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Berea College

Berea, KY·Private nonprofit·1,472 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for families who need the lowest possible cost and students who want small classes and close faculty access. no major red flags in the data. generous financial aid cuts net price well below sticker; 81% of students receive Pell Grants — strong access mission.

33%
Accept
1,472
Students
$4,483
Net Price
62%
Grad Rate
$36,300
Earnings
10 yr
$3,516
Debt

About This School

Berea College is a private nonprofit institution located in Berea, Kentucky with approximately 1,472 undergraduate students enrolled. The school is moderately selective, accepting approximately 33% of applicants. The average net price after financial aid is $4,483 per year. The graduation rate is 62%, and the typical graduate earns $36,300 within 10 years of enrollment.

Berea College is a private liberal arts work college in Berea, Kentucky, United States. Founded in 1855, it was the first college in the Southern United States to be coeducational and racially integrated. It admitted non-White students from as early as 1866 until 1904, and again after 1954.

This is a strong option for students who need financial help, as the average net price of just $4,483 per year — paired with a median graduation debt of only $3,516 — makes it one of the most affordable four-year colleges in the country. The numbers tell a mixed story, though: a 62% graduation rate suggests a meaningful share of students don't finish, which is worth asking about during a visit. If you're a motivated, mission-aligned student who will take full advantage of the work-college model and small community, the value here is genuinely hard to beat.

Founded
1855
Setting
Distant town

Popular Programs

Business & Marketing12%
Computer Science10%
Biological Sciences8%
Communications7%
Psychology7%
Visual & Performing Arts6%
Education5%
Health Professions4%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

John FennMuse WatsonJuanita M. KrepsCarter Godwin Woodson

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1248
Reading 75th %ile680
Math 75th %ile655

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite26

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$49,326
Out-of-State Tuition
$49,326
Avg Net Price
$4,483
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants81%
Median debt at graduation$3,516

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
62%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
88%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$36,300
after enrollment
Median Debt
$3,516
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$3,516
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$27,100
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$36,300
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 10.3x

Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White44%
Black19%
Hispanic/Latino16%
Asian4%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (1,472 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Berea College

101 Chestnut Street

Berea, KY 40404-2182

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Kentucky

Browse all Kentucky schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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