Berea College vs. Union University

Comparable Facts

Compare Berea College in Berea, KY with Union University in Jackson, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Union University is larger than Berea College based on total student enrollment (2,713 students vs. 1,527 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Berea College is located in Berea, KY (Distant Town setting); Union University is in Jackson, TN (Small City setting).
• Berea College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Union University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Berea College 9:1; Union University 9:1.

Berea College vs. Union University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Berea College or Union University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Berea College than Union University ($5,888 vs. $28,452).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Berea College are 35.8% lower than at Union University ($8,208 vs. $12,780).
• Berea College is 29.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Union University (about $11,633 more per year; $51,658.00 vs. $40,025.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 29.1% higher at Berea College than at Union University (about $11,633 more per year; $51,658.00 vs. $40,025.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Berea College as at Union University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Berea College students is 82% larger than aid received by Union University students ($54,830 vs. $30,120).

Berea College vs. Union University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Berea College or Union University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Union University and Berea College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Union University (1280) is 30 points higher than at Berea College (1250).
• Incoming Union University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 25 at Berea College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Berea College 1156/1335; Union University 1160/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Berea College 23/28; Union University 22/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Berea College - Test optional; Union University - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: Berea College Mar 31, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Union University students have a 0.18 point higher average high school GPA (3.8) than students at Berea College (3.62).
• Union University has a higher acceptance rate (60.4%) than Berea College (19.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 53.8% at Berea College vs. 30.1% at Union University.

Berea College vs. Union University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Berea College and Union University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Graduates from Union University earn a median of about $12,100 more per year than Berea College graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,200 vs. $36,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Berea College graduates have a $19,040 lower median loan debt than Union University graduates ($5,800 vs. $24,840).
• Among borrowers, Berea College graduates have an estimated $197 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Union University graduates ($59 vs. $256).
• More Union University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Berea College students, three years after graduation. (66% vs. 62%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.