On first glance at Middlebury College, you might notice the creek bubbling past the picturesque campus, nestled in the quiet hills of Vermont. With a view of the Green Mountains to the east and the Adirondacks to the west, it’s easy to get distracted by natural beauty. Yet despite the peaceful surroundings, its admissions process is anything but sleepy!
If you’re thinking about throwing your hat in the ring, then you deserve to know the truth: Middlebury is one of the most selective liberal arts colleges in the country. In 2025, the Middlebury acceptance rate ticked up slightly, but don’t let that trend fool you — it’s still incredibly competitive.
In this article, we’ll explore what the 2025 acceptance rate really means, how a liberal arts education like Middlebury’s can benefit you, and what it takes to build a strong application strategy. Whether you’re just starting your college list or preparing for Early Decision, this guide is built to help you make informed choices.
Ready? Let’s dive into the Middlebury College acceptance rate and what it means for prospective students.
Quick facts: Middlebury College admissions 2025
First, let’s look at the quick facts.
- Acceptance rate: 13.9%
- Total applicants: 11,831
- Middle 50% SAT: 1430-1550
- Middle 50% ACT: 33-34
- Test-optional: Yes
- Early Decision offered: Yes (ED I and ED II)
So what exactly are we dealing with here?
The power of a liberal arts education in 2025
You’ve probably heard the phrase “liberal arts” before — but what does it actually mean for your future? Add what does it even mean to find your “best fit” in a college?
These students explain what it feels like to find your home away from home, and why it matters so much:
At a time when students (and families) are focused on career outcomes, rising tuition costs, and specialized degrees, liberal arts colleges like Middlebury are proving their value in powerful ways.
More than just majors
A liberal arts education isn’t about choosing a narrow path — it’s about preparing for many. Middlebury students don’t just take classes in their major; they explore broadly across the humanities, sciences, and social sciences. That translates into skills every employer wants: critical thinking, persuasive writing, and problem-solving across disciplines.
Middlebury offers more than 850 courses across 45 majors, from economics and environmental science to neuroscience and international studies. This range supports exploration — while still offering the academic rigor top students expect.
Career prep and grad school success
Contrary to old myths, liberal arts grads are not at a disadvantage in the job market. In fact, many go on to thrive in business, tech, medicine, and law. What’s more, reports consistently show that liberal arts students excel in graduate school admissions and long-term career outcomes thanks to their adaptability and communication skills.
Not sure where you want to go yet? Middlebury’s career services and alumni network offer personalized support, connecting students with internships, fellowships, and research from their first year onward.
Middlebury’s unique advantage
What sets Middlebury apart even within the liberal arts world?
Its leadership in global education and environmental studies is nationally recognized. Students have access to one of the most rigorous language instruction programs in the country, and opportunities for study abroad are deeply integrated into the undergraduate experience.
Middlebury also offers top-notch STEM resources and preprofessional programs, including well-equipped science labs, hands-on research, and a growing network in data science and public health. For students who want both intellectual breadth and specialized depth, it’s hard to beat.
Middlebury acceptance rate 2025: a closer look
Let’s talk numbers.
Middlebury’s acceptance rate in 2025 was 13.9%, according to the Middlebury Campus student newspaper. That’s a slight increase from previous years — but it doesn’t mean the admissions process has become easier.
In fact, most experts interpret the shift as a temporary dip in application volume, not a drop in selectivity. With roughly 2,800 undergraduates total, Middlebury remains a small and highly competitive institution. That places Middlebury firmly in the “reach” category for most applicants — regardless of GPA or test scores.
How to get into Middlebury: what admissions officers value
This video gives you a good sense of the kind of students Middlebury wants to accept and enroll in their community:
Middlebury uses a holistic review process, meaning there’s no magic formula for getting in. But there are clear patterns among successful applicants.
Academic rigor and performance
Middlebury expects academic excellence. The most competitive applicants have taken the hardest classes available at their schools — APs, IBs, honors — and maintained top grades.
Test scores remain optional at Middlebury, but if you choose to submit, strong SAT or ACT scores can still help demonstrate academic readiness. Curious how you measure up? According to US News, “half the applicants admitted to Middlebury College who submitted test scores have an SAT score between 1430 and 1550 or an ACT score of 33 and 34.”
One thing to note: Middlebury is known for intellectual engagement. Admissions officers want to see that you’re not just high-achieving but deeply curious.
Mission fit and personal story
Middlebury doesn’t just admit strong students — it looks for students who will thrive in a close-knit, collaborative, and globally minded environment.
That means your essays, activities, and recommendation letters need to show more than accomplishment. They should reveal what drives you. Are you passionate about sustainability? Social justice? Languages and culture? Middlebury will pay attention to how your interests align with the college’s core values.
Your voice matters in this process. The personal statement and supplemental essays are where many strong applications rise — or fall.
The Early Decision advantage
Middlebury offers two rounds of Early Decision applications: ED I (November) and ED II (January). Applying ED can make a measurable difference in your odds of admission.
While Middlebury does not officially publish its ED acceptance rate, like many selective colleges, its ED pool tends to see significantly higher admit rates than the Regular Decision pool.
Why? ED applicants demonstrate commitment, which colleges value when managing yield. If Middlebury is your top choice — and your academic profile is strong — applying ED could work in your favor.
Why Middlebury remains a top choice for many
For students looking for academic challenge, close community, and meaningful faculty relationships, Middlebury continues to stand out.
Check out the campus from a bird’s eye view here:
But it’s not just the gorgeous scenery that draws top students. Here’s why:
- Faculty access: With a 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio and an average class size of just 16, students get direct mentorship from professors — not TAs.
- Academic flexibility: Students can double major, explore independent research, and pursue interdisciplinary programs that cross traditional boundaries.
- Global reach: From the Middlebury Language Schools to immersive study abroad options, students expand their worldview inside and outside the classroom.
- Environmental leadership: Middlebury was the first carbon-neutral college in the U.S. Its environmental studies program is one of the oldest and most respected in the nation.
Campus life is rich and student-driven, with more than 150 student organizations, thriving arts programs, and access to the stunning natural landscape of Vermont’s Green Mountains and Lake Champlain Valley.
Middlebury’s place on your college list: what to consider
With a 13.9% acceptance rate, Middlebury should be considered a “reach” school for nearly all applicants. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t apply — but it does mean you need to be strategic.
Every student should build a balanced college list with a mix of:
- Reach schools: Highly selective colleges
- Match schools: Where your academic profile falls within the middle 50% of admitted students
- Safety schools: Where you’re likely to be admitted and would be happy to attend
Middlebury is a great fit for students interested in liberal arts, environmental science, global studies, or small college environments. But don’t forget that there are many similar schools that offer overlapping strengths with slightly higher admission rates.
Need help building that list? That’s where expert guidance can make all the difference. Check out our e-book on how to fully understand the college list process!
What the 2025 Middlebury acceptance rate means for you
If the 2025 Middlebury acceptance rate of 13.9% tells us one thing, it’s that Middlebury College continues to hold its place as one of the most selective liberal arts institutions in the nation. Even with a slight increase, getting in requires strategy, focus, and a strong fit.
If you have your sights set on this Vermont gem, you have your work cut out for you. Consider applying Early Decision, crafting compelling essays, and showing clear alignment with the college’s values. Don’t overlook the importance of academic rigor and authentic storytelling. Ultimately, your grades, course rigor, and the authenticity of your story are what can set you apart.
And most importantly, don’t go it alone.
Love Middlebury? You may also want to research similar schools like…
Each offers strong academics, liberal arts focus, and supportive communities, but with slightly different campus cultures and acceptance rates. After all, you may not even know your best-fit college exists yet!
Empowerly’s team of former admissions officers and expert counselors can help you build a college list that makes sense for your goals — and a strategy that gets results. 98% of the students who have worked with our community have been accepted into the Ivy League and top 25 schools. No matter your starting point, our team can help!
