Berea College scholarships in Kentucky stand as a rare gem among U.S. liberal arts institutions—a tuition-free college that extends its financial generosity equally to domestic and international students. Founded on principles of service and academic excellence, Berea’s mission is to offer education to promising students, especially those with limited financial resources, while maintaining a diverse, global community.
Country of Origin
United States of America
Host Institute
Berea College, Berea, Kentucky — a private liberal arts work college that integrates employment with education to support student success.
Deadline to Apply Berea College Scholarships
Application deadlines vary, but for the Fall 2025 intake, options include:
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Early Action I: Submit by December 31 (Decisions mid-December, deposit due February 15)
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Regular Decision: Submit by December 31 (Decisions mid-March, deposit due May 1)
(Note: Always refer to Berea College’s official site for current deadlines.)
What Is the Berea College Scholarship?
Berea College’s No-Tuition Promise guarantees zero tuition for all enrolled students including international admits. This distinctive model ensures that academic promise, not finances, determines access to education.
Berea College Scholarships Benefits
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100% Tuition Waived for the entire undergraduate program.
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Coverage of Housing, Meals, Fees through financial aid.
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On-Campus Employment: All students participate in the Work Program—minimum 10 hours/week—with earnings supporting personal expenses (approx. US $2,000–2,500 in Year
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Affordable Living: International students encouraged to contribute around $1,000/year toward personal costs, supplemented by summer job earnings.
Number of Scholarships
Berea typically admits around 30 new international students per year, each receiving the full scholarship bundle.
Eligibility Requirements
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Demonstrate strong academic potential (high school GPA around 3.0; ACT 20–30 or SAT equivalent).
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Financial need is essential—Berea’s model is need-based, not merit-based.
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International applicants must submit: secondary transcripts, standardized test scores (TOEFL/iBT 68, IELTS 6.0, SAT 980, ACT 19, or Duolingo 95), a personal essay, financial statements, recommendation letters, and more.
Berea College Scholarships Application Instructions
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Apply Free Online: No application fee for international students.
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Submit Required Documents:
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Personal Essay (2–5 pages, unassisted; covers academic/life experiences, future plans, and contributions to community).
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Secondary school records (official, translated, certified).
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One teacher recommendation & a Financial Resource Recommendation by a non-family member.
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English proficiency and other test scores.
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Mail the Application Packet: Some international applications require mailing physical copies.
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Work Program Setup: Post-admission, students receive work assignments to help offset campus and personal costs.
Berea College Scholarships Application Tips
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Start Early to gather and translate documents and find recommenders.
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Be Authentic: The essay is central—maintain personal voice and depth.
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Emphasize Resilience and Community Impact to align with Berea’s values.
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Select Recommenders Thoughtfully—at least one should be academic.
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Connect with Admissions: Use Worldwide Wednesdays virtual sessions to learn more.
Available Areas of Field
Berea College Scholarships offers undergraduate degrees across 33 majors, including Business, Biology, Computer Science, Psychology, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is Berea truly tuition-free for internationals? | Yes—100% tuition, plus work-study to cover housing, meals, and fees. |
| Do international students contribute financially? | Yes—about $1,000/year, typically funded via summer job earnings. |
| What if I can’t pay the $2,200 deposit? | Additional financial aid is available on request. |
| Is the application competitive? | Yes. Approximately one student per country per year ensures broad international representation. |
| Are there scholarships for study abroad? | Yes—students may also apply for Berea’s Term Abroad Grants and other international study awards. |
Where to Apply
To apply or get official details, visit the Berea College International Admissions page:
Apply as an International Student – Berea College Brea College+1
Summary: Berea College Scholarships offers unparalleled financial support for international students—a tuition-free model coupled with work-study makes its scholarship among the most generous in the U.S. If you’re driven, academically strong, and committed to community, Berea opens doors others rarely will. Let me know if you’d like a similarly thorough article for another scholarship opportunity!
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