Non-Profit Private
Accredited · Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Berea, Kentucky
32.7% Acceptance Rate
Berea College — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
32.7%Acceptance Rate
3.62Avg GPA
1248Avg SAT
26Avg ACT
$56,068Annual Cost
$43,150Grad Salary
81%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
32.7%
Avg GPA
3.62
Avg SAT
1248
Avg ACT
26
Selectivity
Selective
Institution Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
SAT Middle 50%
1156–1335
ACT Middle 50%
24–27
Need-Based Aid
81% receive Pell
Berea College, established in 1855, is a distinctive liberal arts college in Kentucky that provides all enrolled students with a tuition-free education through its work-study program. Berea admits only students with financial need, primarily from Appalachia, and combines rigorous academics with labor program participation. The college offers strong programs in agriculture, technology, and crafts alongside traditional liberal arts disciplines. Berea's 140-acre campus includes working farms and the renowned Boone Tavern Hotel operated by students.
Berea's commitment to interracial education dates to its founding as the first integrated college in the South. The college's crafts programs preserve Appalachian traditions while fostering artistic innovation. Alumni include educators, community leaders, and craftspeople who carry forward Berea's mission of service and opportunity. The college's blend of academic excellence, work experience, and inclusive values creates a transformative educational experience.
Berea College Acceptance Rate
At an acceptance rate of 32.7%, Berea College rewards applicants who show real academic growth rather than a flawless transcript.
What Berea College Admissions Looks For
- Solid, Not Perfect: A GPA trending upward matters more than one that's flat.
- Holistic Read: Recommendations and community involvement carry real weight here.
Selectivity at a Glance
Selective
Selectivity scale: Selective — 32.7% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Slightly below-average GPA? A strong test score or clear leadership track record can still keep you competitive.
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.62 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.42 – 3.61
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 3.17
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (Nov 2025).
Berea College Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
The application deadline for Berea College is November 1 for Early Action applicants, with additional plans listed below. Admission decisions are typically released by December 20.
Key Admission Dates
⏳ 93 days left — Early Action
Early Action
November 1
Decision by: December 20
Regular Decision
January 31
Decision by: March 15
💡 The scholarship deadline (November 1, 2026) often falls before the regular admission deadline. Submit your application and FAFSA early to be considered for maximum aid.
Deadlines are verified from official institutional sources but may change each cycle. Always confirm final dates on the official website.
Berea College GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at Berea College is 3.62. That makes admissions here highly selective. Most admitted students carry mostly A's with the occasional B.
Between 3.32 and 3.62? A strong standardized test score is worth prioritizing.
Most schools report GPA on a weighted or unweighted 4.0 scale differently — for an unweighted profile like this, students with AP/IB coursework typically carry a weighted GPA of 3.82–4.02.Berea College GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Selective; solid academic performance is expected.
Recommended Strategy: Focus on a Strong 'Spike' in extracurriculars or research.
Where your GPA falls in this range shapes what the rest of your application needs to do:
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.62 – 4.00
Target/Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.42 – 3.61
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
3.22 – 3.41
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 3.21
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Evaluation Metrics That Matter Here
- Tuition-free since 1892; all admitted students receive a full-tuition scholarship (85% attended at $0 total cost in Fall 2025).
- Mandatory labor program: minimum 10 hours/week in campus or service roles as part of graduation requirements.
- International acceptance rate has dropped sharply, from 7% (2020) to roughly 1% (2025); fall-only intake for international students.
- Test-optional; no dual credit accepted, though AP credit is awarded; over 33 majors plus an Independent Major option.
- Rigor Over Raw Number: A slightly lower GPA (say 3.8) paired with multiple AP or IB courses often outweighs a flat 4.0 from a standard curriculum.
- Trajectory Matters: A lower start in 9th or 10th grade, followed by a clear upward trend senior year, reads as academic resilience rather than a weakness.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at Berea College
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Berea College's verified institutional data
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Berea College Test Requirements
Standardized scores still matter here: aim for the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class below, and if Berea College is test-optional, a high score submitted voluntarily still helps with merit scholarships.
Can I Get Into Berea College Without SAT or ACT?
Berea College considers scores when submitted, without requiring them. Prepare well and submit your best attempt — most applicants test 2–3 times.
Berea College Average SAT Score: 1248
The average SAT score of admitted students at Berea College is 1248 on the 1600-point scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1248 — Slightly Competitive
This sits close to the national average SAT score.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1335 SAT or 27 ACT) to stand out. Below average? Berea College allows Score Choice for the SAT, so a retake only helps — a low sitting never has to be sent.
If your score is below 1156, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at Berea College. Retaking multiple times is completely normal — most competitive applicants sit for it two or three times. There's no official limit on attempts.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 612 | 568 | 655 |
| SAT Reading | 634 | 588 | 680 |
| SAT Composite | 1248 | 1156 | 1335 |
Below 1156, you're behind most admitted students; at 1335 or above, you're ahead of 75% of them. (25th/75th percentile = the score below which that share of admitted students fall.)
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1250
Can I get into Berea College with a 1350 SAT?
A 1350 SAT puts you ahead of most of Berea College's admitted class — but admissions still weighs GPA, course rigor, and essays alongside it. A strong score opens the door; the rest of your profile decides what happens next.
Berea College ACT Requirements
The average ACT score at Berea College is 26.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 26 — Competitive
This average is solidly above the national mean without being elite-tier.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 23 | 20 | 26 |
| ACT English | 26 | 23 | 29 |
| ACT Composite | 26 | 24 | 27 |
Can I get into Berea College with a 27 ACT?
A 27 ACT puts you ahead of 75% of Berea College's admitted students — a strong position, though the ACT is only one benchmark among several admissions weighs.
Unlike the SAT, the ACT scores four separate sections — English, Math, Reading, and Science — each on a 1–36 scale. A noticeably weak section (Science, especially, at STEM-focused schools) stands out to reviewers, so it's worth checking your section breakdown for outliers before applying.
Your ACT score clears the first filter, but GPA, course rigor, extracurricular depth, recommendations, and essays are what carry an application the rest of the way at Berea College.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for Berea College
Selective Strategy: Competitive Positioning
Berea College rewards consistency. Being a top-quartile applicant here doesn't just help admission odds — it's usually what unlocks the strongest scholarship offers too.
Understand your admission is explicitly tied to demonstrated financial need, not just academic merit
Berea looks for students with both strong academic potential and financial need, and covers full tuition for every admitted student through its no-tuition model. Your essay and application should be honest about your financial circumstances rather than downplaying them, since need is a core part of the admissions calculus here, not an afterthought for aid.
Prepare for the mandatory 10+ hour/week labor program before you enroll
Every Berea student works no less than 10 hours weekly in campus or service jobs as a graduation requirement, not an optional work-study add-on. Think concretely about how you'll balance this labor commitment with coursework, since it's built into the institutional model, not something you can opt out of.
Choose the optional essay prompt that lets your voice, not just your grades, come through
Berea's first-year application includes an elective 500-750 word essay from a choice of three prompts, explicitly framed around individual experience, perspective, and creativity. Given Berea's need-based, working-class student population, use this space to speak authentically about your background rather than performing a polished "perfect applicant" voice.
If applying internationally, know the essay is unusually high-stakes and unassisted
International applicants submit a 2-5 page essay that may be used for course placement, and Berea explicitly instructs that students receive no assistance in writing or editing it. This is a notably different (and more revealing) essay expectation than at most U.S. colleges, so budget real time to write it entirely yourself.
Expert Insight:
Applicants sometimes assume "no tuition" means low selectivity, but Berea's overall acceptance rate runs around 33% and international acceptance has fallen to roughly 1%, making it one of the most competitive no-tuition schools in the country. Treating this as an easy backup option because of the tuition-free model is a serious miscalculation.
Berea College Profile
Full Name
Berea College
City
Berea
State
Kentucky
ZIP Code
40404-2182
Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
Is a Berea College Degree Worth It?
At $56,068/year against a $43,150 median graduate salary, Berea College is worth weighing against your specific program and financial situation — the numbers below give you a real basis for that decision.
The average household income among admitted students is $47,500, with a graduate unemployment rate of 3.52%.
How much does a degree from Berea College Cost?
The sticker price is $56,068/year, but the average net price students actually pay — after Pell and federal grants — is typically much lower.
81% of students receive a Pell Grant and 12% take federal loans at Berea College — file your FAFSA early and list Berea College as a choice to be considered for both.
How much does a Berea College Graduate earn?
Median earnings 10 years after enrollment (roughly 4–6 years post-graduation) are $43,150 — about 6% above the U.S. median graduate income.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Berea College. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Mobile | Mobile, AL | 1220 | 24 |
| Samford University | Birmingham, AL | 1203 | 26 |
| John Brown University | Siloam Springs, AR | 1222 | 26 |
| Ouachita Baptist University | Arkadelphia, AR | 1212 | 25 |
| California Lutheran University | Thousand Oaks, CA | 1224 | 26 |
| University of Redlands | Redlands, CA | 1231 | 28 |
| Eastern Connecticut State University | Willimantic, CT | 1200 | NA |
| University of Hartford | West Hartford, CT | 1207 | 29 |
| Quinnipiac University | Hamden, CT | 1212 | 27 |
| Howard University | Washington, DC | 1205 | 25 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Berea College. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alabama at Birmingham | Birmingham, AL | 1251 | 26 |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott | Prescott, AZ | 1256 | 27 |
| Biola University | La Mirada, CA | 1258 | 27 |
| Eckerd College | Saint Petersburg, FL | 1256 | 27 |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach | Daytona Beach, FL | 1256 | 27 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Berea College. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alabama in Huntsville | Huntsville, AL | 1321 | 28 |
| The University of Alabama | Tuscaloosa, AL | 1287 | 28 |
| Auburn University | Auburn, AL | 1318 | 28 |
| University of the Pacific | Stockton, CA | 1303 | 27 |
| Point Loma Nazarene University | San Diego, CA | 1278 | 26 |
Degree Programs at Berea College
Bachelor Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About Berea College Admissions
Median earnings for Berea College graduates sit around $43,150 a year.
At about $56,068 a year, Berea College's cost is on the higher end; look closely at aid options.
With 81.0% of Berea College students on a Pell Grant, need-based aid odds here are strong — an early FAFSA filing naming Berea College is the key move.
At 32.7%, Berea College's acceptance rate is on the more attainable end compared to top-tier selective schools.
Admitted students at Berea College average a 3.62 GPA.
Berea College doesn't publish a hard GPA floor — but landing at or above 3.32 keeps you in the typical applicant range; below it, lean on essays and recommendations.
Below 3.22, Berea College becomes a harder reach — though a strong test score, meaningful activities, and AP/IB coursework can still make a real case.
A strong SAT score matters at Berea College — aim above 1248, ideally within the 1156–1335 range admitted students typically fall in.
The application deadline for Berea College is November 1 for Early Action applicants. Admission decisions are released by December 20.
The scholarship/financial aid priority deadline is November 1, 2026. Submit FAFSA before then for maximum consideration.
Yes — transfers are common. Have transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement ready to make your case.
Strong academics, a focused extracurricular profile, and standout essays move the needle most — along with a competitive SAT/ACT score where relevant.
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