Berea College

Berea College, founded in 1855, stands as a beacon of equitable higher education. As a private liberal arts work college, it's renowned for its unique model that ensures no student pays tuition. Rooted in its abolitionist origins, Berea's commitment to "God has made of one blood all peoples of the earth" shapes a transformative student experience that combines rigorous academics with meaningful work, preparing students not just for careers, but for lives of service.

Its history is marked by groundbreaking courage. Berea was the South's first non-segregated, coeducational college, welcoming both Black and white students from its inception. Despite being forced to segregate in 1904 by Kentucky's Day Law and challenging it all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court, Berea persevered. Even during this period, it demonstrated its unwavering commitment to education for all by raising funds to establish the Lincoln Institute in 1912 to educate Black students.

True to its founding principles, Berea triumphantly resumed its integrated policies in 1950 when legal changes allowed. Today, under the leadership of President Cheryl L. Nixon, Berea continues its distinctive mission, providing an exceptional education where students gain invaluable real-world experience through its comprehensive work program, all while eliminating the financial burden of tuition. It's a place where students don't just learn; they contribute, grow, and become part of a legacy of social justice and intellectual pursuit.