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Berea College Reviews

Average Rating Details

Academic Rigor

Dorm Life

Food and Dining

See Berea College reviews submitted by students. Find out what students have to say about various aspects of attending Berea College. Read about academic experiences and campus life in these free Berea College reviews, or contribute your own Berea College review if you're a current student there.

  • 25 out of 25 people found this review useful.

    Morgan from Campbellsville, KY

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    The professors all make sure that you are keeping up, but at the same time, you are expected to keep up to the rigorous pace they set. We currently operate on a 4-1-4 calendar year. That means that fall semester is 4 months, we have a January Short Term and the spring semester is 4 months. This allows us to have a break because during short term, students are only allowed to take one class.
    Am enjoying being here

    Berea is in a dry county. This is partially what allows us to study so well, however the next county over is a wet county. Overall, there is not a lot to do in Berea, so we make up our own games to play in town and on campus.
    Bang for the buck

    All full time students receive a full tuition scholarship just for coming to the college. Then the room and board fees are determined on what the FAFSA says your family can pay. Berea only takes students in low economic settings, and works on bringing students in from Appalachia and people of different ethnic origins.
    Tips for prospective students

    Apply early. The majority of students get in during the fall enrollment period. This is because Berea caps how many students it will take so that it can pay more attention to the students they accept. Be prepared to study. Classes here on general require at least a couple hours a week in order to keep up. The professors here will put you to the grindstone, but the quality of students that graduate is excellent.
    Great for these types of students

    Great for creative thinkers, good studiers, and overall good students.

  • 13 out of 13 people found this review useful.

    Emily from Lapeer, MI

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    Berea puts a lot of emphasis on the liberal arts education it gives--there are a lot of interdisciplinary classes that students are required to take, but so far they've been enjoyable and useful to me. Classes are usually small, since there's only around 1600 students on campus, and the largest class I've seen is twenty-five people. Some people might underestimate the difficulty of the school (I know I did!), since Berea is a small, private college with Christian roots, for students that might not otherwise go to college; but it would be a mistake to say that anything at Berea is easy. The college expects you to do well, and even in the classes where I struggle, I still feel like I'm constantly learning.
    Note: In addition to having a liberal education, Berea is also a work college. Every student that attends the school will have a job on campus and is expected to work 10-15 hours/week. This helps pay for the tuition-free education (since it uses federal work study money), teach students time management (while giving them job experience!), and helps students be financial responsible (by still giving them a paycheck, even though most of the money goes to tuition).
    A previous review also says that Berea works on a 4-1-4 schedule; this has now changed. The college now has a fall semester, spring semester, and then optional summer I/summer II semesters (which are about a month long each).
    Am enjoying being here

    Plainly put, Berea is a gorgeous town. It's a small-ish Southern-ish town in Appalachia, and so far I have yet to see the town be anything but beautiful. There are usually a number of events happening on campus, and there are plenty of student organizations (including most sports) to keep one occupied outside of class and work.
    Conversely, Berea is known for being in the self-described Berea Bubble. Students who are used to living in larger cities might be uncomfortable living in such a small town, without some of the pleasures that larger cities might provide. Berea is also a dry town (no alcohol is sold/served here), so students that are looking to party will have to go elsewhere. The college also discourages students from having cars and prohibits first-year students from having cars, both for financial and environmental reasons (there IS a free shuttle that will transport students to Walmart, Richmond, and Lexington occasionally). I do not personally find any of these things to be an issue, but it's something to consider for some students.
    Bang for the buck

    Berea is a tuition-free college; I don't know how it can get better than that. Berea only accepts students below a certain economic level, based on their FAFSA reports. After being founded in 1855, the college has focused on educating students from Appalachia; women; African-Americans; and a number of international students. Once accepted, a student will get a four-year tuition scholarship, even if a parent's income increases. This isn't a deal that looks fabulous and then charges students an insane amount for room and board; the last time I checked, the most students can pay for room and board is $6,600, and many students pay nothing at all (if their EFC is zero). In fact, a fair number of students (21%, off the top of my head) graduate without any student debt at all.
    STUDY ABROAD--If you plan on studying abroad, Berea is the place to do it. The college will cover 75%/$11,000 of student costs for a term abroad, and something like 35% of student costs for a summer/short term abroad.
    Tips for prospective students

    *Apply EARLY--these are difficult economic times. The college is getting more applications than ever, and while I still encourage you to apply at any time of the year, you'll have a better chance of gaining admission if you do it early.
    *Visit the college--I didn't even seriously consider Berea until I visited it during spring break of my senior year in high school, but the gorgeous campus and the attitude of the students I met impressed me.
    *TALK to the admissions staff--if it isn't feasible for your family to visit Berea to do the interview portion of the admissions process, email/call the admissions staff and they can schedule a time to do it by phone.
    *Speaking of the admissions process, DON'T BE INTIMIDATED. Yes, you will have to do an interview, but if you're calm about it, you will be fine.
    Great for these types of students

    Berea is a great school for students who
    *have limited financial means
    *are from Appalachia (even though it's entirely possible to attend Berea without being from Appalachia!)
    *want to attend a smaller, more personalized college
    *are Christian (Berea has a Christian background; all students take an Understandings of Christianity course, and there are plenty of churches no matter your background)
    *AREN'T Christian (Don't let the Christian label scare you. Berea was founded by an abolitionist preacher who wanted to educate black/white students together AND men/women together--in 1855. Pretty progressive. There are multiple religious student organizations that aren't for Christians.)
    *want a liberal education
    *want to study abroad
    *want to graduate with less student debt than all of your friends! (which is good for those who want to go on to graduate school, by the way)

  • 9 out of 12 people found this review useful.

    Thea from Martinsburg, WV

    Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Will enjoy being here

    It's a small town in Eastern Kentucky located in a dry county. If you are looking for a party school this is not it. If you are interested in an excellent education, getting into graduate school, study abroad or graduating without any student loan debt -- Berea is it!

  • 3 out of 3 people found this review useful.

    Mia Janay from San Pablo, CA

    Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Will learn a lot

    From the students I talked to when I visited, they said that the curriculum at Berea is very demanding. You will be challenged in every aspect. A graduating senior told me that at the end of her 5 years at Berea, she feels like she was prepared for anything that comes her way.
    Will enjoy being here

    I unfortunately had my visit when the students were out for the summer already. But, the campus is pretty and the town was inviting so I think I will enjoy my time there.
    Bang for the buck

    That is the biggest incentive to most students that come across Berea. Berea believes in the philosophy that students should not be just numbers. There is no tuition at Berea which essentially means you don't have to pay tons of money for an education that should be free. Having said that it does not mean it costs $0 to attend Berea. You will be responsible for room and board, books, and other fees, but when you think about compared to other schools that is a great trade off.
    Tips for prospective students

    Apply early, visit the campus (when classes are in session), and don't hesitate to ask questions.
    Great for these types of students

    Students that are eager to get a great education, be a part of a diverse community, and develop skills that will really get you through challenges in the real world.

  • 2 out of 2 people found this review useful.

    Sean from MT Sterling, KY

    Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Will learn a lot

    Everybody I've met has said the classes are demanding, but rewarding. The small class size means I'll be given much more 1on1 and discussion time, which is much better than being known as student #341.
    Will enjoy being here

    Absolutely, this is the main reason I'm excited about attending. I've met nobody who wasn't congenial.
    Bang for the buck

    Berea College provides the most financial aid of any college on Cappex. Every student receives a full tuition scholarship.
    Tips for prospective students

    Do your best to stand above the crowd during your interview. I was nearly passed on before I asked about the music program.

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Brittany from Berea, KY

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    berea college is a fun yet challenging institution. it is generally hit or miss with professors as far as teaching ability is concerned. much of the progress attained by students depends on their personal drive and intellectual ambition.
    Tips for prospective students

    for those students who know what they intend to major in, take courses required for your major as soon as you come in, and not just general requirement courses. classes at berea are sometimes only offered every other semester or even every two years, so it is important to take classes at specific times in order to graduate on time. planning ahead is key. for students who don't know their intended major, berea does not allow students to declare a major until the end of sophomore year, so use your first year to get some general requirements out of the way and also to explore some fields of interest.
    Academic Rigor

    we're not kidding when we say that this school is tough. it is. students must be enrolled full time and also maintain a labor position which requires at least ten hours of labor per week. most classes are at least an hour and a half long and require a great amount of out-of-class effort. however, the payoff is phenomenal, and it is to be expected that a tier one school such as berea should be academically rigorous.
    Dorm Life

    the dorms at berea are in need of some improvement, but my experience overall has been relatively positive. freshman year is pivotal and the most fun in terms of dorm life. as the years progress, however, dorm life begins to wear on students. off-campus housing options are available to seniors.
    Food and Dining

    the food at berea is pretty bad. we have a singular cafeteria and one cafe. both have limited hours and limited menus. there are many options in the cafeteria, but the quality is not the best. however, there are plenty of ways to be creative with the food in the cafeteria to create a relatively nice meal.
    What to do for fun

    berea is a wonderful town for students. there are many things to do within walking distance and the town is incredibly safe. we have local coffee shops, artisan centers, parks, contra dances, free movies, and a ton of on campus activities. the school is also only fifteen minutes away from richmond, ky, and berea provides a shuttle service for transportation to richmond once a week and to lexington every month. there are also many beautiful places for hiking and camping and beautiful places around town to find and enjoy. you simply have to look!
    Bang for the buck

    tuition at berea college is free. each student pays part of their room and board based upon their family's income and pays for their own books. tuition is around $25,000 a year, so each student is looking at upwards of a $100,000 scholarship. students are given free laptops when they enter the college which they may keep upon graduation from the school. also, berea has funds set aside for all students to have an opportunity to spend time studying abroad. many students from berea graduate completely debt free, which is something to be said in this day and age.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    the campus participates in a game called humans vs. zombies twice a year. it's like a very large game of tag using nerf guns and all the proceeds go to a charity for children.
    Great for these types of students

    berea is a great place for a student who doesn't think that he or she will be able to go to college based upon monetary difficulties, who is academically savvy and looking for a challenge in the way of schooling. students looking for work experience whilst in college and a guaranteed job, who are interested in appalachia and who like are passionate about the environment would be a perfect match. this is a great school and it's a great place to be.
    Clubs and Activities

    you name it, we have it. and if we don't, you can start it. the campus is overwhelmingly student-led, which allows for many independent organization opportunities.
    Greek Life

    there are no sororities or fraternities on campus. however, we have some lovely classes surrounding greek culture and the latin language!
    Campus Safety

    berea is an incredibly safe town. it is rare to hear of any type of incident on campus. public safety also does an excellent job of ensuring student safety.

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Jeremiah from Adamsville, AL

    Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Tips for prospective students

    if accepted, take the blessing seriously and attend berea

  • 1 out of 2 people found this review useful.

    Bama Girl

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Berea takes away your social life and literally puts you in a bubble. It is not the place to be if you want the college experience. The education provided is good, but social options are equally important.
    Academic Rigor

    Academic life here is vigorous. Because there are so few students that attend the college professors give more work, but this also allows more one on one time for learning.
    Dorm Life

    Most people in the dorms are friendly at first, but there is not a true home feel. The way that the rooms are chosen is also not favorable, rooms are chosen via a lottery. The rooms are also small and can be uncomfortable with two people living in them.
    Food and Dining

    Dining service is not very good. The quality of the food is low.
    What to do for fun

    There is nothing to do for fun, Berea is not college like.
    Greek Life

    There is absolutely no Greek Life.

  • 1 out of 31 people found this review useful. 3 people found it offensive. 8 people found this inaccurate.

    Kayla from Northfield, MN

    Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Will learn a lot

    Admissions staff are not helpful
    Will enjoy being here

    Admissions staff are not helpful
    Bang for the buck

    Admissions staff are not helpful
    Tips for prospective students

    Admissions staff are not helpful
    Great for these types of students

    Admissions staff are not helpful

  • Erika from Berea , KY

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Attending Berea College is a great experience because we have to work. I never had a job before coming to school here. Now I won't be thrown into the without ever having worked a day in my life.
    Tips for prospective students

    Come prepared for college in general. Be open because Berea is not like most schools. Also the last thing that I will say is, not to give up even when it gets hard because it does, there are plenty of resources that are on campus, but you have to take advantage of that.
    Academic Rigor

    Is great no one that graduates from Berea has lower than a 2.5
    Dorm Life

    Is not that great just because of the visitation hours.
    Food and Dining

    Food Service is okay but it could be much better.
    What to do for fun

    Hang out with friends and visit nearby cities
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    People tie rope to trees and walk on them like their walking on the ground.
    Clubs and Activities

    Any CAB event is great, or anything hosted by the Black Cultural Center.
    Greek Life

    There is none
    Campus Safety

    Is Great, always feel safe!