US University · Ranked #9
Middlebury College: Acceptance Rate & Admission Requirements (2026)
Middlebury College is a highly selective university that admits roughly 13% of applicants. Set in Middlebury, Vermont and ranked #9 nationally in our dataset, Middlebury College attracts a deep, accomplished applicant pool, so a strong academic record is the entry ticket rather than the deciding factor. Successful candidates typically pair excellent grades with a clear, well-articulated reason for applying here specifically.
Middlebury College is a top liberal arts college in Vermont known for its world-renowned language programs, environmental commitment, and stunning Green Mountain setting.
This guide breaks down Middlebury College's selectivity, the academic profile of admitted students, how its application deadlines should shape your strategy, and the programs it is best known for — followed by answers to the questions applicants ask most.
Middlebury College admission statistics
- Acceptance rate
- 13%
- SAT range
- 1350–1510
- Average GPA
- 3.85
- In-state
- $63,760
- Out-of-state
- $63,760
- Enrollment
- 2,785
- Type
- Private
- Location
- Middlebury, Vermont
How hard is it to get into Middlebury College?
An acceptance rate of 13% places Middlebury College firmly in the highly selective category. Academic excellence is necessary but not sufficient here: the majority of denied applicants are fully qualified on paper. Decisions turn on the strength of essays, recommendations, and demonstrated depth in a few areas rather than a long list of activities.
Plan for Middlebury College as a reach. Make sure your list includes target and likely schools, and use your essays to show depth and a specific reason this school fits your goals.
Academic profile of admitted students
Admitted students at Middlebury College typically score between 1350 and 1510 on the SAT — this is the middle 50% range, so a quarter of enrolled students scored below 1350 and a quarter above 1510. A score at or above 1510 is competitive even at the more selective end of the pool. Alongside test scores, the average GPA of admitted students is approximately 3.85 on a 4.0 scale, indicating that successful applicants generally earned mostly A's in a rigorous course load.
As a planning benchmark, aim for an SAT around 1430 or higher and a GPA at or near 3.85. Scores meaningfully below the 25th percentile (1350) are not disqualifying on their own, but they put more weight on the rest of the application to compensate.
Middlebury Collegeapplication deadlines & strategy
- • Early Decision: Nov 15
- • Regular Decision: Jan 1
Middlebury College's Early Decision deadline is Nov 15, with Regular Decision on Jan 1. Early Decision is binding — an admit obligates you to enroll and withdraw other applications. Apply ED only if Middlebury College is your clear first choice and you do not need to weigh competing financial-aid packages; the bump in admit rate is real but it is a commitment, not a tactic.
Whichever round you choose, give recommenders at least three to four weeks of notice and budget time for essay revisions — the strongest applications are rarely written in the final week before Jan 1.
Notable programs at Middlebury College
- Languages — a recognized area of strength at this institution.
- Environmental Studies — an applied, increasingly in-demand field at this institution.
- International Studies — a discipline that pairs well with the school's research and internship networks.
- Economics — one of the most popular majors nationally and a strong feeder to graduate and professional study.
- English — a flagship humanities strength here.
Middlebury College is particularly known for Languages, Environmental Studies, International Studies, Economics, and English.
Strong programs matter for admissions because many schools admit by college or major, and a credible, specific interest in one of these areas — reflected in your coursework, activities, and essays — is far more persuasive than a generic application.
Cost of attending Middlebury College
As a private institution with a single tuition rate for all students, Middlebury College charges the same tuition regardless of residency — approximately $63,760 per year. The sticker price is high, but private schools at this level often have substantial need-based aid, so the net price for many families is considerably lower; run the school's net price calculator before ruling it out on cost alone.
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Middlebury College: frequently asked questions
- What is the acceptance rate at Middlebury College?
- Middlebury College has an acceptance rate of 13%, which makes it highly selective. Plan for Middlebury College as a reach. Make sure your list includes target and likely schools, and use your essays to show depth and a specific reason this school fits your goals.
- What SAT score do you need for Middlebury College?
- Admitted students at Middlebury College typically score between 1350 and 1510 on the SAT (the middle 50%). Aiming for 1510 or above makes you competitive, while a score below 1350 puts more weight on the rest of your application.
- What GPA do you need to get into Middlebury College?
- The average GPA of admitted students at Middlebury College is approximately 3.85 on a 4.0 scale. Competitive applicants generally have mostly A's in a rigorous course load; a GPA at or near 3.85 is the practical target.
- What is the application deadline for Middlebury College?
- Middlebury College's application deadlines: Early Decision is Nov 15 (binding); Regular Decision is Jan 1. Submit a few days early to avoid last-minute portal problems.
- Is Middlebury College a public or private university?
- Middlebury College is a private university. Tuition is the same regardless of residency, but need-based aid can substantially lower the net price.
- How much does it cost to attend Middlebury College?
- As a private institution with a single tuition rate for all students, Middlebury College charges the same tuition regardless of residency — approximately $63,760 per year. The sticker price is high, but private schools at this level often have substantial need-based aid, so the net price for many families is considerably lower; run the school's net price calculator before ruling it out on cost alone.