Berea College, located in Berea, Kentucky, is unlike any other school in the United States. Founded in 1855 by abolitionist John G. Fee, it was the first college in the South to welcome students of all races and genders. From the beginning, Berea has been dedicated to equality and opportunity, ensuring that students who might not otherwise afford college can get a quality education.
Free Tuition for All Students
One of Berea College’s most amazing features is its Tuition Promise Scholarship. Every student admitted to the college receives this scholarship, which covers the entire cost of tuition. This means students do not have to pay a single dollar for their education. On average, this saves students over $176,000 over four years.
Berea focuses on helping students from families with low incomes. Most students come from households with an annual income under $50,000. By removing the barrier of tuition, Berea gives talented students the chance to pursue their dreams without worrying about debt.
In addition to covering tuition, Berea offers other scholarships to help with costs like housing, meals, and books. These scholarships come from the college’s large endowment, which is funded by donations and careful financial planning.
Work Program: Learning Through Labor
At Berea, all students participate in the Labor Program. This means they work 10 to 15 hours per week on campus in jobs like office assistants, cooks, gardeners, or even research assistants. Through this program, students earn money to help cover living expenses while also gaining valuable job experience.
The work program isn’t just about making money—it’s also about learning life skills. Students learn teamwork, responsibility, and time management. By the time they graduate, they have work experience that helps them succeed in their careers.
Strong Academics
Berea College is a liberal arts school, which means students study a variety of subjects, including science, history, and the arts. The college offers over 30 different majors, including Business, Nursing, Education, and Computer Science.
With small class sizes and a student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1, Berea students get lots of attention and support from their professors. Students also have chances to do internships, research, or study abroad in other countries, giving them real-world experiences to prepare for life after graduation.
Diversity and Inclusion
From its start, Berea College has focused on bringing people together. Today, the college welcomes students from all 50 U.S. states and more than 70 countries. About half of the students are the first in their families to go to college.
Berea works hard to create a campus where everyone feels welcome. Students learn about different cultures, histories, and ideas through classes and events. This focus on diversity helps students understand and respect others, preparing them to work in a global society.
Sustainability and the Environment
Berea College is also a leader in sustainability. Its campus includes some of the greenest buildings in the world, like the Deep Green Residence Hall. The college uses solar panels and other renewable energy sources to power much of the campus.
The Berea College Farm, one of the oldest educational farms in the United States, provides fresh food for the campus dining hall. Students can work on the farm, learning about organic farming and sustainable practices.
Life After Berea
Graduates of Berea College are known for making a difference. Many go on to become teachers, nurses, scientists, or community leaders. Some have even won national awards, like the Nobel Prize or recognition as leading authors and scholars.
One thing that sets Berea alumni apart is their commitment to service. The college encourages students to use their education to help others, and many graduates carry that spirit into their careers and communities.
A Place of Opportunity
Berea College is more than just a school—it’s a chance for students to build a better future. By providing free tuition, work opportunities, and a welcoming environment, Berea helps students achieve their goals without being held back by financial barriers.
For students from families with low incomes, Berea is a life-changing opportunity. Its focus on affordability, hard work, and academic excellence makes it one of the most inspiring colleges in the United States.
If you’re looking for a college that invests in its students and helps them succeed in every way, Berea College might just be the perfect place.