Bennington College vs University of Vermont
Bennington College is selective with a 48.0% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than University of Vermont (60.0%). Graduates of University of Vermont earn $24,183 more per year at the 10-year mark ($62,472 vs $38,289). For families earning $48k–$75k, University of Vermont is more affordable at $17,261 net price vs $26,325. Students at University of Vermont graduate with less debt ($20,951 vs $26,000).
Admissions & Outcomes
University of Vermont has a higher yield rate (17.1%), meaning a larger share of admitted students choose to enroll — a strong signal of student preference. Both schools have similar median SAT scores around 1350, so standardized test scores alone won't differentiate applicants.
Bennington, VT
Burlington, VT
Net Price by Family Income
Net price is what you actually pay after grants and scholarships — often far less than the sticker price. It varies dramatically by family income. For low-income families ($0–$30k), University of Vermont is more affordable at $11,958 per year. At higher incomes ($110k+), the gap narrows — $43,365 vs $28,049.
Net price data from College Scorecard. Run each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate based on your family's finances.
Financial Aid
Institutional grants come directly from the school's endowment and don't need to be repaid. A high institutional grant rate means the school is investing its own funds in affordability. Bennington College enrolls more Pell Grant recipients (21%), indicating stronger support for students from lower-income backgrounds.
Highest-Earning Majors
Median earnings within two years of graduation. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on lifetime earnings than the school name on your diploma.
Bennington College
- 1 English Language and Literature, General$21,964
- 2 Visual and Performing Arts, General$17,950
University of Vermont
- 1 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering$72,325
- 2 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing$61,875
- 3 Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions$57,770
- 4 Computer Science$56,641
- 5 Mechanical Engineering$55,770
Most Popular Majors
The most popular majors by number of degrees awarded. This gives you a sense of each school's academic strengths and where students concentrate.
Bennington College
- 1 Visual and Performing Arts, General
- 2 Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- 3 Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- 4 Dance
- 5 Literature
University of Vermont
- 1 Business Administration, Management and Operations
- 2 Psychology, General
- 3 Biology, General
- 4 Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- 5 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
Campus & Student Body
Enrollment size, diversity, and retention paint a picture of campus culture. A high retention rate means students are satisfied enough to return after freshman year.
For International Students
Key cost and campus considerations for students coming from outside the US.
Bennington College
- International students12%
- Tuition (international)$57,350
- Est. total cost/year$74,964
- School typePublic
University of Vermont
- International students3%
- Tuition (international)$41,280
- Est. total cost/year$57,274
- School typePublic
What international students should know
- International students pay out-of-state tuition at public universities. Private universities charge the same tuition for all students.
- Most federal financial aid (FAFSA, Pell Grants) is not available to international students. Look for institutional aid and merit scholarships.
- F-1 visa holders can work on-campus during the school year and use CPT/OPT for internships and post-graduation employment.
- Schools with a higher international student percentage typically have stronger support services — dedicated international offices, visa advising, and cultural programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Bennington College or University of Vermont?
Bennington College is more selective with a 48.0% acceptance rate, compared to 60.0%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.
Which school has higher earnings: Bennington College or University of Vermont?
University of Vermont graduates earn more at the 10-year mark, with median earnings of $62,472 compared to $38,289. Earnings vary significantly by major — STEM fields typically produce the highest returns at both schools.
Which is cheaper: Bennington College or University of Vermont?
For middle-income families ($48k–$75k), University of Vermont has a lower net price at $17,261 per year vs $26,325. Net price varies by family income — use each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the graduation rate at Bennington College vs University of Vermont?
University of Vermont has a higher 6-year graduation rate at 78.6%, compared to 66.7%. A high graduation rate signals strong academic support, student engagement, and a campus culture where students thrive.
Which school has more international students: Bennington College or University of Vermont?
Bennington College has a larger international student population at 12% of enrollment. A higher international student percentage often means stronger support services for visa holders, including dedicated international student offices, OPT/CPT guidance, and cultural programming.
What are the highest-paying majors at Bennington College and University of Vermont?
At Bennington College, English Language and Literature, General graduates earn a median of $21,964 within two years. At University of Vermont, the top-earning major is Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering at $72,325. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on earnings than which school you attend.