Berea College is like no other in the United States. It is the only higher institution that offers free tuition admission to both domestic and international students. That said, you can expect admissions at Berea College to be super competitive. However, to stand a good chance of getting into Berea you are encouraged to apply early in the year.
Now let us discuss the reasons you should apply to Berea College.
Academic Preparation
Any College you attend must provide many things—but more than anything, it should provide you an excellent tertiary education. At Berea, it’s exactly what you will receive.
Classes at Berea are taught by highly qualified professors, and not some graduate students. It might also interest you to Berea has a 11:1 student to teacher ratio which implies that you’ll receive the personal attention you so need to succeed. There are well over 45 majors, minors, and programs to chose from—you’ll probably find the field of study you are interested in—or develop new interests. You’ll be able to select from a curriculum that includes undergraduate research, service-learning, and numerous study abroad opportunities
Also every admitted students gets a laptop computer. This special feature allows professors to use technology to enrich and humanize the classroom experience without excluding anyone (and you keep the laptop when you graduate).
The academic experience at Berea is challenging, but when you graduate, your degree will say a lot about what you have already accomplished—and what you are capable of accomplishing in the future.
Career Prospects
As graduate, you’ll be hunting for a job like hundreds of thousands of other college graduates. But the question is what will set you apart from the rest? As a Berea graduate, it will undoubtedly be your impressive resume.
At Berea, every student is placed in a paid, on-campus job. Through this Work Program, you’ll gain valuable experience that translates into “real world marketable” skills to put on your resume. Additioanlly, You’ll also earn a salary (about $1,600 your first year) to assist with living expenses.
You’ll also have access to co-op and internship opportunities throughout the United States and the world—and our Career Development office will assist you in finding that perfect internship or in landing your first job out of college.
Interested in graduate or professional schools? Our placement rates are outstanding and our students have been accepted into programs at such schools as Harvard, Yale, and the University of Virginia.
Application Requirements
Please Read the here before proceeding with the international application.
The complete International Application packet with instructions can be downloaded here.
A complete application packet for an international applicant with no transfer credit consists of:
- A completed International Application for Admission and Scholarship form.
- The International Personal Essay and Essay Cover Sheet.
- Official scores from at least one of the following exams: TOEFL, IELTS, ACT or SAT I.
- Official secondary school records.
- Personal Statement of Financial Circumstances.
- A completed International Financial Questionnaire (IFQ).
- The International Financial Recommendation form.
- Two (2) Admission Recommendation forms, at least one of which should be written by a current or former teacher.
Applications from international applicants are considered only for the fall term of each year. International admission decisions for fall are made in March and all applicants should be notified of their status by letter and email (if available) by April 15.
Note: Berea College is the only school in the United States that provides 100% funding to 100% of enrolled international students for the first year of enrollment. This combination of financial aid and scholarships offsets the costs of tuition, room, board, and fees.
In subsequent years, international students are expected to save $1,000 (US) per year to contribute toward their expenses. This amount is quite insignificant considering the quality of education and fees charged by other top universities. The College does provide summer jobs to international students so that they may meet this obligation.
Accepted international students are expected to pay a $50 (US) entrance fee and a $2,200 (US) deposit to confirm their enrollment. This deposit can be used by international students for certain expenses during their four years of enrollment. For students who are unable to pay all or a portion of the deposit, additional financial aid is available.
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