Berea College

Located in the small town of Berea in eastern Kentucky's foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Berea College is a private liberal arts institution known for its distinctive no-tuition model and work-study program that requires all students to work campus jobs. Founded in 1855 as the first interracial and coeducational college in the South, Berea maintains its historical commitment to serving students primarily from Appalachia who demonstrate high academic potential but limited financial resources. The campus spans 140 acres and features a mix of historic and modern buildings, including several structures listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Berea offers bachelor's degrees across 33 majors, with particularly strong programs in craft and sustainability studies, while also operating student-staffed enterprises including a working farm, hotel, and renowned craft workshops that produce traditional Appalachian artworks. All students reside in on-campus housing for at least their first three years, participating in a residential learning community that integrates academic, labor, and service components.