
101 Chestnut St., Berea, KY 40404, USA


Berea College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), which authorizes the institution to award bachelor's degrees. This accreditation ensures that the college meets established standards for higher education quality, governance, and academic programs, providing prospective students with confidence in the institution's credibility and the recognition of its degrees.
Berea College requires applicants to have completed high school or obtained a General Educational Development (GED) credential. Prospective students must provide a secondary school record, including GPA and class rank, which are both mandatory for admission consideration. The college also requires recommendations and proof of English proficiency through the TOEFL exam. While admission tests beyond TOEFL are not explicitly required, they are recommended, and competencies are encouraged to strengthen an application. Berea College does not have an open admission policy and does not pursue dual credit options, but it does award credit for prior coursework, including Advanced Placement (AP) credits.
The college maintains a selective admissions process with an acceptance rate of approximately 33%, placing it in the bottom 5th percentile nationally for admission selectivity. The average SAT score of admitted students is 1194, which is around the 60th percentile, indicating a moderately competitive academic threshold. ACT scores reflect an average of 26, which lies in the 64th percentile, underscoring a generally solid academic profile among incoming students. Among those enrolled, 35% hold ACT scores between 23 and 29, while 15.5% scored near the top of the ACT scale.
Berea College does not charge an application fee for prospective students. This policy removes a common financial barrier, making the application process more accessible to all candidates. Additionally, because there is no application fee, there is no need for fee waiver requests, simplifying the application experience for students from diverse economic backgrounds. This approach aligns with Berea College's broader commitment to affordability and equity in higher education.
Berea College hosts an ROTC branch unit directly on its campus, providing students with the opportunity to participate in military officer training programs without leaving their college environment. Additionally, students at Berea College have access to ROTC programs at cooperating host institutions, expanding their options for military education and training through affiliated colleges. These arrangements allow students to pursue ROTC coursework and leadership development while completing their academic studies at Berea College.
Berea College allows transfer students to enroll for the fall term, providing an opportunity for those seeking to continue their education there. The institution accepts credits from previous coursework, which can facilitate a smoother transition for students coming from other colleges. Additionally, Berea College recognizes both CLEP (College Level Examination Program) general and subject exams, which can be applied toward credit, offering further flexibility in meeting degree requirements.
Berea College offers a variety of study abroad opportunities designed to enrich the academic experience and foster global awareness among its students. These programs are integrated into the curriculum, allowing students to earn credits while immersing themselves in different cultures.
Students can participate in semester-long exchanges, short-term faculty-led trips, or summer programs that focus on specific academic themes or cultural studies. The college emphasizes experiential learning, encouraging students to engage deeply with local communities and environments during their time abroad.
The college also supports individually tailored study abroad plans, working with students to identify programs that align closely with their academic goals and personal interests. This flexibility ensures that students can find international experiences that complement their major fields of study.
While specific destinations and partner institutions vary, the overarching focus remains on creating meaningful global connections and broadening students' perspectives through cross-cultural experiences.
Median composite SAT score
1194Median composite ACT score
26Percent of students submitting ACT scores
35%Percent of students submitting SAT scores
6%High school completions
General Educational Development (GED) requiredComputer required
NoComputer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution
Data not availableSecondary school GPA
RequiredSecondary school rank
RequiredSecondary school record
RequiredCompletion of college-preparatory program
Data not availableRecommendations
RequiredFormal demonstration of competencies
RecommendedAdmission test scores
Data not availableTOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language
RequiredOther Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
RecommendedOpen admission policy
NoDual credit
NoCredit for life experiences
YesAdvanced placement (AP) credits
YesOrientation program
YesDisabilities services
YesOff-campus study
Data not availableROTC-Army
ROTC branch unit at a cooperating host institutionROTC-Navy
ROTC branch unit on campusROTC-Air Force
ROTC branch unit on campusStudy abroad
YesWeekend/evening college
Data not availableStudent can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
YesPreparation at another institution required
NoApproved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher
NoEntrance difficulty for transfer students
Data not availableGenerally accepts credits
YesAccept ACE recommendation for credit
YesPossible transfer
Fall