Bennington College: 45.3% Acceptance Rate

45.3%Acceptance

$64,644Tuition

759Students

67%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$38,289Earnings

#9 in VermontPrivate nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalLiberal ArtsStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Bennington College

Students at Bennington design their own academic journey without traditional majors or distribution requirements. This Vermont liberal arts college enrolls just 759 students in a close-knit town setting where creative freedom defines the academic experience. Notable graduates include novelist Donna Tartt and actor Peter Dinklage, reflecting the school's strength in arts and creative fields. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personalized attention as students craft individualized curricula.

The sticker price of $64,644 tells only part of the financial story. Students actually pay an average net price of $31,918 after aid, with those from families earning under $30,000 paying just $18,950. Graduates earn a median of $38,289 ten years after graduation, while carrying typical debt of $26,000. The monthly loan payment of $276 represents a significant portion of early career earnings, making this an expensive investment for the self-directed education model.

Women make up 68% of the student body, creating a distinctly different campus active than most colleges. The 67.87% four-year graduation rate reflects the challenges some students face with the unstructured academic approach. Only 2.13% of students come from Vermont, drawing creative minds from across the country to this experimental educational community.

Academics & Faculty

Bennington pioneered the self-designed curriculum, letting students craft their own academic plans without traditional majors or distribution requirements. This experimental liberal arts college attracts creative types who thrive without academic guardrails. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know every student personally and can guide these individualized paths. However, only 67% of students graduate in four years, suggesting the freedom can overwhelm some. Bennington excels in creative writing, visual arts, and theater, producing notable alumni like authors Donna Tartt and Bret Easton Ellis, plus actor Peter Dinklage. Students here design everything from interdisciplinary studies combining dance and psychology to self-created programs in sustainable agriculture.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 9:1
Full-Time Faculty: 48.4%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 67.9%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 66.7%
Retention Rate: 85.1%
Median Earnings (10 years): $38,289
Carnegie Classification: Liberal Arts College

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
English Language and Literature/Letters, Other.	Master	$29,685
English Language and Literature, General.	Bachelor	$21,964
Visual and Performing Arts, General.	Bachelor	$17,950

View all 92 programs →

Campus Life

Bennington sits in southern Vermont, about three hours from both Boston and New York City. The campus housing capacity of 799 students means nearly everyone lives on campus in the small college town. Vermont winters demand serious gear - expect snow boots and heavy coats from November through March, with occasional spring snowstorms that can cancel outdoor events.

The 9:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate atmosphere where professors know students by name. With only 759 total students and 68% women, the campus feels like a tight-knit creative community. Students spend weekends attending student performances, visiting nearby hiking trails, or making the trek to Manchester for shopping. The self-designed curriculum means you'll find classmates working on wildly different projects - from experimental theater to scientific research. House parties and small gatherings are common since there's no Greek life. The employment rate of 89.5% reflects how students use their unconventional education to forge unique career paths after graduation.

Setting: Town-Distant
Housing Capacity: 799 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1932

Campus Safety (2023)

11 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential
Fondling	2	2
Burglary	3	0
Dating Violence	1	1
Rape	1	1

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 11°–30°F
July Avg: 57°–79°F
Annual Precipitation: 40.7"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

Bennington draws creative risk-takers from across the country who thrive without academic guardrails. Only 2% of students are from Vermont, reflecting the college's national reputation for experimental education. Women make up 68% of enrollment, drawn to programs in visual arts, writing, and dance where the college excels. The self-designed curriculum attracts students comfortable with ambiguity and intellectual independence. About one in five receives Pell Grants, showing the college's commitment to economic diversity among its unconventional student body.

Men: 31.8%
Women: 68.3%
White: 63.1%
Black: 3.4%
Hispanic: 10.5%
Asian: 1.7%
In-State Students: 2.1%
Pell Grant Recipients: 21.2%

Location

Bennington sits in southwestern Vermont near the Massachusetts and New York borders. The nearest major city is Albany, about 40 miles south. Only 2.13% of students come from Vermont itself, reflecting the college's national draw to this small New England town. The Green Mountains provide a backdrop for outdoor recreation, while the region's rural character offers quiet study environments. Bennington's town-distant setting means students experience authentic Vermont culture without urban distractions. The historic downtown features local cafes and shops within walking distance of campus. With just 759 students total, the college maintains an intimate relationship with the surrounding community. Students considering colleges in Vermont may also compare Bennington College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Bennington, Vermont 05201-6003

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $38,289
Median Earnings (5 years): $34,772
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $28,500
Loan Repayment Rate: 73.7%
Monthly Loan Payment: $276/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $26,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Bennington College?

Bennington College accepts 45.31% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1315. The college draws creative students who want to design their own academic path without traditional majors or distribution requirements.

How much does Bennington College cost after financial aid?

The average net price at Bennington College is $31,918, though the sticker price reaches $84,484 with room and board. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $18,950 on average, making this expensive Vermont liberal arts college more accessible than it appears.

What makes Bennington College's academics unique?

Students at Bennington College create self-designed curricula without traditional majors, working closely with faculty in a 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio. This experimental approach has produced notable alumni like novelist Donna Tartt and actor Peter Dinklage.

What do Bennington College graduates earn after college?

Bennington College graduates earn a median of $38,289 ten years after graduation, with 89.5% finding employment. The liberal arts focus means graduates often pursue creative careers that may start with lower salaries but offer long-term fulfillment.

Where is Bennington College located and what is campus life like?

Bennington College sits in small-town Vermont with just 759 students, creating an intimate community where 68.25% are women. The campus houses 799 students and draws mostly out-of-state students, with only 2.13% coming from Vermont.

Does Bennington College have a good graduation rate?

Bennington College has a 66.70% six-year graduation rate with an 85.05% first-year retention rate. The college's unconventional academic approach requires self-motivated students who thrive without traditional structure.