About Berea college
Berea College: A Unique Institution with a No-Tuition Promise
Berea College is a private liberal arts college located in Berea, Kentucky. It was founded in 1855 by abolitionist John Gregg Fee and his wife, Matilda Hamilton Fee. The college has a unique mission of providing high-quality education to students who cannot afford it. In fact, Berea is the only one of America’s top colleges that awards every enrolled student a no-tuition promise. No student pays for tuition.
The no-tuition promise is not just a marketing gimmick; it’s the cornerstone of Berea’s commitment to social justice and equality. The college believes that education should be accessible to all, regardless of their financial background or social status. This philosophy has been at the heart of Berea’s mission since its inception.
But how does Berea manage to offer free tuition? The answer lies in its endowment and fundraising efforts. The college has an endowment of over $1 billion, which allows it to cover the cost of tuition for all students. Additionally, Berea relies on donations from alumni and other supporters who believe in its mission.
Apart from its no-tuition promise, what makes Berea College stand out among other liberal arts colleges? For one thing, it has a strong commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. The campus features several LEED-certified buildings and sustainable practices such as composting and recycling are encouraged throughout the campus community.
Another unique aspect of Berea is its labor program. All students are required to work at least 10 hours per week on campus or in the local community as part of their education experience. This not only helps offset some living expenses but also provides valuable work experience that can be applied after graduation.
Berea offers over 30 majors across various disciplines including humanities, natural sciences, social sciences, business administration, computer science among others with small class sizes ensuring personalized attention from faculty members who are experts in their fields.
In addition to academic programs offered by departments within each major area there are also interdisciplinary programs like African & African American Studies Program (AAAS), Appalachian Studies Program (APP), Environmental Studies Program (ENV) etc., which provide opportunities for students interested in exploring topics beyond traditional disciplinary boundaries.
The college also boasts an impressive array of extracurricular activities including sports teams like basketball & soccer teams competing at NCAA Division III level; music ensembles such as choir & orchestra; theater productions featuring both student actors/directors as well as visiting professionals etc., providing ample opportunities for students interested in pursuing non-academic interests too!
Overall,Berea College offers an exceptional educational experience that combines academic rigor with social justice values making it one-of-a-kind institution where every student can thrive without worrying about financial burden associated with higher education elsewhere!