%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
0%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
0%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
11%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
67%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
22%
“We only party on weekends”
0%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
11%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
56%
“There might be people who do”
33%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
0%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
Write a review, Enter to win $1,000 Scholarship

  • How would you rate on-campus housing?

    39 Students rated on-campus housing 3.7 stars. 13 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate off-campus housing?

    29 Students rated off-campus housing 2.6 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus food?

    38 Students rated campus food 2.8 stars. 3 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus facilities?

    40 Students rated campus facilities 4.3 stars. 48 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate class size?

    40 Students rated class size 4.9 stars. 88 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate school activities?

    40 Students rated school activities 3.8 stars. 20 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate local services?

    40 Students rated local services 3.8 stars. 38 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate academics?

    40 Students rated academics 4.8 stars. 88 % gave the school a 5.0.

Berea College REVIEWS

What's your overall opinion of Berea College?

11 Students rated Berea College

Lisa - 12/31/2022

Berea College is a place I was very fortunate to study at. I met some incredibly smart people, had great professors, and the academics are just outstanding. It is a college that stands out because it is unlike the typical college you hear about. It is a work-study school, so students are able to pay for college while in college and it prepares students with labor experience for the real-world workforce. Overall, Berea College is a great college to be a part of.

Ellie - 07/06/2020

When I first enrolled at Berea as a freshman I didn't enjoy it as much. However, Berea has really come through for me especially right now when we need all the help we can get. I've learned so much there, about life, people, diversity, Appalachian culture, and a fair bit about U.S-Japan politics. Berea College taught me that just because you're poor or disadvantaged, that doesn't mean you can't have nice things and be successful.

Skylar - 04/23/2020

Berea College has a lot to offer. From convocations, to the variety of clubs on campus there is something for every student there. Most of the professors care deeply for the students as well as the mission of the college, which provides a wonderful learning environment for students. However, Berea college is extremely rigorous. Due to the 'no-tuition promise' pioneered by the school, all students are required to work at a labor position ten hours a week. The labor positions include maintenance, dining, childcare, and other jobs on campus. A student needs to be willing to work hard to accomplish both labor and school requirements each week. Student-athletes have almost no free time between accomplishing academics, labor, and sports. While all the required work is manageable, the stress induced from all the required activities is extremely high. If a student is planning on attending Berea College they must be mentally and physically prepared to take on all the challenges that come with attending the school. However, the major benefit that comes from attending this school is the 'no-tuition promise'. Students are only required to pay thier Expected Family Contribution towards room and board, tuition is completely covered by the school and outside grants. If a student can handle the added work from the labor program and the rigourus academics, they will receive quite a 'bang for their buck'.

Marissa - 08/13/2018

Berea College is a wonderful school with amazing faculty and rigorous, but useful and enjoyable curriculum. The small class sizes can’t be beat at around 11 students per professor, and the campus is dry so there is little to no drinking. There are a few cute stores and restaurants, including an amazing noodle place, delicious bagel stop with excellent coffee, and a cute crafts village run mostly by students. Berea is huge on environmental friendliness and acceptance of all peoples. The culture is amazing, but focused primarily on academics, as there is not much outside of the campus, no Greek life and a fairly small athletic program. Overall, the campus is beautiful, the people are kind and driven, and the school supports it’s students without a fault. Come to Berea to learn, and the school will reward you.

Berea College FAQS

  1. What is the Acceptance Rate at Berea College?

    The fall 2020 acceptance rate for Berea College is 32%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020 , _____ students were offered admission. The number of males who applied was _____ vs the number of females which was _____.

  2. What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

    My advice to find the college right for you would be to find a school that has caring professors. If the professor cares about the success of the student, it drives the student to succeed. The school I attended has amazing professors and several of my former classmates agree that the professor makes all the difference, not only in success, but in enjoying the classes and really learning about the subject. When the professor is excited about teaching, it makes the students excited about learning. The way in which the class material is presented can make the difference in whether a student "survives" college or makes the most of it. Caring professors are also great resources to find successful post-college avenues; they may know someone in the chosen field or be a contact person for an internship. Small schools are usually the way to go if you want this one on one connection. Though there may be a sacrifice of the expensive, state of the art facilities and certain programs that only large schools have, it is worth it to have the support you need right there in the classroom and make college the experience of a lifetime.

    Read all 42 answers

  3. What do you consider the worst thing about your school? Why?

    I think one of the worst things could be the rules. It is a small, private liberal arts Christian college in Kentucky and a lot of the rules are outdated.

    Read all 12 answers

  4. Describe the students at your school.

    Everyone is incredibly bright, and each of them add something completely different to the classroom, this makes the class incredibly enjoyable.

    Read all 10 answers

  5. What's unique about your campus?

    The thing that I consider the best thing about my school is the class size. All of the classes that I have taken, there has not been over 25 students.

    Read all 10 answers

  6. Describe how your school looks to someone who's never seen it.

    Diverse communtiy that offers many courses for the student who wants to do everything.

    Read all 9 answers

  7. What do you brag about most when you tell your friends about your school?

    My school was the first interracial school in the south. We faught for interracial education even when the state of Kentucky passed a segregation law. Also, we were one of the firsts to educate men and women together. We're well respected throughout the country and our academics rank in the top colleges within the country every year. Also, every student on the campus has to have a work-study job. That means we can take care of ourselves because we are the major labor force for the college. We have fireside crafts that we make, too.

    Read all 9 answers

  8. What's the one thing you wish someone had told you about freshman year?

    that i would need to save a little more money.

    Read all 8 answers

  9. What kind of person should attend this school?

    The kind that needs a school willing to take care of them financially. One who has no where else to go and no family to help them out.

    Read all 6 answers

  10. Here's your chance: Say anything about your college!

    Berea College is a work school. Every student has a campus job that allows us to learn self respect and work habits while in school. The school isn't focused on fraternities and sororities. Everyone gets along happily and it's the perfect campus.

    Read all 4 answers

  11. What kind of person should not attend this school?

    Someone who has enough money to pay for college shouldn't attend this school because they would be taking the place of a deserving student that can't afford college that Berea can help. Also someone who feels uncomfortable in a liberal but religious setting should not attend this school.

    Read all 4 answers

  12. Describe your favorite campus traditions.

    inexpensive good education, christian based, racially integrated

    Read all 3 answers

  13. What's the most frustrating thing about your school?

    The most frustrating thing about Berea College is the Financial Aid office. This school is supposed to be free tuition, but they apply all of these fees into your term bill. When trying to get additional financial assistance, it is extremely difficult. The people in the office can be rude at times and like to discuss your difficulties in front of other people.

    Read all 3 answers

  14. What are the academics like at your school?

    They are tough but I have learned so much! I am grateful for my professors they want you to succeed and they believe in their students!

    Read all 1 answers

  15. What are the most popular student activities/groups?

    There is something for all, but I would say Bonner scholars

    Read all 1 answers

  16. What is the stereotype of students at your school? Is this stereotype accurate?

    That Berea students are highly intelligent and I do agree with that!

    Read all 1 answers

Student Body

Students

56%

female

44%

male

1,665

Total Undergrad Enrollment

N/A

Total Grad Students

44%

Out-Of-State

49%

In-State

7%

International

Organizations

74

Student Organizations

N/A

Fraternities

N/A

Sororities

Housing

Yes

On-Campus Housing

84%

of students living on campus

Student Diversity

% American Indian/Alaskan Native
N/A
% Asian/Pacific Islander
2%
% Black or African-American
15%
% Hispanic/Latino
9%
% White or Caucasian
59%

TUITION & AID

All students must apply yearly for financial aid. This process starts with the FAFSA. Though financial aid deadlines vary by school, it is a good idea to apply as soon as possible. For the upcoming school year, you can apply as early as October 1 for the FAFSA. Additional school aid will be dependent on the FAFSA results.

100% of students attending Berea College receive some sort of financial aid. 91% were awarded federal grants. While 9% received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.

Cost Out of State

$25,470

Tuition and fees(Out of state)

$700

Books and Supplies

$6,472

Room and Board

32,642

Total On Campus

Actual Cost By Income Level(W/Financial Aid)

Family Income
Cost
$0 - $30K
$2,175
$30 - $48K
$3,101
$48 - $75K
$6,805
$75 - $110K
$21,765
$110K & UP
$34,980

We use student reviews and the most current publicly available data on our school pages. As such, we don't typically remove or edit college information. Sources for school statistics and data include the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics and the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System. Portions of college data include copyrighted material, which is reproduced on this website by permission of Wintergreen Orchard House, a division of Carnegie Communications. © 2009-2016 by Wintergreen Orchard House. All rights reserved.

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