Is BEREA COLLEGE really TUITION FREE? | ALL ABOUT BEREA FINANCES

Summary

In this video, Esther shares her experience as a Berea College graduate, emphasizing Berea's unique tuition-free model and how international students can navigate the financial aspects. She explains that while students don't pay tuition, they work 10-20 hours a week to cover room and board. She discusses common concerns, including taxes, books, and costs during breaks, offering practical advice. Esther highlights Berea's value beyond free tuition, encouraging prospective students to apply and explore the benefits of attending the college.

Takeaways

• 🎓 Berea College is truly tuition-free for students, as donations from alumni and other supporters cover the cost of education.
• 🌍 The application and financial process differs for international students compared to domestic students, so it's important for international students to seek advice from fellow international students.
• 🏠 Room and board are covered by a required student work program where students work 10-20 hours a week.
• 💰 Students receive pay from the work-study program, which helps cover housing, meals, and personal expenses, but it’s not a large amount of money.
• 📚 Students are expected to save $1,000 over the summer to cover taxes and books, which amounts to around $500-600 per semester.
• 📖 Berea provides a $500 loan to help students buy textbooks at the start of each semester, but it's advisable to avoid using this loan unless necessary, as it must be repaid.
• 💼 Summer and holiday housing require direct payments since students are not required to work during these periods, and the cost is usually around $2,500 including meals.
• 🧾 During summer and breaks, taxes are deducted from students' income based on their earnings, with Nigerian students, for example, paying 14% in taxes.
• 💬 Berea offers unique benefits beyond tuition-free education, including valuable work experience, a supportive community, and opportunities that aren't available elsewhere.
• 🔗 The video encourages prospective students to apply to Berea College, as the opportunity to attend is life-changing and worth exploring.

Q & A

Is Berea College truly tuition-free for all students?

Yes, Berea College is tuition-free for all students. The college does not charge tuition, and this is made possible by donations from various donors, including alumni and community members.

What is the role of donations in supporting Berea College's tuition-free policy?

Donations play a crucial role in Berea College's tuition-free policy by providing funds that cover the cost of education, allowing the college to maintain its educational quality and pay for facilities and instructors.

How does Berea College ensure that students cover their room and board expenses?

Students at Berea College cover their room and board expenses by working a minimum of 10 to 20 hours per week as part of the college's work-study program.

What are the typical weekly working hours for students at Berea College?

Students at Berea College typically work between 10 to 20 hours per week, with a minimum of 10 hours required.

How does Berea College assist students with purchasing textbooks and school supplies?

Berea College provides a $500 loan at the beginning of each semester for students to purchase textbooks. Additionally, students often buy used books from each other to save money.

What are the direct expenses that students at Berea College need to cover themselves?

Students at Berea College need to cover direct expenses such as taxes and the cost of books. Taxes are typically around $500 to $600 per semester, and book expenses are managed through the work-study program and the $500 loan.

How does the summer work-study program at Berea College help students pay for summer housing and meals?

During the summer, students at Berea College work to earn money that directly covers their summer housing and meals, as they are not required to work during regular semesters for these expenses.

Why is it important for international students to seek advice from other international students about Berea College?

International students should seek advice from other international students because the admission process and financial considerations differ from those of domestic students, and international students have unique insights into these processes.

What is the significance of the $500 loan provided by Berea College for book purchases?

The $500 loan is significant as it helps students cover the cost of textbooks at the beginning of the semester. However, it's important for students to use this loan wisely, as it needs to be repaid during the semester.

How does Berea College handle taxes for international students?

Berea College handles taxes for international students by deducting a percentage from their income during the summer and breaks, with the rate varying depending on the student's country of origin.

What advice does the speaker give to those considering applying to Berea College?

The speaker encourages anyone considering Berea College to apply, emphasizing that the college offers more than just a tuition-free education and that the experience is unique and valuable.