At Berea College, we live by the belief that "God has made of one blood all peoples of the earth" (Acts 17:26). This guiding principle reflects our commitment to impartial love, the kinship of all people, and the deep understanding that each individual is deserving of respect, dignity, and opportunity. Every student deserves access to a transformative education, one that opens doors to possibility and prepares them for a lifetime of impact.
Access for All Peoples
As the #1 institution on the New York Times College Access Index, Berea College leads the way in providing a world-class education to students from all walks of life, ensuring that access to higher learning is a reality for those who deserve it most.
We welcome “all peoples.” Our students come from across Appalachia, the nation, and the globe and, at Berea, come together as “one” with our caring faculty and staff. Our students bring us immeasurable gifts, talents, and strengths. We value this excellence, and we try to express that understanding through educational access.
We understand that affordability is crucial to making education accessible. Berea College is proud to be the #1 national liberal arts college for graduating students with the least debt, as ranked by U.S. News & World Report. This reflects our unwavering commitment to keeping higher education affordable for all, ensuring that our students can graduate with the skills and experiences they need—without the burden of insurmountable debt.
A Force for Good
Our Great Commitments shape every aspect of life at Berea College. We embrace the call to foster a community built on justice and the recognition of our shared humanity. These commitments are not just ideals, but actionable principles. We seek to create a learning environment where students—regardless of their background or identity—are given the opportunity to thrive, rooted in the belief that education is a transformative force for good in the world.
The kinship of all people guides us in our interactions and shapes our approach to academic excellence, leadership, and service learning.
#1in service-learning by U.S. News and World Report
Schools that use volunteering as an instructional strategy and relate it to coursework create valuable experiences for students.
#1Liberal Arts College due to our "contribution to public good"
- Washington Monthly
We are dedicated to preparing students not only to succeed in their academic and professional endeavors but to embody the spirit of impartial love in their lives beyond Berea College. Here, students are not just learning from books—they are learning from one another, strengthening their bonds, and making lasting connections with those around them.
At Berea College, our motto and Great Commitments remind us of the responsibility we carry to uplift and support every student, ensuring they are not only accepted but celebrated. By standing firm in our devotion to impartial love and the kinship of all people, we continue to build a future where everyone—regardless of race, background, nation, or creed—has the opportunity to fulfill their dreams and become leaders who will carry forward this work of justice and compassion into the world.
One blood, all peoples.
