Head-to-head · 2026
Bennington College vs Sterling College
Side-by-side ROI breakdown. 3 wins for Bennington College, 3 for Sterling College — even split.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric, winner flagged
9 metrics, side by side. The colored cell wins. Green = lower-is-better wins, indigo = higher-is-better wins.
| Metric | Bennington College | Sterling College |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 3.09 | 3.50 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $30,947 | $21,854 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $38,289 ✓ | $30,573 |
| Acceptance rate | 44.5% ✓ | 66.7% |
| Graduation rate | 71.2% ✓ | 31.6% |
| Median debt | $26,000 | $23,000 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 780 | 50 |
| Ownership | Private Non-Profit | Private Non-Profit |
| Avg SAT | 1364 | — |
| Wins | 3 | 3 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Bennington College costs $9,093 more per year than Sterling College ($30,947 vs $21,854). Bennington College graduates report $7,716 higher median earnings after ten years ($38,289 vs $30,573). On EduGradify's model that puts Sterling College ahead on projected ROI (3.50 vs 3.09, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Sterling College) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, Bennington College is selective at 44.5% acceptance versus 66.7% (accessible) at Sterling College.
Frequently asked
Bennington College vs Sterling College, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Bennington College or Sterling College the better value?
Sterling College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (3.50 vs 3.09), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Sterling College is cheaper — average net price $21,854 per year vs $30,947 at Bennington College. The annual difference of $9,093 adds up to about $36,372 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Bennington College reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $38,289 vs $30,573 at Sterling College. The annual gap in the federal data is $7,716.
Which school is harder to get into?
Bennington College is more selective at 44.5% acceptance vs 66.7% at Sterling 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; Sterling College reports D.