Bennington College vs Bates College

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the key academic differences between Bennington College and Bates College?

  Bennington College is known for its self-directed, student-designed curriculum and emphasis on experiential learning, including internships and field work. Students create their own plans of study and are evaluated through narrative evaluations rather than traditional grades. Bates College, on the other hand, offers a more structured liberal arts curriculum with a wider range of majors and a traditional grading system. Bates emphasizes strong faculty-student relationships and research opportunities.

• How does the campus environment differ at Bennington and Bates?

  Bennington College has a more rural and isolated campus setting in Vermont, fostering a close-knit community and a strong connection to the natural environment. Bates College is located in Lewiston, Maine, a more urban setting, providing students with easier access to the city and its resources, while still maintaining a traditional New England college feel.

• What are the strengths of Bennington College?

  Bennington College excels in providing a highly personalized education, fostering creativity and independent thinking. Its emphasis on the arts, writing, and interdisciplinary studies is a major draw. The college's commitment to social justice and progressive values also attracts many students.

• What are the strengths of Bates College?

  Bates College is strong in its rigorous academics, particularly in the sciences, humanities, and social sciences. It offers a well-rounded liberal arts education with a focus on research and faculty mentorship. Bates also has a strong alumni network and a commitment to community engagement.

• How do the admissions processes compare for Bennington and Bates?

  Both colleges are highly selective. Bennington often emphasizes a student's portfolio of work and their personal statement, looking for evidence of creativity, initiative, and self-direction. Bates considers a student's academic record, extracurricular activities, and essays, seeking well-rounded individuals with a demonstrated interest in learning and contributing to the community. Both colleges are test-optional.

• What is the cost of attendance at Bennington and Bates?

  The cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, room, and board, is comparable at both institutions. However, financial aid packages can vary significantly based on individual circumstances. It's recommended to check the most recent tuition and financial aid information on each college's website and to use their net price calculators to estimate your out-of-pocket costs.

• What are the career services like at Bennington and Bates?

  Both colleges offer career services to help students with internships, job searches, and graduate school applications. Bennington's career services often focus on helping students translate their self-designed academic experiences into professional opportunities, particularly in creative fields. Bates has a robust career services department that supports students across a wide range of disciplines, with a strong emphasis on networking and alumni connections.

• How do the student bodies differ at Bennington and Bates?

  Bennington College tends to attract students who are independent, artistic, and unconventional, often drawn to the college's unique curriculum and emphasis on self-expression. Bates College typically attracts students who are academically driven, engaged in extracurricular activities, and interested in a traditional liberal arts experience. Both colleges have diverse student bodies, but the overall campus cultures differ significantly.

• What are the housing options like at Bennington and Bates?

  Both colleges offer on-campus housing. Bennington's housing is known for its unique architecture and emphasis on community living. Bates offers a variety of housing options, including traditional dorms, suites, and special interest housing. Both colleges generally require students to live on campus for a certain number of years.

• Which college is better for students interested in the arts?

  Bennington College is generally considered to be the stronger choice for students with a strong interest in the arts, due to its emphasis on creative expression, its self-directed curriculum, and its focus on experiential learning in the arts. However, Bates College also offers strong arts programs and opportunities for students to engage with the arts.