Overview of Bennington College
Bennington College, located in Bennington, Vermont, is a private liberal arts college known for its progressive and innovative approach to education. Established in 1932, the college has a distinctive educational philosophy that emphasizes individualized learning, interdisciplinary studies, and a close collaboration between students and faculty. Bennington is committed to fostering creativity, critical thinking, and social responsibility among its students.
One of the hallmarks of Bennington College is its Plan Process, an individualized and self-directed approach to education. Under this system, students work closely with faculty advisors to create a personalized academic plan that aligns with their intellectual and artistic interests. This process allows students to design their own courses of study, combining disciplines and exploring topics that align with their passions and career goals.
The faculty at Bennington College play a crucial role in the education of students. With a low student-to-faculty ratio, the college emphasizes close relationships between students and professors. This enables personalized attention, mentorship, and a collaborative learning environment. Faculty members at Bennington are often practicing artists, writers, scholars, and professionals, bringing real-world experience into the classroom.
The curriculum at Bennington is designed to be dynamic and responsive to the evolving needs and interests of students. The college offers a range of disciplines, including the arts, humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and more. Interdisciplinary studies are encouraged, reflecting the belief that complex problems often require approaches that span traditional academic boundaries.
Bennington College places a strong emphasis on experiential learning and practical application of knowledge. This commitment is evident in the Field Work Term (FWT) program, a unique feature of Bennington’s academic calendar. During FWT, students have the opportunity to engage in internships, research projects, or other experiential learning opportunities, gaining real-world experience and applying their academic knowledge in professional settings.
The campus itself is set on a picturesque 550-acre estate in Vermont, providing a serene and inspiring environment for academic and artistic pursuits. The campus includes modern facilities, studios, and performance spaces, as well as the historic Commons building that serves as the hub of campus life. Bennington’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in its environmentally conscious practices and initiatives.
Arts and creativity are integral to the Bennington experience. The college is renowned for its strong arts programs, including visual arts, performing arts, and creative writing. Bennington’s ethos encourages students to explore and push the boundaries of their artistic expression. The college hosts various events, exhibitions, and performances, showcasing the creative talents of its students and faculty.
Bennington College values diversity and inclusion, aiming to create a community that embraces individuals from various backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives. The college recognizes the importance of fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all students.
Campus life at Bennington is vibrant, with numerous student organizations, clubs, and activities. Whether through student government, cultural clubs, or advocacy groups, students have opportunities to engage in a diverse range of extracurricular activities. The college also hosts events, lectures, and performances that contribute to a rich and dynamic campus culture.
Bennington College does not have a traditional grading system. Instead, students receive narrative evaluations from faculty members, providing detailed feedback on their academic performance and growth. This alternative approach aligns with the college’s emphasis on personalized and holistic assessment.
Bennington College stands out for its commitment to individualized learning, interdisciplinary exploration, and the integration of theory and practice. The college’s progressive approach to education, focus on creativity, and dedication to fostering a close-knit community contribute to a unique and transformative educational experience for its students.
1 College Drive Bennington, VT 05201
Phone: (800) 833-6845
Email: admissions@bennington.edu
Web site: http://www.bennington.edu
Rankings: Bennington College
Located in Bennington, VT, Bennington College is one of the best universities in the state of Vermont. On this page, you will find in-depth rankings for Bennington College in the following areas: graduation rates, teaching resources, financing opportunities, and alumni donations. Latest acceptance rate is also given to show how competitive is Bennington College.
Bennington College has consistently been ranked amongst the top liberal arts colleges in the nation. In the 2020 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges Rankings, Bennington was placed at 47th among all national liberal arts colleges and 6th among small schools in the United States. The college also earned high marks in various specialty rankings, including 2nd in “Most Innovative Schools” and 5th for “Best Undergraduate Teaching”. Furthermore, Bennington was ranked 8th for “Highest Proportion of Classes with Fewer than 20 Students” and 11th for “Best Value Schools”. These rankings demonstrate that Bennington offers its students a unique educational experience that is tailored to their individual needs and interests, one which prioritizes small class sizes and innovative teaching methods.
The Princeton Review also named Bennington College as one of the nation’s best universities in its 2018 edition of The Best 382 Colleges. In addition to earning an overall score of 97 out of 100, Bennington was recognized for its excellent academics and career preparation services, earning a score of 99 out of 100 for both categories. This recognition reflects the college’s commitment to providing students with an education that will prepare them for success after graduation. Additionally, The Princeton Review praised Bennington’s outstanding faculty and vibrant campus environment, both factors which contribute to an exceptional learning experience for all students at the college.
| Rankings, Ratings, and Admissions Statistics | |
| Overall Ranking: | 112 |
| Score: | 49 |
| Peer college rating (out of 5) | 2.9 |
| Graduation and retention ranking: | 157 |
| Average freshman retention rate: | 85.5% |
| 6-year graduation rate: | 61.0% |
| Predicted graduation rate: | 74% |
| Overperformance(+)/Underperformance(-): | -13 |
| Faculty resources ranking: | 97 |
| Classes with under 20 students (2020): | 84.4% |
| Classes with 50 or more students (2020): | 0.9% |
| Student faculty ratio (2020): | 9:1 |
| Percent of faculty who are full-time (2020) | 86.1% |
| Student selectivity ranking: | 100 |
| SAT/ACT 25th-75th percentile (2020) | 1180-1380 |
| 2020 Freshmen in top 10 percent of high school class: | 31% |
| Freshmen in top 25 percent of high school class (2020): | 80% |
| Fall 2020 Acceptance rate: | 61.5% |
| Financial resources rank: | 49 |
| Alumni giving rank: | 150 |
| Average alumni giving rate (2020): | 22.4% |
Essential Facts: Bennington College
- It was the first college to include visual and performing arts as an equal partner in the liberal arts curriculum.
- The 2020 undergraduate tuition has been risen by 3.88% from the previous year.The Living costs increased by 3.20% from the previous year for both on-campus and off-campus stay.
- Bennington College has a total undergraduate enrollment of 668, with a gender distribution of 32.9 percent male students and 67.1 percent female students.
Rules and regulations Sports Activities
| General Information | |
| Percent of undergraduate students who live in college-owned, operated, or affiliated housing: | 98% |
| Percent of undergraduates who are members of a fraternity: | 0% |
| Percent of student body who are members of a sorority: | 0% |
| Average percentage of students on campus during weekends: | 85% |
| Are all students permitted to have cars on campus? | Yes |
| Percent of students who have cars on campus: | 39% |
| Is alcohol permitted on campus for students of legal age? | Yes |
| Additional policies and regulations: | class attendance mandatory |
| Collegiate athletic association: | N/A |
| Men’s scholarship sports: | N/A |
| Women’s scholarship sports: | N/A |
| Student activities: | choral groups, dance, drama/theater, international student organization, jazz band, literary magazine, musical theater, opera, radio station, student government, student newspaper, student film society, yearbook |