Berea College vs Union Commonwealth University
Berea College is very selective with a 32.7% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than Union Commonwealth University (55.0%). Graduates of Berea College earn $1,148 more per year at the 10-year mark ($43,150 vs $42,002). For families earning $48k–$75k, Berea College is more affordable at $8,132 net price vs $15,774. Students at Berea College graduate with less debt ($3,591 vs $24,250).
Admissions & Outcomes
Berea College has a higher yield rate (60.9%), meaning a larger share of admitted students choose to enroll — a strong signal of student preference. Berea College has a higher median SAT (1240 vs 1020).
Berea, KY
Barbourville, KY
Net Price by Family Income
Net price is what you actually pay after grants and scholarships — often far less than the sticker price. It varies dramatically by family income. For low-income families ($0–$30k), Berea College is more affordable at $5,428 per year. At higher incomes ($110k+), the gap narrows — $13,700 vs $44,322.
Net price data from College Scorecard. Run each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate based on your family's finances.
Financial Aid
Institutional grants come directly from the school's endowment and don't need to be repaid. A high institutional grant rate means the school is investing its own funds in affordability. Berea College enrolls more Pell Grant recipients (81%), indicating stronger support for students from lower-income backgrounds.
Highest-Earning Majors
Median earnings within two years of graduation. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on lifetime earnings than the school name on your diploma.
Berea College
- 1 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing$61,814
- 2 Computer and Information Sciences, General$50,856
- 3 Business/Commerce, General$33,993
- 4 Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies$29,685
- 5 Communication and Media Studies$27,590
Union Commonwealth University
- 1 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing$56,415
- 2 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas$29,685
- 3 Health and Physical Education/Fitness$24,035
Most Popular Majors
The most popular majors by number of degrees awarded. This gives you a sense of each school's academic strengths and where students concentrate.
Berea College
- 1 Business Administration, Management and Operations
- 2 Computer and Information Sciences, General
- 3 Biology, General
- 4 Communication and Media Studies
- 5 Psychology, General
Union Commonwealth University
- 1 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- 2 Business Administration, Management and Operations
- 3 Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- 4 Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- 5 Health and Physical Education/Fitness
Campus & Student Body
Enrollment size, diversity, and retention paint a picture of campus culture. A high retention rate means students are satisfied enough to return after freshman year.
For International Students
Key cost and campus considerations for students coming from outside the US.
Berea College
- International students8%
- Tuition (international)$44,400
- Est. total cost/year$52,356
- School typePublic
Union Commonwealth University
- International students28%
- Tuition (international)$26,330
- Est. total cost/year$34,700
- School typePublic
What international students should know
- International students pay out-of-state tuition at public universities. Private universities charge the same tuition for all students.
- Most federal financial aid (FAFSA, Pell Grants) is not available to international students. Look for institutional aid and merit scholarships.
- F-1 visa holders can work on-campus during the school year and use CPT/OPT for internships and post-graduation employment.
- Schools with a higher international student percentage typically have stronger support services — dedicated international offices, visa advising, and cultural programs.
- With 28% international enrollment, Union Commonwealth University likely has a well-established international student community.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Berea College or Union Commonwealth University?
Berea College is more selective with a 32.7% acceptance rate, compared to 55.0%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.
Which school has higher earnings: Berea College or Union Commonwealth University?
Berea College graduates earn more at the 10-year mark, with median earnings of $43,150 compared to $42,002. Earnings vary significantly by major — STEM fields typically produce the highest returns at both schools.
Which is cheaper: Berea College or Union Commonwealth University?
For middle-income families ($48k–$75k), Berea College has a lower net price at $8,132 per year vs $15,774. Net price varies by family income — use each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the graduation rate at Berea College vs Union Commonwealth University?
Berea College has a higher 6-year graduation rate at 60.1%, compared to 34.2%. A high graduation rate signals strong academic support, student engagement, and a campus culture where students thrive.
Which school has more international students: Berea College or Union Commonwealth University?
Union Commonwealth University has a larger international student population at 28% of enrollment. A higher international student percentage often means stronger support services for visa holders, including dedicated international student offices, OPT/CPT guidance, and cultural programming.
What are the highest-paying majors at Berea College and Union Commonwealth University?
At Berea College, Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates earn a median of $61,814 within two years. At Union Commonwealth University, the top-earning major is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $56,415. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on earnings than which school you attend.