Campus Vibe
Known for business — close-knit campus
Berea College is a private institution in Berea with particular strength in business and computer science. With an average SAT of 1248, the school attracts a broad applicant pool.
A small campus of 1.5K undergraduates with a 9:1 student-faculty ratio. The town location creates a classic college-town feel.
62% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $43,150 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $4,483.
Plan Your Visit
News & Alerts
Berea College Launches New Data Science Minor
Starting Fall 2026, students can pursue an interdisciplinary data science minor combining CS, statistics, and domain courses.
Tuition Increase Announced for 2026-27
The board of trustees approved a 3.2% tuition increase for the upcoming academic year, in line with peer institutions.
Admissions
SAT Score Ranges
Average: 1248
ACT Score Range
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
88.0%
Avg Tuition Increase
3.2%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$3,516
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
9
Peer Average
13
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
Campus security, emergency notification system
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Programs (37)
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
88%
- •88% first-year retention rate
- •Active student organizations
- •Engaged campus community
Mental Health Services
Counselor Ratio
1:350
24/7 Crisis Line
Yes
Free Sessions
12 per year
Avg Wait
5 days
Walk-in hours available weekdays
Disability Services
ADA-compliant campus with ongoing accessibility improvements
Dining
Rating
★★★★☆
Score
4/5
Meal Plan
$6,200/yr
Multiple dining halls with farm-to-table options
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Rankings
More About This School
Varsity Sports — Mountaineers
History & Fun Facts
- •Although the school's first articles of incorporation were adopted in 1859, slavery supporters forced Fee and the teachers out of the area that year.
- •In 1866, Berea's first full year after the war, it had 187 students, 96 Black and 91 white.
- •In 1869, the first college students were admitted, and the first bachelor's degrees were awarded in 1873.
- •Berea was the main exception until a new state law in 1904 forced its segregation.
Source: Wikipedia
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Housing and food costs are higher than national average