College Costs in Berea, KY 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Berea, Kentucky. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$9,683
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$0
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$766
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Berea Overview
Population
16,185
Student Population
1,174 (7.3%)
Cost of Living Index
88 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
40/100
Transit Score
15/100
Unemployment Rate
6.8%
College Cost Calculator for Berea
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$94,924
Total After Financial Aid
$94,924
Annual Cost
$23,731
Annual After Aid
$23,731
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $94,924 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,078 |
| Total Interest | $34,417 |
| Total Loan Cost | $129,341 |
Universities in Berea
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Berea College | Private | $0 |
| Bluegrass Community and Technical College | Community | $4,680 |
Berea has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Berea vs. National Average
| Category | Berea | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $9,683 | $10,940 | -$1,257 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $766 | $1,050 | -$284 |
| Cost of Living Index | 88 | 100 | -12 |
Berea's cost of living is below the national average. This makes it a more affordable city for students compared to many other college towns.
Student Life in Berea
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
1,174 students
Berea has a total population of 16,185, with approximately 1,174 college students (7.3% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Berea offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Berea
$48,539
Starting Salary
6.8%
Unemployment Rate
73%
Graduation Rate
~7 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Berea earn a median starting salary of $48,539, which is $13,539 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $94,924 (including room and board), it would take approximately 7 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $11,845 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Kentucky
Louisville
17 colleges · Avg tuition $12,324
Lexington
14 colleges · Avg tuition $12,360
Bowling Green
5 colleges · Avg tuition $11,136
Murray
3 colleges · Avg tuition $9,456
Danville
3 colleges · Avg tuition $10,643
Owensboro
3 colleges · Avg tuition $11,600
Covington
2 colleges · Avg tuition $11,600
Richmond
2 colleges · Avg tuition $11,600
Georgetown
2 colleges · Avg tuition $11,600
Nicholasville
2 colleges · Avg tuition $11,600
Florence
2 colleges · Avg tuition $11,600
Elizabethtown
2 colleges · Avg tuition $11,600
Methodology & Education Data Sources for Berea
How we compile Berea college data: Our institution profiles, tuition figures, and outcome data combine multiple federal datasets — primarily IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), which all Title IV-eligible US colleges report to annually, and College Scorecard from the US Department of Education. Cost-of-attendance figures include published tuition, fees, room/board, books, and transportation per institutional reporting.
- Tuition data reflects published in-state and out-of-state rates per IPEDS for Berea institutions, updated annually.
- Acceptance rates sourced from College Scorecard (most recent reporting cycle), reflecting first-year first-time freshman admissions.
- Earnings outcomes tracked 6-10 years post-enrollment per College Scorecard, comparing earnings to high school graduates ($30,200 baseline).
- Default rates: Cohort Default Rate (CDR) from US Dept of Education tracks 3-year repayment outcomes after entering repayment.
- Local context: Berea's walk score, transit options, and cost of living affect total college expenses beyond tuition.
Authoritative US education data sources:
- IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data — federal college data
- College Scorecard (US Dept of Education) — earnings, debt, completion
- NCES Digest of Education Statistics — education indicators
- Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — official US student loan info
- NCES College Navigator — official institution search
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — career outcomes by major
Education Disclaimer: College data reflects most recent IPEDS/Scorecard reporting (typically 1-2 year lag). Tuition can change annually. Always verify current figures with the institution's financial aid office. Use the FAFSA Estimator for personalized aid eligibility.
Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · IPEDS data current as of latest annual release
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