Bennington College

Bennington College's tuition and fees amount to $85,370 for the 2024-2025 academic year. A significant 95% of students receive some form of financial aid, with the average institutional award being $47,150. The college also boasts a low 3-year cohort default rate of 0.0%, indicating that graduates are generally able to manage their financial obligations effectively.

Bennington College has a fairly competitive admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 37%. The college is test-optional, and those admitted have an average GPA of 3.51. Bennington looks for students who are deeply self-motivated, thrive in open-ended environments, and want to build their education rather than follow a predetermined path.

Bennington College offers a unique academic structure where students design their own course of study through the 'Plan Process,' rather than choosing traditional majors. This involves close collaboration with faculty and the creation of individualized academic plans. The college boasts a low student-to-faculty ratio of 9:1, with 63% of classes having fewer than 20 students, fostering an intimate and personalized learning environment.

Bennington College emphasizes real-world experience through its Field Work Term, requiring students to complete annual internships. This hands-on approach contributes to high marks from employers, as graduates are experienced and have built valuable resumes. 93% of Bennington graduates are employed, enrolled in service programs, or in grad school within 6 months of graduating.

Bennington College fosters an inclusive and vibrant campus culture where students engage in various activities from day one. The campus is known for being queer-friendly and very liberal, with a diverse student body. Students live in student-led houses, participating in a democratic process to make decisions about their living environment and social events.

Bennington College prioritizes campus safety and has a cooperative agreement with the Bennington Police Department. The Office of Campus Safety is available 24/7 and works closely with local law enforcement agencies. The college utilizes the RAVE Emergency Notification System to communicate with employees and students during emergencies.

Bennington College does not have a traditional honors program, but it offers unique opportunities for students to extend their work through grants and fellowships. The Bennington College Student Conference Grant supports students presenting at conferences, and the London School of Economics (LSE) Summer School Scholarship supports students in the social sciences.

Bennington College has a diverse student body, with 13% of students being international, representing 42 countries. The college provides support for international students, though some reviews suggest there could be better support and a larger African student population. The Isabelle Kaplan Center for Languages and Culture also supports language learning and cultural exchange.