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🇺🇸 United States · University

Berea College

Since 1892 Berea College in Kentucky has charged no tuition to any student it admits. International students go further: financial aid and scholarships cover 100% of tuition, housing, food and fees, and a campus job pays for personal expenses.

Funding
Tuition-Free
Status
Due in 66 days
Typical deadline
Nov 30 (international applicants)Next: Nov 30, 2026
Study levels
Bachelor's
Fields
Any discipline may apply
Who pays
The university itself funds you — you apply for admission and the funding together.
Official page on berea.edu Last verified Sep 24, 2026. Cycles shift each year — confirm dates on the official page.

What the funding covers

  • All admitted international students receive aid and scholarships covering 100% of tuition, housing, food and fees.
  • Everyone works on campus through the Work Program — at least 10 hours a week, and most international students work 15–20 hours — earning over $2,000 during the school year for personal costs.
  • Summer jobs are available to international students on campus.
  • No bank statements are needed with the International Financial Questionnaire.

Who can apply

  • International first-year applicants with strong academic records who can show English ability through TOEFL (68 iBT), IELTS (6.0 overall, 5 in each band), Duolingo (95), SAT (980) or ACT (19), taken within the last two years.
  • Berea serves students with limited financial means; admission is competitive and places for international students are limited.

How to apply

  1. Apply online through Berea's admissions portal before the international deadline of 30 November.
  2. Submit transcripts, test scores, recommendations and the International Financial Questionnaire.
  3. If admitted, pay the $2,200 enrolment deposit — Berea can adjust aid if this is a genuine hardship.
  4. Apply for your US student visa (F-1) with the I-20 Berea issues.

Before you apply: things to know

  • The international deadline (30 November) is earlier than many US regular deadlines.
  • The Work Program is compulsory and part of the education — plan for 10–20 hours of work each week.
  • Berea is a small college in rural Kentucky; make sure the setting suits you.

A working timeline

Counting back from the next typical deadline (Nov 30, 2026). Steps marked NOW are already due if you start today.

Sep 7, 2026 · NOWResearch the route in depth — confirm eligibility, costs and every required document
Sep 21, 2026 · NOWAsk your referees (for a PhD, email potential supervisors with a short, specific pitch)
Oct 5, 2026Write the first full draft of your motivation letter or statement of purpose
Oct 19, 2026Order transcripts and certified translations · book any language test
Nov 2, 2026Second draft — get feedback from someone who reads critically
Nov 16, 2026Finalise every document and complete the online form
Nov 23, 2026Submit — never on the last day
Nov 30, 2026Typical deadline

Related routes

Sources

Page reviewed Sep 24, 2026. Spotted something out of date? Tell us and we will check it against the official source.