Berea College is a private liberal arts college. It is located in Berea, Kentucky, USA. It is one of the work colleges in the USA (students need to compulsorily work along with studying). It is ranked #40 by US News (Liberal Arts College) in 2025. It offers only undergraduate programs to the students. Some of the popular programs offered by Berea College include a BS in Nursing, a BA in Biology, and a BA in History.
A Few Details of Berea College:
- Fees: USD 54,700 / INR 51.4 Lakhs (waived off for all the students)
- Admission Deadline: 15 December 2026
- Acceptance Rate for international students (2025): 1%
- Number of Indian students admitted in 2025: 4
International students can expect the monthly living expenses to be in the range of USD 13,042-15,467 / INR 12.2-14.5 Lakhs. Berea College, through its Tuition Promise Scholarships, waives the tuition fees, housing charges, and food costs for all admitted students.
USD 1 = INR 94.83 as on 27 March is used in this article.
Berea College Key Highlights
The table below highlights some of the key details about Berea College.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Private |
| Establishment year | 1855 |
| Key Fact | No Tuition Fee Model (All students are charged no fees to study) |
| College Uniqueness | Work College (Compulsory for all students to work while studying) |
| Programs Offered | Only Undergraduate |
| Clubs | 60+ |
| Total Students Enrolled (Fall 2025) | 396 |
| Total International Students Enrolled (Fall 2025) | 29 |
| Total Indian Students Enrolled (Fall 2025) | 4 |
| Total Male Students Enrolled (Fall 2025) | 158 |
| Total Female Students Enrolled (Fall 2025) | 238 |
| Student-to-faculty ratio | 9:1 |
Berea College Popular Programs
The table below highlights the details of the popular programs opted by international students at Berea College.
| Popular Programs | Fees in USD | Fees in INR | Note/Tips for Indian Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| BS Nursing | USD 54,700 | INR 51.4 Lakhs | Excel in Class 12 Physics/Chemistry/Biology (PCB). Mention healthcare volunteering or biology projects. An extra TOEFL speaking score may apply for clinicals. Competitive; prepare for rigorous clinicals + labor balance. |
| BA Biology | USD 54,700 | INR 51.4 Lakhs | Strong Class 12 Biology/Chemistry. Highlight lab projects or NEET prep (even if not taken). Good for pre-med or research paths. |
| BA Education Studies | USD 54,700 | INR 51.4 Lakhs | Discuss the Indian education system experiences or tutoring/volunteering. Useful for teaching careers; pair with strong communication skills. |
| BA History | USD 54,700 | INR 51.4 Lakhs | Leverage Indian history knowledge for essays. Good for civil services aspirants or law paths. Emphasize analytical writing. |
| BA Music | USD 54,700 | INR 51.4 Lakhs | If you have classical/Hindustani training or school band experience, highlight it. Participate in cultural events for the application. |
| BA Chemistry | USD 54,700 | INR 51.4 Lakhs | Class 12 Chemistry + Math essential. Mention any Olympiad/JEE prep. Good foundation for further studies. |
| BA English | USD 54,700 | INR 51.4 Lakhs | Strong reading/writing in English. Indian literature exposure is a plus; showcase it in the essay. |
| BA Communication | USD 54,700 | INR 51.4 Lakhs | Highlight debating, school events, or social media. Useful for media/journalism careers. |
| BA Music Education | USD 54,700 | INR 51.4 Lakhs | Music background + interest in education. Mention any teaching/tutoring music experience. |
| BA Health and Human Performance | USD 54,700 | INR 51.4 Lakhs | Sports/PE background or health awareness (e.g., yoga, fitness). Good for coaching or public health. |
Note:
- Berea College does not charge fees to admitted students.
- Fees are mentioned to let students know the cost of the program they have opted for.
- Berea College has paid every student's tuition fees since 1892.
Berea College Scholarships
Berea College offers the Tuition Promise Scholarship to all admitted students. Some of the features of the scholarship are as follows:
- Tuition Promise Scholarship is available for US national as well as international students.
- It covers No Tuition Promise + Campus Care Package + Education and Career Opportunity Package (Whole You Package).
- In it, students are not required to pay for tuition fees, housing fees, and food costs.
- Additionally, students are provided with facilities like free laptop, Free Dental Care, Free Laundry, and much more.
For more information, students can check: Berea College Fees.
Students' review from YouTube:
- Students have claimed to pay no tuition fees, no housing fees, and no food costs.
- But international students have stated that there are taxes charged on internship programs and study work programs.
- Berea College does not offer free books, but it does provide loans for them.
- Freshmen do not get desired jobs on campus for working.
- Limited vegetarian/vegan options for students on-campus.
Berea College Admission Deadlines
The table below mentions the admission deadlines for international students to apply to Berea College.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Intake | Fall 2027 |
| Admission Start Date | 1 August 2026 |
| Admission Deadline | 15 December 2026 |
Berea College Admission Requirements
The documents required by international students to apply to Berea College are as follows:
- Academic Transcripts (10th and 12th class certificates).
- English language scores of IELTS 6, TOEFL 68, and DET 95.
- SAT score of 980.
- ACT score of 19.
- Essay of 2-5 pages.
- 1 academic letter of recommendation (LOR).
- Financial Resources Recommendation Form.
- International Financial Questionnaire.
For more details about the application process, check: Berea College Admissions.
Berea College Acceptance Rate
The table below mentions the acceptance rate of Berea College as per Factsheet 2025-26.
| Years | Acceptance Rate of Overall Students | Acceptance Rate of International Students |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 16% | 1% |
| 2024 | 19% | 2% |
| 2023 | 33% | 5% |
| 2022 | 25% | 3% |
| 2021 | 33% | 4% |
| 2020 | 33% | 7% |
Key Summary:
- The acceptance rate for all students is very low (16% in 2025), which suggests a very highly selective admission process.
- The acceptance rate for international students is extremely low (1% in 2025), which suggests an extremely selective admission process.
- Acceptance rate for overall students has dropped from 33% in 2020 to #16 in 2025.
- Acceptance rate for international students has dropped from 7% in 2020 to #1 in 2025.
Berea College Accommodation
The table below mentions the on-campus residence halls available for international students at Berea College. Accommodation cost can range between USD 5,000-7,425 / INR 4.7-6.9 Lakhs. But the housing cost is not charged to the students as per the Tuition Fees Scholarship.
| Residence Halls | Year of Renovation | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Ana Smith | 2014 | It is located near Alumni, Woods-Penniman, and Fairchild Buildings |
| Bingham | 2016 | The hall is located behind the Draper Academic Building, Hutchins Library. |
| Blue Ridge | - | It is located near St. Joseph’s Hospital. |
| Dana | 2015 | It is located close to the outdoor track, Seabury Center, and Draper Hall. |
| Danforth | 2019 | It is located near Memorial Park and Old Town. |
| EcoVillage | 2005 | The Ecovillage is within walking distance of the campus. |
| Elizabeth Rogers | 2007 | It is located between Presser Music Hall and the President’s House. |
| Fairchild | - | It is located near Woods-Penniman. |
| James | - | It is located near College Square |
| Kentucky Talcott | 2003 | It is located near the Danforth Technology Building, Office of Internships and Career Development, and Printing Services |
| Kettering | 2021 | It is located near the Alumni Building |
| Pearsons | - | It is located near the outdoor track, Seabury Center, and Draper Building |
| Seabury | 2017 | It is located near Alumni, Woods-Penniman, and Fairchild Buildings |
| Larry D and Nancy L Shin | 2014 | It is located near Alumni, Woods-Penniman, and Fairchild Buildings |
Cost of Living in Berea
As per the data on the official website of Berea College, annual living expenses for international students can range between USD 13,042-15,467 / INR 12.2-14.5 Lakhs.
| Expenses | In USD | In INR |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | USD 5,000-7,425 | INR 4.7-6.9 Lakhs |
| Food | USD 4,142 | INR 3.8 Lakhs |
| Books and Supplies | USD 750 | INR 70,597 |
| Transportation | USD 1,350 | INR 1.2 Lakhs |
| Personal | USD 1,800 | INR 1.6 Lakhs |
Berea College Rankings
The table below mentions the various rankings of Berea College.
| Ranking Bodies | Rankings |
|---|---|
| Washington Monthly, 2024 College Guide and Rankings (Best Liberal Arts College) | #1 |
| University HQ 2024 (BS Nursing) | #1 |
| New York Times, College Access Index, 2023 | #1 |
| US News (National Liberal Arts Colleges) 2025 | #40 |
| US News (Most Innovative Schools) 2025 | #2 |
| US News (Top Performers in Social Mobility) 2025 | #5 |
| US News (Service Learning) 2025 | #1 |
| US News (Co-ops/ Internships) 2025 | #3 |
| US News (First-Year Experiences) 2025 | #6 |
| US News (Best Undergraduate Teaching) 2025 | #9 |
| Money Magazine, Best Colleges 2024 | #1 |
| Moody’s Designation (Indicating the Highest Quality and Lowest Credit Risk) | #1 |
| Wall Street Journal College Pulse Rankings, 2024 (Social Mobility) | #22 |
| Wall Street Journal College Pulse Rankings, 2024 (Best Value) | #9 |
Berea College is one of the unique universities in the USA, with no tuition fees charged for all students, which makes it a very good choice for students looking for financially viable universities in the USA. Also, it has an extremely high acceptance rate of 1% for international students. Students should check all the details and apply within the time to secure a seat at Berea College.
FAQs
Ques. How to reach Berea College?
Ans. Nearest airports to Berea College are Blue Grass Airport in Lexington, Kentucky, and Louisville Mohammed Ali International Airport in Louisville, Kentucky. There are no public transportation facilities from the airport to Berea College. Hence, it is recommended to rent a car or book a cab.
Ques. Is it easy to get admission to Berea College?
Ans. It is very difficult to get admission to Berea College. The acceptance rate for international students is 1%, which suggests that only 1 out of 100 students will be offered admission at the college.
Ques. What is the QS ranking of Berea College?
Ans. Berea College has not been ranked by QS World University Rankings 2026. Though US News has ranked the college at #40 for Liberal Arts category colleges in 2025.
Ques. Where are the food facilities on the campus of Berea College?
Ans. Food options in Berea College campus are the Mountaineer Dining Hall, Sandella's Flatbread Cafe, The Farm Store, The Pinnacles Cafe, and a suite of local eateries on College Square.
Berea College Program Fees & Deadlines
| Program | Important Dates | Fees | Eligibility | Financial Aid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
B.S Nursing 4 years | Deadline of Deposit Due for Fall 2026 Intake (1st May 2026) Application Deadline For Fall 2027 Intake (15th Dec 2026) | INR 51.5 L/Yr USD 55,480 /Yr | IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL iBT: 68, Duolingo: 95 | |
B.A Biology 4 years | Deadline of Deposit Due for Fall 2026 Intake (1st May 2026) | INR 50.8 L/Yr USD 54,700 /Yr | GPA: 2.3, IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL iBT: 68, Duolingo-95 | |
B.A History 4 years | Deadline of Deposit Due for Fall 2026 Intake (1st May 2026) | INR 50.8 L/Yr USD 54,700 /Yr | GPA: 3.0, IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL iBT: 68, Duolingo-95 | |
B.A Music 4 years | Decision Notification Deadline for Fall 2026 Intake (1st May 2026) Application Deadline For Fall 2027 Intake (15th Dec 2026) | INR 51.5 L/Yr USD 55,480 /Yr | GPA: 3.0, IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL iBT: 68, Duolingo: 95 | |
B.A Education Studies 4 years | Deadline of Deposit Due for Fall 2026 Intake (1st May 2026) | INR 50.8 L/Yr USD 54,700 /Yr | GPA: 2.5, IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL iBT: 68, Duolingo-95 |
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Important Alerts
| Events | Dates |
|---|---|
| Nursing Deadline of Deposit Due for Fall 2026 Intake | Closing in 13 days |
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Berea College Scholarships
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TEC Scholarship | Scholarship per student₹ 92,880/Yr$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| BeArt Presets-Academic Scholarship | Scholarship per student₹ 2.3 L/Yr$2,500 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Chuan Ai Lu Engstrom Memorial Scholarship | Scholarship per student₹ 92,880/Yr$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Jagdish Bhagwati Fellowship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCollege-Specific | |
| Bharat Petroleum Scholarship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Comindware Scholarship | Scholarship per student₹ 3.7 L/Yr$4,000 | Level Of StudyApprenticeship | TypeMerit-Based |
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Berea College Admissions
Application Portal: https://www.berea.edu/admissions/applying-for-admission/
Early Action Deadlines
Important Date: November1 (Application deadline)Important Date: April1 (Application results)Regular Decision Deadlines
Important Date: January15 (Application deadline)Important Date: April1 (Application results)
Berea College Exam Scores
| Exams | Avg. Score | Min Score | Max. Score | %Submitted' |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | ||||
| SAT | 1085 | 970 | 1200 | 10 |
| Check Detailed Score | ||||
| Evidence-Based Reading and Writing | 535 | 480 | 590 | - |
| Mathematics | 550 | 490 | 610 | - |
| ACT | 25 | 22 | 27 | 88 |
| Check Detailed Score | ||||
| English | 24 | 21 | 27 | - |
| Mathematics | 23 | 20 | 25 | - |
Attendance Cost
The table shows average yearly cost of attendance for international students. Amount may vary with the course opted, nature of accommodation, and personal spending habits of a candidate.Check Program wise Fees
Berea College Accreditations
Faculty
| Total Faculty | Full Time | Part Time | Graduate Assistants |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2721 | 2276 | 445 | - |
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