Founded in 1800, Middlebury College is one of the oldest liberal arts colleges in the country—and it’s long been known as a place where ideas, community, and global citizenship converge. With just under 2,800 students, Middlebury offers a highly personal experience set against a backdrop of mountains, hiking trails, and snowy ski days.
When Lisa visited with a group of college counselors, the landscaping didn’t exactly wow her (more “functional” than “picturesque”), but the academics, student life, and campus culture left a strong impression.
Academic Excellence and Flexibility
Middlebury students enjoy the best of both worlds: a core curriculum that encourages breadth, but also the freedom to explore. Students take seven out of eight distribution areas, keeping things flexible while ensuring exposure to diverse fields.
With over 50 majors and minors, Middlebury is particularly well-known for:
- Languages (they run the famed Middlebury Language Schools in the summer)
- English and Creative Writing
- International and Global Studies
- Computer Science (fast-growing and well-supported)
First-year students all participate in a seminar program focused on critical thinking and writing, laying the foundation for academic success in all disciplines. The college is proudly writing-intensive, and it shows in the intellectual maturity of its students.
There’s also a January Term (J-Term) where students take one immersive course—ideal for research, internships, or creative exploration. Speaking of research, Middlebury undergrads are deeply involved in research, and the college even offers summer research grants across departments.
Relationships Matter: Professors and Community
One of Middlebury’s most distinctive qualities is the closeness between students, faculty, and administration. Professors teach all courses, are deeply invested in undergrad education, and often become long-term mentors. You’ll hear students casually refer to meeting with their profs over coffee or running into a dean in the dining hall.
The campus is walkable (about 15 minutes end to end), and it’s residential for all four years, which builds a tight-knit, consistent community. Students often form long-lasting relationships within their Living Learning Communities (LLCs)—including options like language immersion housing and interest-based residences.
Athletics, Social Life & Student Culture
About 30% of Middlebury students are varsity athletes, and while most sports are Division III, the ski team competes at the Division I level and trains at the nearby Middlebury Snow Bowl.
Social life centers around campus events, performances, and “Social Houses”—a uniquely Middlebury twist on traditional Greek life. These are theme-based houses (think arts, culture, or activism), where students host events and foster community without the exclusivity of traditional fraternities/sororities.
You’ll also find 3 dining halls, a few on-campus cafés, and a campus culture that leans inclusive, progressive, and intellectually curious.
Location: Classic Vermont Vibes
The town of Middlebury is a 10-minute walk from campus and offers just enough: a few restaurants, a cute bookstore, pharmacy, and local shops. It’s not a bustling city, but there’s always something to do—whether that’s catching a film at the local theater or heading out for a weekend hike.
The college also maintains over 19 miles of hiking trails, an organic farm, and easy access to the Green Mountains. It’s an ideal setting for students who thrive in nature but want a smart, globally minded community.
Study Abroad & Global Focus
50% of Middlebury students study abroad, a number that reflects the school’s deep commitment to global education. Many programs are run by Middlebury itself, and language preparation is robust. Students studying a foreign language often live in language immersion housing, further integrating global fluency into daily life.
Admissions Reality Check: It’s Hard to Get In
Let’s talk numbers.
Middlebury has about 700 first-year spots. But here’s what most families don’t realize: roughly 200 of those are typically filled by recruited athletes. That leaves only 500 spots for all other applicants—including high-achieving, “unhooked” students.
Given that Middlebury receives more than 11,000 applications annually, you can do the math. It’s highly selective, even more so for those without a hook. Submitting strong academic work, showing fit through your essays, and applying Early Decision can improve your odds.
Middlebury is also test-optional, and students are not penalized for applying without scores. But strong grades, especially in rigorous courses, are essential—the academic bar is high.
Final Thoughts: Is Middlebury the Right Fit?
Middlebury offers a rare mix: top-tier academics, small-town warmth, and global perspective—all set in the natural beauty of Vermont. It’s ideal for intellectually driven students who want close faculty relationships, writing-focused learning, research support, and outdoor access. And while it’s competitive to get in, those who land there tend to thrive.
Just be ready for a little less landscaping wow—and a whole lot more substance.
