Fast Facts

Bennington College has been a proven leader among liberal-arts colleges since its founding in 1932. Competitive across all metrics, Bennington is focused on creating a student-led education that enables personal fulfillment, societal impact, and long-term adaptability. If you would like to see more in-depth data, please visit the Institutional Research Commonly Requested Data page. 

All figures as of January 2024, unless otherwise noted.

Undergraduate Enrollment

Total undergraduates: 782

% female: 66%

% US students of color: 21%

% international: 13%

# countries represented: 46 (including the US)

% out of state: 95% (among domestic students)

Top 5 states represented: NY, MA, CA, VT, ME

Admissions

Total applicants: 2825

% admitted: 48%

% enrolled of admits: 16%

Undergraduate Financial Aid 

Academic Year 2022-2023

% receiving some kind of aid: 98%

% with need-based aid: 77% 

Average institutional award: $49,068 

Average debt at graduation: $25,361 (national average = $37,338)

3-year cohort default rate: 1.7% for the period ending in 2019. (0.0% for the years ending in 2020 because of the federal loan payment pause)

National average 3-year cohort default rate (ending in 2019): 2.3%

Our graduates land on their feet financially

  • Historically, our low default rate (2% in 2021 compared to 7.3% nationally) shows that our graduates are able to manage their financial obligations. Students’ experiences with field work term and self-directed learning prepare them for independence and financial responsibility.

  • About 28% of our student body is Pell-eligible.

  • Bennington graduates' average debt is $25,361, which is significantly lower than the national average of $37,338 (source).

Top Areas of Study

Class of 2023

Many Bennington students work in more than one area of study, so the total of the above numbers exceeds 100. Learn more about Bennington's Areas of Study and the Plan Process.

Field Work Term

This data is for Winter 2024 Field Work Term.

  • Total Field Work Term (FWT) stipends and scholarships awarded: $200,000
  • # of stipends and scholarships: 400
  • Total positions secured: 465

Experience Types

  • 276 Internships 
  • 65 Taught FWT Experience (workshop-style lifestyle and career development course)
  • 53 Independent Study Registrations
  • 39 FWT Fellowships
  • 21 Campus Jobs
  • 11 Apprenticeships

Learn more about Field Work Term options.

Undergraduate Faculty

Student-to-faculty ratio: 9:1

% core (multi-year contracts): 67%

Retention and Graduation

First-year retention (F22 cohort): 85%

6-year graduation rate (F17 cohort): 67%

After Bennington

Outcomes: Classes of 2016-2020

Results are based on data for the June graduating classes of 2016-2020, with a knowledge rate of at least 70% per year. Knowledge rate is based on results from survey data collected within 6-9 months post graduation, with supplemental data independently verified from LinkedIn and Clearinghouse sources.

93% of Bennington graduates 6 months out are employed, enrolled in service programs, or in grad school. (Graduating class data, 5 year average, 2016-2020.)

76% of Bennington graduates 6 months out are in a field related to their studies. (June 2020 graduating class data.)

59% of Bennington graduates 6 months out say their work is engaging, compared to 39% nationally. (June 2020 graduating class data.)

Top 5 Industries for First Job Out of College:

  1. Communications
  2. Education
  3. Performing and Visual Arts
  4. Public Service 
  5. Healthcare

Average Starting Salary 6 Months Out: $45,000 across industries, $95,000 science and math

Institutional Resources

Bennington College Financial Statements

Total charges (Academic Year 2023-2024 tuition, fees, room, board): $83,284

Operating budget 2021: $52,074,000

Portion of operations supported by fundraising in 2021: 1/3

Fundraising: FY22 $13.5 million

Endowment: FY22 $59.4 million

Campus: 440 acres