Middlebury College is a top liberal arts college in Vermont renowned for its language programs, which are considered the best in the country, and its leadership in environmental studies and sustainability. Its picturesque New England campus and strong winter sports culture make it a distinctive choice for academically driven students.
Mascot: Panther
Notable Alumni
Anais Mitchell (creator of Hadestown)•James Cromwell (Oscar-nominated actor)•Bill McKibben (climate activist and author)
At a Glance
Cost
Published sticker prices for 2025-2026. Actual cost after aid varies.
Top Programs & National Ranking
Approximate national ranking based on departmental rankings, research output, and program reputation.
Highlights
Athletics
Campus Experience
Middlebury replaced fraternities with social houses in 1991 that now host most weekend parties — The Mill is the campus's de facto social venue. The culture is defined by athletic preppy energy (28% of students play varsity sports), outdoorsy Vermont living, and the renowned language immersion programs that are a defining feature of the school. The rural Vermont setting means nightlife is essentially campus-only, but the skiing, hiking, and tight-knit community create a fiercely loyal student body.
A postcard-perfect Vermont campus with limestone and granite buildings set on a hilltop overlooking the Green Mountains and Champlain Valley. The combination of classic New England architecture and panoramic mountain vistas is extraordinary.
Based on Niche reviews, Princeton Review surveys, student forums, and institutional data.
Safety
Very low crime on this rural Vermont campus. Public Safety operates 24/7 with blue-light emergency phones and electronically secured residence halls.
The small town of Middlebury is a quintessential New England village with very low crime rates, surrounded by farmland and mountains.
Based on Clery Act data, student surveys, and local crime statistics.
Plan Your Visit
Schedule: Daily at 10:30am and 2pm (preceded by info sessions at 10am and 1:30pm). Virtual Zoom sessions every Tuesday and every other Thursday.
Duration: ~1.5-2 hours (info session + student-led walking tour, ~2 miles)
Reservations required, space limited. Each student limited to 3 additional guests. Plan ahead — area lodgings book up quickly. Contact Admissions at least 2 weeks in advance for accessibility accommodations.
Book a TourSelf-guided exploration of campus available anytime. Visit the Admissions Office for materials or use the online campus map.
Tour ResourcesLate September through mid-October for peak Vermont fall foliage — the Green Mountains surrounding Middlebury are ablaze with color. Late April-May is also beautiful as Vermont comes alive. Avoid November-March (harsh Vermont winters, though campus is cozy). The Old Chapel chimes playing across the quad on a crisp fall day is a quintessential Middlebury moment.
Visitor parking in the lot next to the Admissions Office or behind the Mahaney Arts Center (Q Lot, short walk). Weekday 8am-5pm: display a $2/day permit (available online). Evenings and weekends: no permit needed. Burlington International Airport (BTV) is 35 miles north (~45 min). Middlebury is ~3 hours from Boston, ~6 hours from NYC. Car is essential — no train service.
Location
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