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Bennington College

Bennington, VT·Private nonprofit·759 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want small classes and close faculty access. no major red flags in the data. generous financial aid cuts net price well below sticker.

48%
Accept
759
Students
$31,918
Net Price
67%
Grad Rate
$38,400
Earnings
10 yr
$19,250
Debt

About This School

Bennington College is a private nonprofit institution located in Bennington, Vermont with approximately 759 undergraduate students enrolled. The school is moderately selective, accepting approximately 48% of applicants. The average net price after financial aid is $31,918 per year. The graduation rate is 67%, and the typical graduate earns $38,400 within 10 years of enrollment.

Bennington College is a private liberal arts college in Bennington, Vermont, United States. Founded as a women’s college in 1932, it became co-educational in 1969. It is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

The numbers tell a mixed story here: the 67% graduation rate is below average, and median earnings of $38,400 a decade out are modest for a school costing nearly $32,000 per year even after aid. That said, the low median debt at graduation ($19,250) and a highly individualized, self-directed curriculum make this a genuinely compelling option for students who are deeply self-motivated and pursuing creative or arts-adjacent paths where traditional salary metrics matter less. Worth considering if you thrive without structure — but think carefully if you need clear career outcomes or a strong job-placement track record.

Founded
1932
Setting
Distant town

Popular Programs

Visual & Performing Arts36%
English15%
Computer Science6%
Social Sciences5%
Physical Sciences3%
Biological Sciences3%
Psychology2%
Mathematics2%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Peter DinklageJudith ButlerAlan ArkinBetty FordKiran DesaiDonna TarttAndrea DworkinBret Easton EllisCarol ChanningJustin TherouxHolland TaylorAnne Ramsey

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1358
Reading 75th %ile740
Math 75th %ile673

ACT Scores

Midpoint CompositeN/A

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$64,644
Out-of-State Tuition
$64,644
Avg Net Price
$31,918
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants21%
Median debt at graduation$19,250

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
67%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
85%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$38,400
after enrollment
Median Debt
$19,250
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$19,250
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$28,500
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$38,400
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 2.0x

Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White63%
Black3%
Hispanic/Latino11%
Asian2%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (759 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Bennington College

One College Drive

Bennington, VT 05201-6003

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Vermont

Browse all Vermont schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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