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Berea College vs Union Commonwealth University

Berea College is a private college in Berea, KY, and Union Commonwealth University is a private university in Barbourville, KY. Berea College is the more selective of the two, admitting about 19% of applicants against 63% at Union Commonwealth University. Berea College is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $6,106 a year against $21,311 at Union Commonwealth University. About 60% of students graduate at Berea College, compared with 34% at Union Commonwealth University. Ten years after enrolling, Berea College alumni earn a median of about $43,150, against $42,002 for Union Commonwealth University.

Berea College

Berea, KY · Private

Union Commonwealth University

Barbourville, KY · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Berea, KY
Barbourville, KY
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
1,513
746
Acceptance rate
19%
63%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.39–4
3.39–3.89
SAT (middle 50%)
1156–1335
920–1105
ACT (middle 50%)
23–28
15–22
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$6,106
$21,311
Full cost / yr
$60,718
$44,322
In-state tuition
$51,658
$30,946
Out-of-state tuition
$51,658
$30,946
Application fee
Not reported
Not reported
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$5,428
$12,214
$30k - $48k
$4,598
$14,368
$48k - $75k
$8,132
$15,774
$75k - $110k
$7,570
$44,322
Over $110k
$13,700
$44,322
Outcomes
Graduation rate
60%
34%
Freshman retention
79%
64%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$35,676
$36,529
Median earnings (10 yr)
$43,150
$42,002
Median debt at graduation
$3,591
$24,250
Student body
Pell grant recipients
84%
53%
First-generation students
41%
41%
International students
9%
18%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 15
Not reported
Regular decision
Mar 31
Rolling

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Berea College or Union Commonwealth University harder to get into?
Berea College is harder to get into. It admits about 19% of applicants, compared with 63% at Union Commonwealth University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Berea College or Union Commonwealth University?
Berea College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $6,106 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $21,311 at Union Commonwealth University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Berea College and Union Commonwealth University?
Before aid, Union Commonwealth University costs about $44,322 a year and Berea College about $60,718. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Berea College or Union Commonwealth University?
Berea College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $5,428 there, against about $12,214 at Union Commonwealth University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Berea College or Union Commonwealth University?
Berea College is the larger of the two, with about 1,513 undergraduates against 746 at Union Commonwealth University.
Does Berea College or Union Commonwealth University have a better graduation rate?
Berea College has the higher graduation rate, at about 60% against 34% at Union Commonwealth University.
Do graduates of Berea College or Union Commonwealth University earn more?
Berea College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $43,150 ten years after enrolling, against about $42,002 for Union Commonwealth University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Berea College and Union Commonwealth University require SAT or ACT scores?
Berea College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Union Commonwealth University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Berea College and Union Commonwealth University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1156–1335 at Berea College and 920–1105 at Union Commonwealth University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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