Applying as a Transfer Student

Berea College accepts a limited number of transfer students. In recent years, most admitted transfer applicants have presented a collegiate grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) and have been in good academic and disciplinary standing at the college or university they most recently attended.
The admissions process conducts a holistic review of each applicant. Successful transfer applicants typically have accumulated no more than 70 credit hours elsewhere and have earned a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25 (on a 4.0 scale) in their most recent 24 hours of college credit. Transfer applicants with courses currently in progress must submit final transcripts reflecting no less than a 2.5 cumulative GPA in the most recent 24 hours of courses taken.

Many other factors are considered in the selection of an applicant, including a properly completed application, official academic records, test scores (if a transfer applicant has fewer than 24 completed college credit hours at the time they apply) and financial eligibility. In addition to these components, we value recommendations/endorsements, extracurricular and co-curricular activities (e.g. music ensembles, athletics, theatre), community service, character and personal qualities.Transfer applicants may be asked to complete a personal interview as part of the application process.

The final deadline for completed applications from transfer students is March 31. At least one academic year in residence at Berea is required of all degree candidates, except for non-traditional students who live off campus.

The College maintains an open admissions policy for all applicants and considers students regardless of race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, age, gender, disability, or sexual orientation.  

To be considered for admission to Berea College as a transfer student, an applicant must submit the following materials:

  • A completed "Application for Admission and Scholarship" form.
  • Official college/university transcripts from all institutions attended.
  • Official high-school transcript (GED holders should submit official GED scores in lieu of high-school transcripts; home-schooled students should submit the Home-School Supplement Form if no transcript is available).
  • Official ACT or SAT I scores (if fewer than 24 transferable college credits have been completed).
  • A completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
  • A "Statement of Good Standing" form to be completed by the Dean of Students from each institution previously attended. This form must be sent directly from that office and cannot be turned in by the applicant.
  • Two Evaluation & Endorsement Forms, each from a former professor or school administrator (unless applicant has not recently been enrolled, in which case, evaluation and endorsement forms from professionals in non-educational fields and/or other community leaders will be accepted). A Statement of Good Standing form from all institutions of higher education that the student has attended previously.