Berea College crest

Berea College

Berea, United States • Founded 1855

Updated Jun 2026

Overview

English Name: Berea College
Founded: 1855
Institution Type: College
Control Type: Private
Entity Type: Non-profit
Motto: God has made of one blood all peoples of the earth
Colours: Blue and white
Berea College principal campus
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Established in 1855, the Berea College is a non-profit private liberal arts higher education institution located in the rural setting of the large town of Berea (population range of 10,000-49,999 inhabitants), Kentucky.

Officially accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, Berea College is a very small-sized coeducational US higher education institution. Berea College offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees in several areas of study.

This 169-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 30-39% making this US higher education organization a very selective institution.

International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.

Berea College also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, as well as administrative services.

Location & Contact

Berea College's campus address and the ways prospective students can reach the institution. For visa queries, contact the international student services office directly rather than central admissions.

Address: 101 Chestnut Street
Postal Code: 40404-2182
Map:
Phone: +1 (859) 985 3000
Fax: +1 (859) 985 3917
Social Media:

Academic Details

Berea College's institutional metrics — useful for sizing it against other shortlisted universities. The proportion of academic staff with doctorates correlates with research output and graduate-school admissions.

Recognition: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Total Students: 1,513
Academic Staff Range: 100-199
Campus Setting: Rural
Memberships & Networks
Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) National Athletic Association (NAA) National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

Academic Structures

The academic-side structure of Berea College, broken down by unit type. International branch campuses, where they exist, are sometimes organised as separate units with their own structure.

Unit 29 items
  • African and African American Studies Department
  • Agriculture and Natural Resources Department
  • Appalachian Studies Department
  • Applied Science and Mathematics Department
  • Art Department
  • Asian Studies Department
  • Biology Department
  • Chemistry Department
  • Child and Family Studies Department
  • Economics and Business Department
  • Education Studies Department
  • English, Theatre and Speech Communication Department
  • Foreign Languages Department
  • General Studies Department
  • History Department
  • Library Science Department
  • Mathematics and Computer Science Department
  • Music Department
  • Nursing Department
  • Peace and Social Justice Studies Department
  • Philosophy and Religion Department
  • Physical Education and Health Department
  • Physics Department
  • Political Science Department
  • Psychology Department
  • Sociology Department
  • Sustainability and Environmental Studies Department
  • Technology and Industrial Arts Department
  • Women's Studies Department

Programs Offered

Below: Berea College's programme list by level. Programme intakes vary — some offer multiple entry points per year (Sep, Jan, May), others a single annual intake.

36 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in United States

How to apply to Berea College

Practical steps to apply to Berea College, suitable as a starting checklist before contacting the admissions team directly.

  1. 1
    Research programmes at Berea College

    Start by exploring the programmes section on this page. Berea College runs 36 active programmes across multiple degree levels. Narrow by qualification tier and read each programme description before shortlisting.

  2. 2
    Review admissions criteria

    Before applying to Berea College, confirm you meet the academic, language, and document requirements for your chosen programme. International applicants should also check visa eligibility for United States.

  3. 3
    Gather supporting documents

    Standard documents: official transcripts, identity proof, language test results, personal statement, and references. Confirm exact requirements with Berea College's admissions office before assembling, as expectations vary by programme.

  4. 4
    Lodge your application

    Lodge your application through the official website (www.berea.edu). Online forms are the standard route. Save your draft frequently and submit before the programme deadline.

  5. 5
    Confirm receipt and track progress

    Verify your application has been received by the admissions team. Reach the institution by phone at +1 (859) 985 3000. Monitor the portal for status updates, interview invitations, or document requests, and respond within the stated deadlines.

Frequently Asked Questions about Berea College

A short Q&A covering Berea College's essentials — founding, location, scale, ranking, and academic structure.

How old is Berea College?

The institution opened in 1855 (approximately 171 years ago).

Where is Berea College located?

Berea College is located in Berea, United States.

Is Berea College a public or private institution?

Berea College operates as a private institution.

What is the student enrolment at Berea College?

Student enrolment at Berea College is around 1,513.

What is Berea College's academic structure?

Berea College is organised into 29 academic units across its disciplines.

Is Berea College officially recognised?

The institution holds recognition from Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

What is Berea College's official website?

The institution's website is www.berea.edu.

Top-Ranked Universities in the United States

Below are the highest-ranked universities in the United States — natural comparison points for Berea College. Top institutions in the United States typically have the strongest international recognition and graduate-school placement.

Members of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

Members of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), alongside Berea College.

Faculties at nearby universities

These universities are located near Berea College, listed below for students comparing options by location.

Where Else to Study Social & Cultural Studies

These universities in the United States also offer Social & Cultural Studies programmes, alongside Berea College.

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