Berea College campus
Berea College logo

Berea College

Berea, KY · Private · 1,513 students

Berea's campus is nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains.

Acceptance rate

19.3%

SAT (mid 50%)

1156–1335

Avg net price

$6,106

after aid

Next deadline

Nov 1

EA

Testing

Optional

2026 cycle

Sources: the U.S. Department of Education (2024), and the Berea College admissions site.

Your chances

How hard is it to get in?

Berea College admitted 19.3% of applicants in its most recent reported class. That’s a low rate. Treat it as a reach unless the rest of your profile is very strong.

Here’s where admitted students landed on tests. The middle 50% score 1156–1335 on the SAT and 23–28 on the ACT. Scores at or above that band keep you in contention. They don’t decide it.

The real question isn’t your odds. It’s your move. That’s where Spike comes in. It reads your profile against what Berea College actually rewards, then tells you what to do next.

Check your own numbers against this class →

What they value

Rigorous Academics, Hands-On Learning

We work to develop well-rounded students who can write and speak about physics as well as they can experiment and perform theoretical calculations.

Berea College offers majors in various fields, and an Independent Major option is available for students who wish to pursue a customized field of study.

  • Appalachian Studiesculture, history, region
  • Computer Sciencesoftware development, computational methods
  • Nursingpatient care, health sciences

Verified from berea.edu and berea.edu and berea.edu and berea.edu and berea.edu.

Applying

Here’s what to send, and when.

  • Next deadlineNovember 1, 2026 (EA)
  • Regular decisionMarch 31, 2027
  • TestingOptional (2026 cycle)

Verified from https://www.berea.edu.

Cost and aid

What will you actually pay?

The sticker price is about $60,718. That isn’t what most families pay. After need-based aid, the average net price is $6,106.

Berea College provides a tuition-free education, covering the cost of tuition, housing, food, and fees for its students, a practice maintained for over a century.

Ten years after enrolling, graduates earn a median of $43,150.

Verified from https://www.berea.edu and the U.S. Department of Education.

Academics

These are the most popular majors.

  • Business Administration, Management and Operations12% of degrees
  • Computer and Information Sciences, General9% of degrees
  • Communication and Media Studies8% of degrees
  • Biology, General8% of degrees
  • Psychology, General7% of degrees
  • Engineering Technologies/Technicians, General6% of degrees

Campus life

Here’s the feel of the place.

“Work on a campus landscaping project, engage with the Bluegrass Ensemble, then study at the Loyal Jones Appalachian Center, a Tuesday at Berea.”

Explore the 9,000-acre forest at the Forestry Outreach Center and the Pinnacles, or visit the historic Farm and Farm Store.

AppalachianWork-IntegratedArts-FocusedOutdoor-Centric

Quick answers

What do people ask about Berea College?

Is Berea College test-optional?
For the 2026 application cycle, standardized testing at Berea College is optional.
How hard is it to get into Berea College?
Very hard. Berea College admits 19.3% of applicants. The middle 50% of admitted students score 1156 to 1335 on the SAT. Treat it as a reach for every applicant.
When is the Berea College application deadline?
The next deadline is November 1, 2026 (EA). Regular Decision closes March 31, 2027.
How much does Berea College cost?
The list price is about $60,718. After aid, families pay $6,106 on average.
Is Berea College worth it?
Graduates earn a median of $43,150 ten years after enrolling. 60% of students graduate within six years. Value depends on your aid offer and your goals. That’s what Spike helps you weigh.

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Ask Spike anything about Berea College.

Spike answers from Berea College’s own site, then helps you figure out your move.