Bennington College vs Middlebury College

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the main differences between Bennington College and Middlebury College?

  Bennington College and Middlebury College, while both excellent liberal arts institutions in Vermont, offer distinct experiences. Bennington is known for its unique Plan Process, emphasizing self-directed learning and real-world experience through internships every January and February. Middlebury, on the other hand, has a more traditional academic structure with a broader range of majors and a strong emphasis on language immersion programs. Bennington is significantly smaller, fostering a close-knit community, while Middlebury offers a larger campus and student body with more diverse extracurricular opportunities.

• How do the academic programs at Bennington and Middlebury compare?

  Bennington's curriculum is highly individualized, allowing students to design their own course of study around their interests. The Plan Process is central to this, requiring students to engage in self-reflection and develop a learning plan each year. Middlebury offers a wider array of traditional majors and minors, with strengths in languages, environmental studies, and international studies. While both colleges value interdisciplinary learning, Bennington's approach is more project-based and experiential, while Middlebury's is more focused on traditional coursework and research.

• What is the 'Plan Process' at Bennington College, and how does it differ from Middlebury's academic structure?

  The Plan Process at Bennington is a distinctive feature where students, with faculty guidance, create an individualized learning plan each year. This involves setting academic goals, choosing courses, and undertaking a Field Work Term (internship) every winter. Middlebury follows a more conventional semester-based system with pre-defined majors and course requirements. While Middlebury encourages internships and independent study, they are not as integral to the core academic experience as the Plan Process is at Bennington.

• How do the campus cultures at Bennington and Middlebury differ?

  Bennington's campus culture is known for its artistic and progressive atmosphere, attracting students who value creativity, individuality, and social activism. The smaller size fosters a strong sense of community and collaboration. Middlebury's campus culture is more diverse, with a wider range of interests and activities. It has a strong emphasis on athletics, outdoor recreation, and global engagement. While both colleges are located in beautiful rural settings, Middlebury's campus is larger and more traditionally collegiate.

• What are the opportunities for studying abroad at Bennington and Middlebury?

  Both Bennington and Middlebury offer study abroad programs, but they differ in their approach. Middlebury has a well-established network of study abroad programs in various countries, including its renowned language schools. Bennington encourages students to design their own study abroad experiences that align with their Plan, often involving independent research or internships. Middlebury's programs are generally more structured, while Bennington's offer greater flexibility and self-direction.

• How do the career services and alumni networks compare between Bennington and Middlebury?

  Both colleges provide career services to help students with internships, job searches, and career planning. Middlebury's larger alumni network offers a broader range of connections and opportunities in various fields. Bennington's career services are highly personalized, focusing on helping students leverage their unique skills and experiences gained through the Plan Process. While Bennington's alumni network is smaller, it is known for its strong sense of community and willingness to support fellow graduates.

• What are the strengths of each college in terms of specific academic areas?

  Bennington is particularly strong in the arts (visual arts, performing arts, writing), humanities, and interdisciplinary studies. Its emphasis on experiential learning makes it a good choice for students who want to combine academic study with real-world practice. Middlebury excels in languages, international studies, environmental studies, political science, and economics. Its strong faculty and research opportunities make it a good choice for students who want a more traditional academic experience.

• How does the size of Bennington and Middlebury affect the student experience?

  Bennington's small size (around 750 students) creates a close-knit community where students can easily connect with faculty and peers. This fosters a highly collaborative and supportive learning environment. Middlebury's larger size (around 2,500 students) offers a more diverse student body and a wider range of extracurricular activities and resources. Students at Middlebury may have more opportunities to explore different interests and connect with people from diverse backgrounds.

• What type of student is likely to thrive at Bennington College versus Middlebury College?

  Bennington is a good fit for students who are self-motivated, creative, and independent learners. Students who thrive at Bennington are comfortable taking initiative, designing their own learning experiences, and working collaboratively with faculty. Middlebury is a good fit for students who are academically driven, globally minded, and interested in a more traditional liberal arts education. Students who thrive at Middlebury are engaged in campus life, value intellectual rigor, and appreciate a diverse community.

• Are there any notable differences in the cost of attendance and financial aid opportunities at Bennington and Middlebury?

  Both Bennington and Middlebury have similar costs of attendance. Both institutions are committed to meeting the demonstrated financial need of their students. The specific financial aid packages offered will vary depending on individual family circumstances. It's best to consult the financial aid websites of both colleges and use their net price calculators to get an estimate of the cost of attendance based on your family's financial situation.