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Bennington College
Bennington, VT, USA
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Set amidst the rolling hills of Vermont, Bennington College's campus blends historic buildings with contemporary design elements. Take a virtual tour to explore its scenic New England setting!
Bennington College offers an individualized physical education program rather than traditional athletic teams, focusing on personal fitness and wellness.
Northeast, Rural Area: Bennington College boasts a rural setting, surrounded by the scenic landscapes of Vermont, which enhances the school's focus on arts and creativity through a tranquil and isolated environment.
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Bennington College has around 85% of students receiving financial aid. Bennington College awards both merit-based and need-based scholarships (more specific details about scholarships can be found on their financial aid website).
At Bennington, push the boundaries of artistic expression. The college is renowned for its strong emphasis on the Fine and Performing Arts, offering a unique and immersive experience for students passionate about creative expression. The college's curriculum allows students to design their own course of study, with options to focus on disciplines such as Visual Arts, Dance, Drama, and Music. Bennington's faculty includes practicing artists who bring real-world experience and connections to the classroom, providing students with invaluable mentorship and guidance. The college's facilities, including the Visual and Performing Arts Center (VAPA), provide state-of-the-art spaces for students to create, rehearse, and perform. Bennington's commitment to the arts extends beyond academics, with numerous student-run clubs and organizations dedicated to various artistic pursuits. Throughout the year, the college hosts a wide array of exhibitions, performances, and events, showcasing student work and bringing renowned artists to campus, further enriching the artistic community at Bennington.
Bennington College does not have a Greek Life system. The college's philosophy emphasizes individual expression and non-traditional student experiences, which has led to the absence of fraternities and sororities on campus.
Bennington College's distinctive Field Work Term (FWT) program is a cornerstone of its experiential learning approach, requiring all students to complete annual seven-week internships or work experiences during winter break. This innovative program allows students to apply classroom knowledge to real-world settings, build professional networks, and explore potential career paths. Bennington's extensive network of alumni and partner organizations provides students with diverse internship opportunities across various fields, from arts institutions and non-profits to tech startups and government agencies. The college's Field Work Term and Career Development office offers personalized support to students throughout the internship process, from identifying suitable placements to reflecting on their experiences and integrating them into their academic work.
Bennington fosters an individualistic approach to academics. Students work with faculty advisors to design majors across disciplines, with popular areas including Literature, Visual Arts, Drama, Social Sciences, and Natural Sciences. Minors don't exist in the traditional sense, but students develop in-depth focuses within their "Plans.” For a full list of academic programs, click the link below.
A college campus might lean a certain way politically, but the surrounding community can have a very different cultural and political vibe. Exploring the area beyond campus can give you a better picture of the local political landscape. Use the link below to research the location of any college you're considering.
Bennington College offers undergraduate research opportunities that allow students to pursue self-directed, interdisciplinary research projects. Students can design their own research plans and work closely with faculty mentors to develop their projects. Bennington's Field Work Term (FWT) also provides opportunities for students to engage in research-based internships. Participating in research at Bennington can help students develop independent thinking skills, explore their academic interests, and make meaningful contributions to their field of study.
Feeling safe on campus is important—it allows you to focus on your studies, make friends, and enjoy college life without unnecessary stress. Look for schools with strong safety measures so you can feel confident in your choice.
Bennington College is a very small school with 750 undergraduate students on campus.
Bennington College boasts a vibrant student life with a diverse array of clubs and activities that reflect the creative and intellectual spirit of its community. The Student Educational Policies Committee (SEPC) plays a unique role, allowing students to actively participate in shaping the college's academic policies and curriculum. For those interested in the arts, organizations like the Bennington Literary Society and the Bennington Film Co-op provide platforms for students to share and develop their creative works. The college's commitment to social and environmental issues is evident in groups such as the Ecological Initiatives Club and the Prison Education Initiative, which enable students to engage in meaningful activism and community service.
Bennington College has a predominantly White student population (around 69%). Smaller, notable populations include multiracial (7%), Asian (5%) and Hispanic/Latino (4%) students. International students form a significant portion of the student body (around 20%), with a concentration from Asia and Europe. The college primarily attracts students from across the United States, with a focus on the Northeast.
Bennington College offers a unique housing experience with its distinctive student houses, each accommodating 30-45 students and fostering close-knit communities. These houses, which blend architectural styles from colonial to contemporary, serve as both living spaces and social hubs. First-year students are typically assigned to houses, while upperclassmen have the opportunity to select their preferred housing through a lottery system. Each house features a mix of single and double rooms, common areas for socializing, and kitchenettes for student use. The college's commitment to sustainable living is reflected in eco-friendly houses like the Longmeadow House. Dining at Bennington is centered around the Student Center, which houses the main dining hall. The dining services offer a variety of options to cater to different dietary needs and preferences, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free choices. The college emphasizes the use of locally sourced ingredients and maintains its own student-run garden, providing fresh produce for meals. For quick bites or coffee, students can visit the Grab-n-Go café in the Student Center or the Ground Floor café in the library.
Bennington College offers a unique approach to undergraduate education through its Plan Process, which allows students to design their own course of study rather than choosing from predetermined majors. Students work closely with faculty advisors to create individualized academic plans that integrate their interests across various disciplines. While there are no traditional majors or minors, Bennington offers guidance in numerous areas of study, including Literature, Visual Arts, Environmental Studies, and Social Sciences, among others. The Plan Process begins in the first year, with students refining their academic focus throughout their time at Bennington, and formally declaring their Plan by the end of their sophomore year. For a full list of academic programs, click the link below.
Bennington College demonstrates a strong commitment to supporting first-generation and low-income students. The College meets 100% of demonstrated financial need through a combination of grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study opportunities. All admitted students are considered for merit-based scholarships ranging from $5,000 to $40,000 per year. The FLoW (First-Generation, Low-Income, Working-Class) student group fosters community and belonging. Additionally, the Student Success Specialist provides personalized guidance on academic and financial matters to help these students thrive at Bennington.
Are you curious about admission data at this school? Check it out, but remember that you are so much more than a number.
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