At $31,918/yr net price, Bennington College graduates earn $38,289/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $4,289/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $31,918 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $127,672 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $38,289/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$4,289/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 29.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 66.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $26,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $18,950/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $18,334/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $26,325/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $30,794/yr |
| $110,001+ | $43,365/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language and Literature/Letters, Other. | Master | $29,685 | $38,838 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $21,964 | |
| Visual and Performing Arts, General. | Bachelor | $17,950 | $27,000 |
The Risk Factor
66.7% of students at Bennington College graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 33% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Bennington College delivers poor financial returns that make it difficult to justify the high cost. Your median post-graduation earnings of $38,289 barely exceed what many people earn without a college degree, while you'll pay over $31,000 annually to attend.
The earnings data by major tells a troubling story. Even the highest-paying program, English Language and Literature, produces graduates earning under $30,000 annually while carrying nearly $39,000 in debt. Visual and Performing Arts graduates face an even steeper challenge, earning under $18,000 yearly. These numbers reflect Vermont's limited job market for liberal arts graduates and the school's heavy focus on creative fields that typically offer lower starting salaries.
Your biggest financial risk is the 33% chance you won't graduate at all, leaving you with debt but no degree. The school's experimental, self-directed learning model appeals to some students but clearly doesn't work for everyone financially.
Bennington makes financial sense only if your family can afford the full cost without borrowing, you're pursuing the arts as a passion project rather than a career, or you have guaranteed family connections in creative industries. If you need your degree to pay for itself or plan to borrow significantly, look elsewhere.
The school offers limited financial aid, with only 21% of students receiving assistance. Merit scholarships exist but aren't substantial enough to change the fundamental math. Your best cost strategy is choosing a different school entirely unless money truly isn't a concern for your family.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bennington College worth the high cost?
Bennington College graduates earn a median of $38,289 ten years after graduation, which is low compared to the $31,918 annual net price. With a 67% graduation rate and $26,000 in median debt, the financial return is poor for most students.
What majors at Bennington College have the best job prospects?
English Language and Literature graduates from Bennington earn around $29,685, while Visual and Performing Arts majors earn just $17,950. All of the school's top programs show below-average earning potential compared to national standards.
How much debt do Bennington College students typically graduate with?
Bennington students graduate with a median debt of $26,000. Given the low post-graduation earnings of $38,289, this debt burden represents a significant financial risk.
Does Bennington College provide good financial aid?
The net price at Bennington is $31,918 per year after financial aid. This is still expensive relative to graduate earning potential, making it difficult for most students to see positive returns on their investment.