Berea College

Berea College is a private liberal arts college founded in 1855 in Berea, Kentucky — one of the most distinctive institutions in American higher education. Berea charges absolutely no tuition — every admitted student receives a full four-year scholarship regardless of merit. In return, every student works 10-12 hours per week in one of 130+ campus work positions (farm, hotel, bakery, craft studios, childcare). Berea serves exclusively students from low-income families (household income under $70,000) and was the first college in the South to be coeducational and interracial (1855).

Distinctive Features

• Zero Tuition — Every student receives a full-tuition scholarship; no tuition ever charged
• Work Program — Every student works 10-12 hrs/week; 130+ positions including hotel, farm, bakery, and craft studios
• Low-Income Focus — Admits only students from families with income under ~$70,000; serves Appalachian communities
• First in the South — First coeducational, interracial college in the South (1855)
• Appalachian Crafts — Nationally recognized handcraft studios; weaving, ceramics, woodworking

How to Apply

• Must demonstrate financial need | Acceptance Rate: ~36% | Tuition: FREE (full-tuition scholarship for all students)