St Olaf College vs Berea College

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the primary differences between St. Olaf College and Berea College?

  St. Olaf College is a private, residential liberal arts college affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, known for its strong music program and study abroad opportunities. Berea College, on the other hand, is a work college with a no-tuition promise, primarily serving students from Appalachia and other under-resourced regions of the United States. Berea emphasizes service and labor as integral parts of its educational program.

• How do the tuition costs compare between St. Olaf and Berea?

  St. Olaf College has a traditional tuition model, which can be significant, though financial aid is available. Berea College offers a no-tuition promise, meaning students do not pay tuition. However, students at Berea are required to work 10-15 hours per week in campus jobs.

• What is the student body like at each college?

  St. Olaf typically draws students from across the United States and internationally, with a strong representation from the Midwest. Berea College primarily serves students from Appalachia, though it also admits students from other regions and countries, with a focus on those with limited financial resources and high academic potential.

• What academic programs are St. Olaf and Berea known for?

  St. Olaf is well-regarded for its music program, natural sciences, and international studies. Berea College is known for its commitment to Appalachian studies, sustainability, and its strong liberal arts foundation. Both colleges offer a wide range of undergraduate programs.

• What is the campus environment like at St. Olaf versus Berea?

  St. Olaf has a traditional, residential campus in Northfield, Minnesota, with a focus on student life and extracurricular activities. Berea College is located in Berea, Kentucky, a small town with a strong sense of community. The campus environment at Berea emphasizes service, social justice, and a close-knit community fostered by the work program.

• What kind of financial aid opportunities are available at each college?

  St. Olaf offers a range of merit-based and need-based scholarships and grants. Berea College provides a no-tuition promise, and students are also provided with room, board, and other expenses. Students at Berea earn wages through their work assignments, which can help cover personal expenses.

• How do the career services and post-graduation outcomes compare?

  Both St. Olaf and Berea offer career services to help students with internships, job searches, and graduate school applications. St. Olaf's location and alumni network provide opportunities in the Midwest and beyond. Berea College emphasizes career preparation and provides resources to help students transition to successful careers or graduate studies, often focusing on opportunities that align with their commitment to service and social impact.

• What are the religious affiliations of St. Olaf and Berea?

  St. Olaf College is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), though it welcomes students of all faiths and backgrounds. Berea College has a non-sectarian Christian identity, emphasizing service and social justice principles rooted in its Christian heritage.

• What are the admission requirements for St. Olaf and Berea?

  St. Olaf requires a strong academic record, standardized test scores (though test-optional policies may apply), essays, and letters of recommendation. Berea College has a holistic admission process that considers academic achievement, financial need, and a commitment to service. Berea often requires additional essays or interviews to assess a student's fit with the college's mission.

• How do the study abroad programs differ between St. Olaf and Berea?

  St. Olaf is known for its extensive study abroad programs, offering opportunities in numerous countries and disciplines. Berea College also offers study abroad programs, though they may be more focused on specific regions or themes related to social justice and global engagement. Both colleges aim to provide students with transformative international experiences.