The private Kentucky liberal arts college will cover 100% of students’ tuition, housing, food and required fees without loans. The pledge also includes books and supplies, a free laptop, funded internships, study-away opportunities, professional clothing support and wellness resources.
Founded in 1855, Berea has long been tuition-free and serves primarily students from lower-income families. The college says the new initiative will make it the first college in the nation to provide all admitted students with a fully funded, four-year, no-loan education.
“This is more than financial aid,” the college said in announcing the initiative. “It’s a reimagining of what higher education can be.”
Berea estimates the Financial Freedom Pledge will provide more than $285,000 in value per student over four years.
