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12.7%Acceptance
$65,280Tuition
2,785Students
93%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$76,310Earnings
#1 in VermontPrivate nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalLiberal ArtsNCAA Division IIIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Middlebury College

Middlebury attracts serious language learners and outdoor enthusiasts to its Vermont campus of 2,785 students. The college dominates national rankings for foreign language programs and environmental studies, producing graduates like former Commerce Secretary Ron Brown and CNN's Frank Sesno. Only 12.69% of applicants gain admission to this top liberal arts institution nestled in a small Vermont town.

Students from wealthy families pay the full $84,880 annual cost, but middle-class families see dramatic reductions. The average net price drops to $25,934 after aid, with families earning under $30,000 paying just $10,270. Graduates earn a median $76,310 within ten years, easily covering the typical $13,857 debt load with monthly payments of $147. The 92.6% employment rate suggests strong career outcomes.

Nearly all students live on campus, creating an insular community where 715 athletes compete across 29 Division III sports. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio enables close mentorship in Middlebury's signature programs. Vermont residents comprise less than 3% of students, meaning most Panthers come from affluent out-of-state families seeking the quintessential New England college experience.

Academics & Faculty

Middlebury stands among America's top liberal arts colleges, meaning students dive deep into broad intellectual exploration rather than narrow pre-professional training. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio ensures professors know every student by name and academic interests. A 93% four-year graduation rate reflects the intensive support system that guides students through rigorous coursework. The college built its reputation on strong language programs, with immersive summer schools that attract students globally. Environmental studies ranks among the nation's strongest, taking advantage of Vermont's natural laboratory. Students also flock to highly regarded programs in economics, political science, and creative writing. The academic culture emphasizes collaborative learning over cutthroat competition.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
9:1
Full-Time Faculty
92.2%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
93.1%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
92.6%
Retention Rate
93.6%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$76,310
Carnegie Classification
Liberal Arts College

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Economics. Bachelor $75,518
International Relations and National Security Studies. Master $60,523
Computer Science. Bachelor $58,673
Public Administration. Master $56,544
International Relations and National Security Studies. Bachelor $55,964
International Business. Master $55,512
Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services. Master $52,941
Education, Other. Master $46,869
Area Studies. Bachelor $44,091
Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language. Master $43,798

View all 59 programs →

Campus Life

The Green Mountains surround Middlebury's 350-acre campus, where 96% of the 2,785 students live on campus in a tight-knit community. You'll need serious winter gear for Vermont's long, snowy winters that can last from November through March. Burlington sits 45 minutes north, but most students rarely leave campus since everything happens here.

The 9:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, and you'll likely have dinner at their houses. Middlebury's famous language schools create an immersive atmosphere where students pledge to speak only their target language for entire semesters. The college's 29 varsity sports teams draw 715 athletes, about 25% of the student body, making games major social events. Winter Carnival transforms campus into a snow sculpture wonderland each February. Students ski at nearby mountains on weekends or attend campus parties since Greek life doesn't exist. The Honor Code runs deep here, with students leaving laptops unattended and taking unproctored exams. Coffee shops and study groups fill the academic buildings until late at night.
Setting
Town-Distant
Housing Capacity
2,682 beds
Calendar System
Four-One-Four
Study Abroad
Available
Founded
1800

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Stalking 13 11 1 0
Rape 6 2 0 0
Dating Violence 1 1 0 0
Motor Vehicle Theft 1 0 1 0
Burglary 1 0 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
8°–27°F
July Avg
59°–80°F
Annual Precipitation
41.4"
Annual Snowfall
0.0"

Student Demographics

Middlebury draws students from across the country, with fewer than 3% coming from Vermont. The school attracts academically top students who earned an average SAT score of 1483 and graduated in the top tier of their high school classes. About 17% receive Pell Grants, indicating the college serves some lower-income families despite its hefty price tag. Women slightly outnumber men at 53%, reflecting strong liberal arts programs that historically appeal to female students. The student body is predominantly white at 56%, though the college has increased diversity with Hispanic students comprising 12% of enrollment.
Men
46.8%
Women
53.3%
White
55.6%
Black
5.6%
Hispanic
11.7%
Asian
7.8%
In-State Students
2.8%
Pell Grant Recipients
16.7%

Location

Middlebury sits in central Vermont, about 40 miles south of Burlington and 200 miles north of Boston. The college dominates this small town of roughly 8,500 residents, creating a classic New England college atmosphere. Vermont's Green Mountains surround the campus, offering strong skiing at nearby resorts like Middlebury Snow Bowl. Only 2.82% of students come from Vermont, reflecting the school's national draw despite its rural setting. The town's historic downtown features local shops and restaurants that cater heavily to the college community. Winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing, with snow covering campus for months. Students considering colleges in Vermont may also compare Middlebury College with similar schools in the region.
Address
Middlebury, Vermont 05753
Eve Ensler at a Hudson Union Society event in March
Eve Ensler at a Hudson Union Society event in March
Ari Fleischer 1
Ari Fleischer 1
Julia Alvarez
Julia Alvarez

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$76,310
Median Earnings (5 years)
$77,212
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$47,900
Loan Repayment Rate
87.7%
Monthly Loan Payment
$147/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$13,857

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Middlebury College?

Middlebury accepts just 12.69% of applicants, making it one of the most selective liberal arts colleges in the country. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1425 and 1540 on the SAT. This selectivity reflects the school's reputation for academic excellence and its strong alumni network.

How much does Middlebury College cost after financial aid?

The average net price at Middlebury is $25,934, lower than the sticker price of $84,880. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $10,270 on average. Despite the high tuition, graduates leave with a median debt of only $13,857, well below the national average.

What is Middlebury College known for academically?

Middlebury is famous for its world-well-known language programs and strong environmental studies curriculum. The college maintains a 9:1 student-faculty ratio, ensuring personalized attention in small classes. With a 93% retention rate, students clearly thrive in this intimate academic environment.

What do Middlebury College graduates earn after graduation?

Middlebury graduates earn a median salary of $76,310 ten years after graduation, reflecting strong career outcomes. The employment rate stands at 92.6%, with graduates finding success across diverse fields. Monthly loan payments average just $147, making the debt manageable relative to earning potential.

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

The college sits in rural Vermont with housing capacity for 2,682 students, accommodating nearly all undergraduates on campus. With 29 varsity sports and 715 student athletes, roughly a quarter of students compete in NCAA Division III athletics. The remote setting creates a tight-knit community where students form lasting bonds.

Does Middlebury College have a unique academic calendar?

Middlebury operates on a distinctive Four-One-Four calendar system, featuring two regular semesters plus a January "Winter Term." This January term allows students to pursue intensive single courses, internships, or study abroad experiences. The flexible structure has been a Middlebury trademark since the 1960s, encouraging academic experimentation and global engagement.