Organizer Information
Berea College is a private liberal arts college in Berea, Kentucky, founded in 1855. The institution offers undergraduate education leading to Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degrees across more than 30 fields of study. Its academic structure includes departments and programs in areas such as Art and Art History, Theatre & Film, Communication, English, Music, and other liberal arts and sciences.
Key Information
- Official Institution Name: Berea College
- Opportunity Type: University Programs & Admissions
- Study Levels: Undergraduate
- Degrees Offered: B.A.; B.S.
- Academic Fields: Art, Art History, Studio Art, Film Production, Theatre, Communication, Digital Media, Creative Writing, Music, and other liberal arts and sciences
- Relevant Programs: Art: History; Art: Studio; Film Production; Theatre; Communication; Digital Media; Creative Writing; Music; Electronic Music; Photography-related study through Art: Studio and other academic offerings
- Language of Instruction: English
- International Applicants: Yes
- Application Period: Program/year-specific
- Application Deadline: International applicants — 30 November
- Start of Studies: Fall term
- Application Fee: $0
- Tuition: $0 paid tuition under Berea's financial-aid model; 2026–2027 published tuition value is $56,900
- Funding: Financial aid and scholarships cover 100% of tuition, housing, food, and fees for admitted international students.
Field of Study & Eligible Disciplines
- Berea College offers more than 30 undergraduate majors and additional minors. Relevant creative and cultural fields include Art: History, Art: Studio, Film Production, Theatre, Communication, Digital Media, Creative Writing, Music, and Electronic Music. Art: Studio includes study in ceramics, fibers, painting, printmaking, and sculpture.
- Students may also pursue an Independent Major when an established major does not meet their intended field of study, subject to Berea's academic requirements.
General Eligibility
- Berea College admits undergraduate students who demonstrate strong academic potential and significant financial need. International applicants must meet the university entrance requirements of their home country and present strong secondary or leaving-examination results. Berea evaluates applicants holistically, including academic records, test scores, financial eligibility, recommendations, extracurricular or co-curricular activities, community service, and other aspects of the applicant's background.
- International students who have already earned a bachelor's degree are not eligible because Berea College does not offer master's programs. New international students may enroll only in the Fall term.
- For international applicants, completed secondary-school records must demonstrate completion of the applicant's country's secondary-school requirements and must be translated into English and certified by school officials.
Language Requirements
All international applicants must submit a test report less than two years old from an approved examination. International applicants cannot apply test-optional. Minimum scores include:
- IELTS: 6.0 overall, with at least 5.0 in each subscore
- TOEFL: 68 iBT or 520 PBT
- Duolingo English Test: 95
- SAT: 980 combined
- ACT: 19 composite
The English-language testing requirement applies even to applicants from English-speaking countries.
Application Fee
| Applicant Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| International applicants | $0 |
Berea's international application has no application fee.
Tuition
| Study Level | Published Tuition | Amount Paid Toward Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate, 2026–2027 | $56,900 | $0 under Berea's financial-aid model |
Berea's 2026–2027 cost-of-attendance page lists $56,900 in tuition, while stating that no student pays tuition. Beginning Fall 2027, Berea states that its Financial Freedom framework will cover tuition, housing, food, fees, and supplies without loans for all students.
International students who are admitted receive financial aid and scholarships covering 100% of tuition, housing, food, and fees. An admitted international student is expected to provide a $2,200 enrollment deposit; Berea states that additional financial aid may be available for students unable to pay all or part of the deposit.
Funding & Financial Support
- Berea provides financial aid and scholarships to admitted international students covering 100% of tuition, housing, food, and fees. International students can also participate in the Berea College Work Program without a work permit. Students work at least 10 hours per week, with most international students working 15–20 hours per week during the academic year.
- Berea also provides funded internships, career-development support, and other student resources.
University Services & Academic Support
- Berea provides academic advising, student-success support, career development, funded internships, and access to Hutchins Library's research databases, study spaces, interlibrary loan services, Writing Resources Center, Special Collections & Archives, and related academic resources.
- Students also receive a laptop at no cost, and Berea funds internship opportunities for students.
Application Requirements
International applicants must submit:
- Online application
- Personal essay of 2–5 pages
- Official secondary-school records
- One teacher recommendation
- Financial Resource Recommendation Form
- Official IELTS, TOEFL, Duolingo, SAT, or ACT score
- International Financial Questionnaire
Academic records must be translated into English and certified by school officials. Recommendations must be written in English.
How to Apply?
- Application Portal
Deadline & Timeline
- International Application Deadline: 30 November 2026
- Admission Decisions: No later than 31 March 2027
- Start of Studies: Fall term
- Fall 2027 Classes Begin: 18 August 2027
Location
Berea College — Berea, Kentucky, United States
Additional Details
- Berea College's international admission process is specifically designed for undergraduate applicants with strong academic potential and significant financial need. International applicants may apply as transfer students, but Berea states that its very limited international spaces are typically reserved for students who have not previously had an opportunity to pursue higher education. Applicants with university coursework must follow the international application guidelines and submit records from previously attended universities.
- Berea does not offer graduate programs. Its academic offerings therefore lead to undergraduate B.A. and B.S. degrees rather than master's or doctoral qualifications.