Berea College

School Overview

Berea College, based in Berea, KY, provides students with a comprehensive academic experience. In the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings, it is ranked #45 among National Liberal Arts Colleges. It is also recognized as #1 in Best Value Schools. The school serves approximately 1,527 undergraduate students. The institution maintains a 19% acceptance rate, making it quite selective. Admitted students typically present SAT scores of 1146-1333 and ACT scores of 22-28. The average high school GPA of incoming freshmen is 3.6. A 9:1 student-faculty ratio provides an environment conducive to individualized academic attention. About 86% of classes enroll fewer than 20 students, fostering an intimate learning environment. The most popular areas of study include Computer Science (11%), Visual and Performing Arts (10%), and Business and Management (10%). Graduates in Computer Science earn a median salary of $76,879 after entering the workforce. Annual tuition and fees are $55,480, with room and board adding approximately $9,142. The average net price for students receiving financial aid is $2,601. Approximately 36% of students complete their degree within four years.