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Bennington College vs Sterling College

Bennington College is a private college in Bennington, VT. Sterling College is a private college in Craftsbury Common, VT. Bennington College admits about 45% of applicants and Sterling College about 67%, making Bennington College the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $21,854 a year at Sterling College after aid, and about $30,947 at Bennington College. About 69% of students graduate at Bennington College, compared with 38% at Sterling College. Ten years after enrolling, Bennington College alumni earn a median of about $38,289, against $30,573 for Sterling College.

Bennington College

Bennington, VT · Private

Sterling College

Craftsbury Common, VT · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Bennington, VT
Craftsbury Common, VT
Setting
Suburban
Rural
Undergraduates
780
50
Acceptance rate
45%
67%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.45–4
3.44–3.94
SAT (middle 50%)
1291–1403
1000–1230
ACT (middle 50%)
30–32
19–23
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$30,947
$21,854
Full cost / yr
$87,284
$54,410
In-state tuition
$66,262
$40,760
Out-of-state tuition
$66,262
$40,760
Application fee
$0
Not reported
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$18,480
$18,533
$30k - $48k
$18,012
$17,655
$48k - $75k
$22,336
$24,564
$75k - $110k
$25,508
Not reported
Over $110k
$44,625
Not reported
Outcomes
Graduation rate
69%
38%
Freshman retention
82%
86%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$24,711
$27,109
Median earnings (10 yr)
$38,289
$30,573
Median debt at graduation
$26,000
$23,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
25%
45%
First-generation students
13%
Not reported
International students
12%
4%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 10
Rolling

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Bennington College or Sterling College harder to get into?
Bennington College is harder to get into. It admits about 45% of applicants, compared with 67% at Sterling College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Bennington College or Sterling College?
Sterling College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $21,854 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $30,947 at Bennington College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Bennington College and Sterling College?
Before aid, Sterling College costs about $54,410 a year and Bennington College about $87,284. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Bennington College or Sterling College?
Bennington College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $18,480 there, against about $18,533 at Sterling College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Bennington College or Sterling College?
Bennington College is the larger of the two, with about 780 undergraduates against 50 at Sterling College.
Does Bennington College or Sterling College have a better graduation rate?
Bennington College has the higher graduation rate, at about 69% against 38% at Sterling College.
Do graduates of Bennington College or Sterling College earn more?
Bennington College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $38,289 ten years after enrolling, against about $30,573 for Sterling College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Bennington College and Sterling College require SAT or ACT scores?
Bennington College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Sterling College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Bennington College and Sterling College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1291–1403 at Bennington College and 1000–1230 at Sterling College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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