Berea College is a private liberal arts college located in Berea, Kentucky. Founded in 1855 by abolitionist John Gregg Fee, Berea College is distinctive for being the first interracial and coeducational college in the South. It holds a strong commitment to providing educational opportunities to students of all races and promoting social equality. A unique aspect of Berea College is its no-tuition policy, which is designed to make higher education accessible to students with limited financial resources.
Here's an overview of Berea College:
1. Campus: Berea College's campus covers approximately 140 acres and features a mix of historic and modern buildings, green spaces, and state-of-the-art facilities. Notable landmarks on campus include the Hutchins Library, the Draper Building, and the Danforth Chapel.
2. Academics: Berea College offers a wide range of undergraduate degree programs across various disciplines, including arts and sciences, education, health and human services, and more. The academic offerings are organized into several departments, with an emphasis on liberal arts education and interdisciplinary learning. Berea College is known for its small class sizes and low student-to-faculty ratio, which promotes personalized attention and close relationships between students and professors.
3. Enrollment: Berea College has a diverse student body, with an enrollment of approximately 1,600 students. The college admits academically promising students with limited financial resources, primarily from the Appalachian region, but also from other parts of the U.S. and the world.
4. Labor Program: A distinctive feature of Berea College is its Labor Program, which requires all students to work at least 10 hours per week in various roles on campus or in the community. The Labor Program helps students develop valuable skills, a strong work ethic, and a sense of responsibility while contributing to the overall operation of the college.
5. Tuition: Berea College is unique for its no-tuition policy. Instead of charging tuition, the college provides every admitted student with a Tuition Promise Scholarship, which covers the full cost of tuition. Students are expected to contribute to their education through work and personal savings, and additional financial aid is available for other costs such as room and board, books, and fees.
6. Athletics: Berea College is a member of the NCAA Division III and competes in the USA South Athletic Conference. The college's athletic teams, known as the Mountaineers, participate in various sports, such as basketball, soccer, track and field, and more.
7. Student Life: Campus life at Berea College is active and engaging, with numerous student clubs and organizations catering to a wide range of interests. The college also offers various support services, including academic support, career services, and health and wellness resources.
8. Alumni: Berea College has a strong alumni network, with graduates excelling in various fields such as business, education, government, and the arts. Notable alumni include author and activist bell hooks, former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Andrew Young, and former Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear.
In summary, Berea College is a private liberal arts college that offers a unique educational experience centered on social equality and accessible higher education. Its no-tuition policy, Labor Program, and commitment to fostering an inclusive community make Berea College a distinctive institution in American higher education.
