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Middlebury College

Middlebury CDP, VT Private ยท Suburban Est. 1800 www.middlebury.edu
Accept Rate
10.37%
Grad Rate
93%
Enrollment
2,785
Avg SAT
1500
Tuition
$65,280
Median Salary
$76,310
Overall Grade
B
A+
Academics
C
Value
A+
Admissions
A
Diversity
C+
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

Middlebury feels like an intellectual and outdoor sanctuary, where the rigorous academic energy is balanced by a deep appreciation for Vermont's natural beauty. The campus fosters a close-knit, collaborative community where students are passionate about sustainability, global affairs, and the arts. You'll find a culture that values both hard work in the library and adventurous weekends on the slopes or trails.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

10.37%
Highly Selective

SAT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 150075th Pctl
14301550
40080012001600

ACT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 3375th Pctl
3334
1122436

Admissions Tips

Highlight your genuine intellectual curiosity and interdisciplinary interests in your application, as Middlebury values students who can connect ideas across fields. Demonstrate a love for the outdoors and an active lifestyle, as this aligns perfectly with the campus ethos and the Vermont environment. For the optional interviews, be prepared to discuss specific books, ideas, or experiences that have shaped your perspective, rather than just listing accomplishments.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1500
40080012001600
School range: 1430โ€“1550

โš ๏ธ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.

Academics & Majors

Middlebury is renowned for its strong programs in the humanities, social sciences, and environmental studies, anchored by a commitment to small, discussion-based classes. The college emphasizes exceptional undergraduate teaching, with professors who are accessible mentors deeply invested in student research. Opportunities for hands-on learning are abundant, from prestigious summer research fellowships to off-campus study programs at Middlebury's own schools abroad.

Popular Majors

Social Sciences
33.2%
Biology & Biomedical
14.6%
Natural Resources
9.3%
Computer Science
7.4%
Psychology
6.2%
Visual & Performing Arts
5.1%
English & Literature
4.3%
Ethnic & Cultural Studies
4.1%
Physical Sciences
3.8%
Foreign Languages
3.6%
Mathematics & Statistics
3.4%
Philosophy & Religion
1.6%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

93%
Graduation Rate
93.6%
Retention Rate
2,785
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$65,280
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$25,934
After financial aid
Total Cost
$82,260
Cost of attendance/year
16.7%
Receive Pell Grants
22.8%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Middlebury CDP

Student life in Middlebury CDP revolves around the vibrant campus, with social gatherings in the dorms, at the student-run pub, or at the organic farm. For fun, students take advantage of the surrounding Green Mountains for hiking, skiing, and snowboarding, or explore the charming town of Middlebury with its local cafes, bookstores, and the Otter Creek waterfall. Weekends often involve attending a cappella concerts, theatrical productions, or spirited hockey games.

Local Rent Check

$1,343 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Middlebury CDP
Explore Middlebury CDP

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$261,120
$0Est. 4 Years: $261,120

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($76,310):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

The Middlebury campus is widely regarded as very safe, with a low crime rate and a strong, community-oriented campus security presence. The surrounding town of Middlebury is a peaceful and close-knit New England community where students feel comfortable walking around, even at night.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Exceptional undergraduate teaching with small class sizes and accessible professors.
  • โœ“ World-renowned language schools and strong international studies programs.
  • โœ“ Stunningly beautiful campus with immediate access to outdoor recreation.
  • โœ“ Powerful and engaged alumni network that provides strong career support.

Cons

  • โœ— The rural Vermont location can feel isolated for students seeking a major urban environment.
  • โœ— Winters are long, cold, and snowy, which can be a challenge for some.
  • โœ— The social scene can feel preppy and may not resonate with all students.

Notable Alumni

Peyton Manning
Legendary NFL quarterback and Super Bowl MVP.
U.S. Senator Chris Murphy
Democratic U.S. Senator from Connecticut.
Jeffrey Toobin
Acclaimed journalist and legal analyst for The New Yorker.

Frequently Asked Questions

Middlebury College is particularly renowned for its top-tier environmental studies program, its prestigious language schools (the oldest in the nation), and its strength in the liberal arts and humanities. It also has a reputation for producing accomplished writers and poets, and for its commitment to global engagement through its study abroad schools.

Yes, Middlebury is a highly selective institution with an acceptance rate of 10.37%. The middle 50% of admitted students typically have an SAT score between 1450 and 1550 (or an equivalent ACT score), and they often rank in the top 5-10% of their high school class. Strong grades in rigorous courses, compelling essays, and meaningful extracurricular involvement are essential for a competitive application.

Campus life at Middlebury is defined by a strong sense of community and a love for the outdoors. With 93.6% of students living on campus, it has a tight-knit residential feel. Students are highly engaged in a wide range of activities, from outdoor clubs and NCAA Division I sports (especially hockey and skiing) to a cappella groups, student publications, and volunteer work. The social scene is centered on campus events and the natural surroundings rather than a bustling city nightlife.

For many students, Middlebury's high tuition is justified by its outstanding educational quality, personalized attention, and strong post-graduation outcomes. With a 10-year median earnings of $76,310 and a 93% graduation rate, the degree is a solid financial investment. The college's generous financial aid, which brings the average net price down significantly, also makes it more accessible and increases its value proposition for families receiving aid.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Goldman Sachs Microsoft J.P. Morgan Chase & Co. Google Deloitte
Smart Start Score
95

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded 1800
  • Type Private
  • Setting Suburban
  • Undergrad 4,137
  • In-State Tuition $65,280
  • Zip Code 05753

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 46.8% โ™€ 53.2%

The Money Talk

With a sticker price over $65,000, Middlebury is a significant investment, but the average net price of $25,934 suggests substantial financial aid packages for many students. The college's 93% graduation rate and a 10-year median earnings figure of $76,310 indicate a strong return on investment, particularly for graduates entering high-earning fields like technology, finance, and law. The high median earnings suggest that the Middlebury degree opens doors to lucrative career paths that can justify the initial cost for many families.

*Based on Dept of Education data

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๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $65,280
Housing (12 mo) $16,116
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $88,596
With avg financial aid:
$25,934/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.