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Bennington College SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements

SAT Range1308 to 1375
ACT Range30 to 32
Average GPA3.53
Acceptance Rate44.5%

Bennington is test-optional, and with just 10% submitting SAT scores, a strong score can be a deliberate advantage rather than a requirement. If you are near or above a 1375 SAT, or around a 32 ACT, submitting can strengthen a solid 3.5-ish GPA profile at a selective college.

Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.

Bennington College facts and stats

Quick Facts

Bennington College enrolls 797 undergraduates in a small town setting. Bennington has an 82% freshman retention rate, above the national average of roughly 70%, and a 71% six-year graduation rate. The student-to-faculty ratio is 9:1.

Location

Bennington, VT

Undergrad Enrollment797
Freshman Retention82%
SettingSmall town
Student to Faculty Ratio9:1
Graduation Rate71%
Test PolicyTest-optional

How do your scores compare at Bennington?

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Key Bennington College application dates

Key dates

Application deadlines

Regular Decision

January 15

Early Action

December 1

Early Decision

November 15

Priority Deadline

Financial aid deadlines

Financial Aid Priority

January 15

Test dates

SAT test dates

August 22, 2026

Registration deadline: August 7, 2026

September 12, 2026

Registration deadline: August 28, 2026

October 3, 2026

Registration deadline: September 18, 2026

ACT test dates

September 19, 2026

Registration deadline: August 14, 2026

October 17, 2026

Registration deadline: September 11, 2026

December 12, 2026

Registration deadline: November 6, 2026

Take tests early for the best outcomes

If you choose to submit scores to test-optional Bennington, take your first SAT or ACT by the spring of junior year. Reserve the summer before senior year and an October retake for improving your superscore if needed, since October is the last fall testing window that should arrive in time for the November 15 Early Decision deadline.

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What you'll actually pay

Bennington is a private not-for-profit, so the same tuition and fees apply to all students: $66,265. About 72% of students receive aid, and the average merit award is $45,451. Submit the FAFSA by the January 15 priority deadline.

House illustration
Tuition and Fees$66,265
Room and Board$19,110
Average Merit Award$45,451
Application FeeN/A
Students on Aid72%
Average Aid Package$56,583
Average Debt at Grad$29,671

Bennington’s estimated total cost of attendance is $85,375, including tuition, fees, room, and board. About 72% of students receive financial aid, with an average aid package of $56,583. Merit awards are also significant, averaging $45,451 for recipients. For context, graduates leave with an average debt of $29,671.

Student life at Bennington College

Activities and Organizations
Drama and theater
Radio station
Choral groups
Housing

98% of undergrads live on campus

Freshman housing: Guaranteed

Coed
Wellness
Greek life

No fraternity or sorority life on campus.

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