Deciding which college to attend is a crucial decision that involves various considerations, such as costs, academics, and campus life. This article compares two prestigious liberal arts colleges: Middlebury College and Wellesley College. We will provide an overview of each institution and compare their costs, admissions, academics, diversity, student life, campus, alumni, rankings, and outcomes to help you determine which school might be the best fit for your educational goals.
Middlebury College Overview
Middlebury College, established in 1800, is a private liberal arts college located in Middlebury, Vermont. With a total undergraduate enrollment of approximately 2,500 students, the college offers a personalized and close-knit learning experience. Middlebury is well-known for its strong language and environmental studies programs, as well as its excellent study abroad options.
Middlebury College Costs & Tuition
The total cost of attending Middlebury College for the 2021-2022 school year is approximately $76,000, which includes tuition, fees, room, and board. Around 42% of the students receive financial aid, with an average award of $49,000 per student. Middlebury also offers a no-loan financial aid policy to ensure that all students have the opportunity to attend without incurring significant debt.
Middlebury College Admissions
Middlebury College is highly selective, with an acceptance rate of around 16%. The middle 50% of accepted students have SAT scores ranging from 1340 to 1520 and ACT scores between 31 and 34. In addition to academic achievement, Middlebury considers factors such as extracurricular involvement, leadership qualities, and personal essays in its admission process.
Middlebury College Degrees Offered
Middlebury College offers over 44 majors, including popular programs in Environmental Studies, International/Global Studies, Economics, and Political Science. Students can also select from a wide range of minors, joint majors, and interdisciplinary programs. The college emphasizes experiential learning, and students have numerous opportunities for internships, research, and study abroad experiences.
Middlebury College Academics
With a student-to-faculty ratio of 8:1 and an average class size of 16, Middlebury College provides a highly personalized learning environment. Professors are dedicated to teaching, and students have ample opportunities for one-on-one interactions and mentorship. The academic calendar is divided into two semesters and a four-week winter term, allowing for intensive study in a single subject.
Middlebury College Diversity
Middlebury College is committed to diversity, with 32% of students identifying as people of color and 14% as international students. The campus offers various resources and support services for underrepresented groups, including multicultural centers, affinity spaces, and specialized programming.
Middlebury College Students
Student life at Middlebury College includes over 200 clubs and organizations, encompassing academic, athletic, cultural, and social interests. Middlebury has a strong outdoor culture, with the nearby Green Mountains offering opportunities for hiking, skiing, and other outdoor activities. The college also has a vibrant arts scene, with regular performances and exhibitions on campus.
Middlebury College Campus
Middlebury College’s picturesque campus spans 350 acres and features a mix of historic buildings and modern facilities. The college has invested in sustainable infrastructure, including a biomass plant that provides renewable energy to the campus. Students reside in various housing options, including traditional residence halls, special interest houses, and social houses.
Middlebury College Alumni
Notable Middlebury College alumni include politicians, business leaders, writers, and artists. Some prominent graduates include former governor of Vermont and Democratic National Committee chair Howard Dean, author Julia Alvarez, and New York Times columnist David Brooks.
Middlebury College Rankings
Middlebury College consistently ranks among the top liberal arts colleges in the United States. In the 2022 U.S. News & World Report rankings, the college was ranked #6 in National Liberal Arts Colleges, #8 in Best Undergraduate Teaching, and #13 in Most Innovative Schools.
Middlebury College Outcomes
According to the Middlebury College outcomes data, 94% of graduates from the Class of 2020 were employed, enrolled in graduate school, or participating in internships, fellowships, or service programs within one year of graduation. The average starting salary was $55,000 per year.
Wellesley College Overview
Founded in 1870, Wellesley College is a private women’s liberal arts college located in Wellesley, Massachusetts. The college enrolls approximately 2,400 undergraduate students and offers a rigorous academic program in a supportive and empowering environment. Wellesley is renowned for its commitment to women’s education and leadership development.
Wellesley College Costs & Tuition
Wellesley College’s total cost of attendance for the 2021-2022 academic year is about $77,000, including tuition, fees, room, and board. Approximately 60% of students receive financial aid, with an average grant award of $50,000 per student. Wellesley is also committed to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students.
Wellesley College Admissions
Wellesley College has a competitive admissions process, with an acceptance rate of approximately 20%. The middle 50% of admitted students have SAT scores between 1350 and 1500 and ACT scores ranging from 31 to 34. In addition to test scores and grades, the college considers factors such as leadership, community involvement, and personal essays in its admission decisions.
Wellesley College Degrees Offered
Wellesley College offers over 50 majors, with popular programs in Economics, Political Science, Biology, Psychology, and English. Students can also pursue dual-degree programs in partnership with other institutions, such as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Olin College of Engineering. Wellesley emphasizes research experiences, internships, and study abroad opportunities to provide a well-rounded education.
Wellesley College Academics
Wellesley College’s intimate learning environment, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 8:1 and an average class size of 17, fosters close relationships between students and faculty. Professors are dedicated to mentoring and supporting students in both their academic and personal growth. The college operates on a semester system, with optional winter session courses.
Wellesley College Diversity
Diversity is a priority at Wellesley College, with 50% of students identifying as people of color and 14% as international students. The college offers numerous resources to support underrepresented students, including multicultural centers, affinity spaces, and mentorship programs.
Wellesley College Students
Wellesley College students can choose from over 180 clubs and organizations, covering academic, cultural, and recreational interests. The campus is known for its beautiful landscape and historic architecture, providing an inspiring setting for pursuing academic and personal passions. Wellesley also has a strong arts and culture scene, with frequent performances, exhibitions, and events on campus.
Wellesley College Campus
The 500-acre Wellesley College campus features a mix of historic and modern buildings, as well as a lake, extensive woodlands, and the renowned Wellesley College Botanic Gardens. Sustainable initiatives are a priority, with several LEED-certified buildings and ongoing efforts to reduce the college’s environmental impact. Students live in traditional residence halls, cooperative housing, or theme-based housing options.
Wellesley College Alumni
Wellesley College has a distinguished alumni network, including notable figures such as former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, former First Lady and U.S. Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton, and renowned journalist Diane Sawyer.
Wellesley College Rankings
Wellesley College consistently ranks highly among liberal arts colleges in the United States. In the 2022 U.S. News & World Report rankings, Wellesley was ranked #4 in National Liberal Arts Colleges, #2 in Best Value Schools, and #5 in Best Undergraduate Teaching.
Wellesley College Outcomes
According to Wellesley College’s outcomes data, 93% of graduates from the Class of 2020 were employed, enrolled in graduate school, or participating in fellowships, internships, or service programs within one year of graduation. The median starting salary for Wellesley graduates was $60,000 per year.
Middlebury College vs Wellesley College Cost Comparison
Middlebury College and Wellesley College have similar costs for the 2021-2022 academic year, with Middlebury’s total cost of attendance at approximately $76,000 and Wellesley’s at about $77,000. Both colleges are committed to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need for admitted students and have no-loan financial aid policies. Middlebury provides financial aid to about 42% of students with an average award of $49,000, while Wellesley offers aid to around 60% of its students with an average grant award of $50,000.
Middlebury College vs Wellesley College Admissions Difficulty
Both Middlebury College and Wellesley College are highly selective institutions, with Middlebury having an acceptance rate of around 16% and Wellesley accepting approximately 20% of applicants. The middle 50% of admitted students have similar test score ranges at both schools, with SAT scores between 1340 and 1520 for Middlebury and 1350 and 1500 for Wellesley, and ACT scores between 31 and 34.
Middlebury College vs Wellesley College Academic Difficulty
Middlebury College and Wellesley College both offer rigorous academic programs and personalized learning experiences, with student-to-faculty ratios of 8:1 and average class sizes of 16 and 17, respectively. Both colleges emphasize experiential learning, research opportunities, and study abroad experiences, and students can expect to be challenged and supported in their academic pursuits at either institution.
Middlebury College vs Wellesley College Outcome Comparison
Graduates from both Middlebury College and Wellesley College have strong post-graduation outcomes. Middlebury reports a 94% rate of graduates employed, in graduate school, or participating in internships, fellowships, or service programs within one year of graduation, with an average starting salary of $55,000. Wellesley has a 93% rate of similar outcomes, with a median starting salary of $60,000.
In summary, Middlebury College and Wellesley College are both excellent choices for students seeking a challenging and supportive liberal arts education. While both institutions share many similarities, factors such as location, campus culture, specific academic programs, and personal fit should be considered when making your college decision.
