Bennington College
The Vibe Check
Attending Bennington feels like stepping into a living creative experiment, where the boundaries between classroom, studio, and forest blur. The campus exudes a quiet, intensely focused energy, with students deeply engaged in self-directed projects and spirited discussions in cozy seminar rooms. It's a place for independent thinkers who thrive on collaboration and aren't afraid to forge their own path.
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
SAT Score Range
ACT Score Range
Admissions Tips
Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard
Can I Get In?
Estimate your admission chances
⚠️ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.
Academics & Majors
Bennington's academic strength lies in its pioneering Plan Process, where students design their own interdisciplinary course of study with faculty guidance. The college is renowned for its focus on the arts, humanities, and social sciences, with a teaching model that emphasizes close mentorship over lectures. Research and creative work are not just opportunities but the core of the curriculum, integrated directly into every student's education.
Popular Majors
Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education
By The Numbers
Return on Investment
Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)
Student Diversity
Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body
Financial Aid & Cost
Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education
Life in Bennington CDP
Life in Bennington revolves around an incredibly tight-knit campus community, with student-led events, performances, and gallery openings being central to social life. Students escape to the idyllic New England town for coffee shops, bookstores, and local eateries, while the surrounding Green Mountains offer endless opportunities for hiking, skiing, and outdoor adventure. For bigger city experiences, Boston and Albany are each about a two-hour drive away.
Local Rent Check
Reality Check
Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).
Post-Grad Monthly Payment
Impact on Est. Salary ($38,289):
0.0% of net income
Safety Check
The college is located in a safe, close-knit rural area with a very low crime rate. Campus security is present but the overall atmosphere is one of trust and community, though students should still practice standard precautions.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ The Plan Process allows for unparalleled academic freedom and customization.
- ✓ Exceptional faculty mentorship and close-knit, collaborative student community.
- ✓ Strong focus on integrating creative work and hands-on learning into all majors.
Cons
- ✗ The high sticker price can be a significant financial burden without substantial aid.
- ✗ The isolated rural location offers limited off-campus entertainment and professional opportunities.
- ✗ The non-traditional grading system (narrative evaluations) may not suit students who prefer clear GPA metrics.
Notable Alumni
Frequently Asked Questions
Bennington is best known for its pioneering 'Plan Process,' where students design their own interdisciplinary curriculum in close consultation with faculty. The college has a historic and ongoing reputation as a top-tier institution for the arts, particularly visual arts, writing, and dance, with a campus culture that champions intellectual freedom, creativity, and self-direction.
Bennington is a moderately selective institution with an acceptance rate of 48.04%. While this is not as competitive as the most elite colleges, admissions are holistic and look for creative, self-motivated students. The average SAT score for admitted students is around 1358, but strong portfolios, essays, and interviews are weighed heavily.
Campus life at Bennington is deeply immersive and community-oriented, centered on creative and intellectual pursuits. Students are highly involved in student-run organizations, theater productions, art exhibitions, and outdoor activities in the surrounding Vermont wilderness. The vibe is collaborative and non-competitive, with a strong emphasis on personal responsibility and self-governance.
The value of a Bennington degree is highly dependent on the student's career goals. For those pursuing careers in the creative fields, non-profits, or academia, the unique education, strong mentorship, and powerful alumni network can justify the high cost. However, for those seeking high-earning corporate careers immediately after graduation, the return on investment may be lower given the 10-year median earnings of $38,289.
Similar Universities
Top Employers
Next Steps & Tools
Make the best decision with our free planning tools.
Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.
University Facts
- Founded N/A
- Type Private
- Setting Suburban
- Undergrad 820
- In-State Tuition $64,644
- Zip Code 05201
Gender Ratio
The Money Talk
With a high sticker price, Bennington's financial value hinges on its unique educational model and strong outcomes in creative fields. While the 10-year median earnings are modest ($38,289), the investment can be worthwhile for students who leverage the powerful alumni network and self-directed education to build a career in the arts, non-profits, or academia. The relatively high average net price suggests significant aid is often necessary to make it affordable.
📅 Typical Deadlines
Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.