Overview of Berea College
Berea College, located in Berea, Kentucky, is a distinctive institution with a unique mission in American higher education. Established in 1855, Berea College stands out as a liberal arts work college that is committed to providing a high-quality education to students regardless of their financial means. The college’s mission is rooted in the values of equality, service, and social justice.
Admission and Tuition: What sets Berea College apart is its commitment to providing a tuition-free education to all enrolled students. Berea follows a need-based financial aid model, and every student receives a full-tuition scholarship, known as the Tuition Promise Scholarship. This scholarship covers the cost of tuition, ensuring that all students have the opportunity to pursue higher education, irrespective of their economic background.
Labor Program: A key component of the Berea College experience is the Labor Program, which reflects the institution’s commitment to the dignity of labor. All students are required to participate in the Labor Program, where they work 10-15 hours per week in various capacities across the campus. This work not only helps offset the cost of their education but also instills a sense of responsibility, work ethic, and community engagement.
Academic Programs: Berea College offers a liberal arts education, providing a range of undergraduate programs in disciplines such as arts and humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and professional fields. The curriculum is designed to promote critical thinking, communication skills, and a broad understanding of diverse disciplines. The college’s commitment to diversity is evident in its efforts to create an inclusive and welcoming academic environment.
Faculty Mentorship: The student-faculty relationship is a central aspect of the Berea College experience. With a low student-to-faculty ratio, students benefit from close interactions with professors who are not only dedicated educators but also mentors. Faculty members at Berea are committed to fostering a supportive learning environment and guiding students in their academic and personal development.
Appalachian Heritage: Berea College is situated in the Appalachian region, and the college actively embraces and celebrates its Appalachian heritage. The Appalachian region’s culture and traditions are integrated into the college experience, and students have the opportunity to explore and engage with the rich cultural tapestry of the region. The college’s commitment to social justice includes addressing issues faced by Appalachian communities.
Service and Outreach: Reflecting its commitment to service and social justice, Berea College encourages students to engage in community service and outreach. The college sees service as an integral part of the educational experience and offers numerous opportunities for students to contribute to the local community and beyond. This commitment aligns with Berea’s broader mission of preparing students to make meaningful contributions to society.
Diverse Student Body: Berea College actively seeks to create a diverse and inclusive student body. The student population represents a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives. The college’s commitment to diversity contributes to a vibrant and enriching learning environment where students learn from each other’s experiences and perspectives.
Sustainability Initiatives: Berea College places a strong emphasis on sustainability and environmental responsibility. The college has implemented various initiatives to reduce its environmental impact, including energy-efficient buildings, sustainable landscaping practices, and programs promoting environmental awareness. These efforts align with Berea’s commitment to social responsibility and ethical stewardship of resources.
Campus Facilities: The Berea College campus features modern facilities, including academic buildings, residence halls, and recreational spaces. The college continues to invest in its infrastructure to provide students with a conducive environment for learning, collaboration, and community engagement.
Extracurricular Activities: Berea College offers a range of extracurricular activities and student organizations. These include clubs, cultural organizations, and opportunities for artistic expression. While the Labor Program is a significant commitment, students still find time to engage in activities that align with their interests and passions outside of the academic and work responsibilities.
Berea College stands as a beacon of accessible and inclusive education, guided by a commitment to equality, service, and social justice. The college’s unique approach to affordability, the Labor Program, and its dedication to fostering a diverse and supportive community contribute to a transformative educational experience for its students. As information can change, it’s advisable to check the college’s official website for the most recent details.
CPO Box 2142 Berea, KY 40404
Phone: (859) 985-3500
Email: admissions@berea.edu
Web site: http://www.berea.edu
Rankings: Berea College
Located in Berea, KY, Berea College is one of the best universities in the state of Kentucky. On this page, you will find in-depth rankings for Berea College in the following areas: graduation rates, teaching resources, financing opportunities, and alumni donations. Latest acceptance rate is also given to show how competitive is Berea College.
Berea College is consistently ranked among the top liberal arts colleges in the nation. The most recent rankings from U.S. News & World Report place Berea College at #14 among National Liberal Arts Colleges and #7 among Best Value Schools in the nation. This ranking reflects Berea’s commitment to providing an excellent education that is affordable and accessible to students from all backgrounds. Berea College is also ranked highly for its commitment to diversity, with a student body of over 1,600 students representing all 50 states and nearly 70 countries around the world. The college also has a strong commitment to sustainability and social responsibility, having been ranked #1 in the nation for its sustainability initiatives by Sierra Magazine. These rankings demonstrate that Berea College provides students with an outstanding learning environment that prepares them for success not only academically but also professionally, ethically, and socially after graduation.
| Rankings, Ratings, and Admissions Statistics | |
| Peer college rating (out of 5) | 3.4 |
| Graduation and retention ranking: | 142 |
| Average freshman retention rate: | 82.0% |
| 6-year graduation rate: | 62.0% |
| Predicted graduation rate: | 50% |
| Overperformance(+)/Underperformance(-): | 12 |
| Faculty resources ranking: | 193 |
| Classes with under 20 students (2020): | N/A |
| Classes with 50 or more students (2020): | N/A |
| Student faculty ratio (2020): | N/A |
| Percent of faculty who are full-time (2020) | N/A |
| Student selectivity ranking: | 216 |
| SAT/ACT 25th-75th percentile (2020) | N/A |
| 2020 Freshmen in top 10 percent of high school class: | N/A |
| Freshmen in top 25 percent of high school class (2020): | N/A |
| Fall 2020 Acceptance rate: | N/A |
| Financial resources rank: | 185 |
| Alumni giving rank: | 166 |
| Average alumni giving rate (2020): | 19.5% |
Essential Facts: Berea College
- Berea College isn’t like most other colleges. It was the first integrated, co-educational college in the South. Every student on campus works, and its labor program is like work-study on steroids.
- From the time it opened, blacks and whites studied together. But in 1904, a state law declared it illegal for black and white students to attend classes together.
- Berea College stands in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement and those peacefully demonstrating against police brutality across the country and around the world.
Rules and regulations Sports Activities
| General Information | |
| Percent of undergraduate students who live in college-owned, operated, or affiliated housing: | N/A |
| Percent of undergraduates who are members of a fraternity: | N/A |
| Percent of student body who are members of a sorority: | N/A |
| Average percentage of students on campus during weekends: | 65% |
| Are all students permitted to have cars on campus? | No |
| Percent of students who have cars on campus: | 20% |
| Is alcohol permitted on campus for students of legal age? | No |
| Additional policies and regulations: | class attendance policies set by individual instructors, smoking prohibited |
| Collegiate athletic association: | NAIA |
| Men’s scholarship sports: | N/A |
| Women’s scholarship sports: | N/A |
| Student activities: | choral groups, dance, drama/theater, jazz band, literary magazine, music ensembles, pep band, student government, student newspaper, yearbook |