LEXINGTON, Ky. _ Berea College graduates leave school with the least amount of debt when compared to liberal arts schools across the country, according to the latest national college rankings released this week.
Berea students on average graduate with $5,600 in federal loan debt, according to the 2018 data used for U.S. News & World Report's latest college rankings. The next closest nationally accredited liberal arts school was California's Pomona College with graduates leaving on average with more than $10,000 in debt.
The Madison County college boasts a "No-Tuition Promise" with the college paying the remainder of tuition for its students after federal and private grants. As a work-college, students are paid to work at least 10 hours per week in roles that support the university.
In the overall rankings of liberal arts colleges based on 17 measures, Berea placed 33rd _ climbing 13 spots from last year's rankings. Centre College wasn't far behind at 52. Transylvania University came next among Kentucky liberal arts schools at 84.
Among nationally accredited universities, Kentucky schools did not move much compared to last year. The University of Kentucky tied for 133rd; the University of Louisville was ranked at 176 and Bellarmine University, the next closest, came in at 206.
The report ranks more than 1,400 colleges and universities on such factors as graduation and retention rates; faculty compensation and education levels; class sizes; how schools select students; the schools' financial resources and more.. According to a press release, the report uses data that predates the COVID-19 pandemic.
"The pandemic has affected students across the country, canceling commencement ceremonies and switching classes from in person to remote," said Kim Castro, editor and chief content officer of U.S. News. "Whether students have slightly altered their college plans or changed them entirely, it remains our mission to continue providing students and their families with the tools they need to help find the right school for them."
