Head-to-head · 2026
Bennington College vs Middlebury College
Compare average net price ($30,947 at Bennington College; $31,483 at Middlebury College), ROI score (3.09 vs 6.06), ten-year median earnings ($38,289 vs $76,310), and admissions selectivity (44.5% acceptance at Bennington College; 10.8% at Middlebury College) using federal College Scorecard data. Middlebury College has a 6-1 metric-level edge. Middlebury College leads on ROI, but the cost and earnings signals are split enough that this is not a one-metric decision.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
9 metrics, side by side. A colored cell marks a metric-level advantage. Green = lower-is-better, violet = higher-is-better.
| Metric | Bennington College | Middlebury College |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 3.09 | 6.06 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $30,947 ✓ | $31,483 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $38,289 | $76,310 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | 44.5% | 10.8% ✓ |
| Graduation rate | 71.2% | 91.4% ✓ |
| Median debt | $26,000 | $13,857 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 780 | 2,738 |
| Ownership | Private Non-Profit | Private Non-Profit |
| Avg SAT | 1364 | 1508 ✓ |
| Metric advantages | 1 | 6 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Middlebury College costs $536 more per year than Bennington College ($31,483 vs $30,947). Middlebury College graduates report $38,021 higher median earnings after ten years ($76,310 vs $38,289). On EduGradify's model that puts Middlebury College ahead on projected ROI (6.06 vs 3.09, exceptional investment).
The pricier option (Middlebury College) still wins on return, because stronger graduate salaries outweigh its higher net price. On admissions, Bennington College is selective at 44.5% acceptance versus 10.8% (highly competitive) at Middlebury College.
Frequently asked
Bennington College vs Middlebury College, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Bennington College or Middlebury College the better value?
Middlebury College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (6.06 vs 3.09), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Bennington College is cheaper — average net price $30,947 per year vs $31,483 at Middlebury College. The annual difference of $536 adds up to about $2,144 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Middlebury College reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $76,310 vs $38,289 at Bennington College. The annual gap in the federal data is $38,021.
Which school is harder to get into?
Middlebury College is more selective at 10.8% acceptance vs 44.5% at Bennington College.
What should I compare beyond ROI?
Use the ROI score as a value screen, then compare aid letters, program fit, graduation rate, location, campus size, and debt. Bennington College reports a D value grade; Middlebury College reports C.