Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 62.0%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 62.0%
- Retention Rate
- 87.8%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $43,150
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $3,591
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 9:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 67.6%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $38/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $61,814 | |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $50,856 | |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $33,993 | |
| Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies. | Bachelor | $29,685 | |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $27,590 | |
| Engineering Technology, General. | Bachelor | $26,353 | |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $25,658 | |
| Education, General. | Bachelor | $24,267 | |
| History. | Bachelor | $24,035 | |
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics. | Bachelor | $23,579 | |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $20,687 | |
| Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $19,455 | |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft. | Bachelor | $19,227 | |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $18,315 | |
| Agriculture, General. | Bachelor | $18,315 |
Outcomes Overview
Berea graduates earn a median of $43,150 ten years after graduation with just $3,591 in debt. Their debt-to-earnings ratio of 8.3% is strongly low compared to the national average of roughly 25%. Monthly loan payments of $38 represent less than 1% of typical graduate income. The college's emphasis on social justice and community service produces graduates who often enter education, nonprofit work, and public service careers. Many alumni become teachers, social workers, and community organizers in Appalachian and rural communities. With 94% employment rates and minimal debt burden, Berea delivers a strong return on investment despite modest starting salaries.