Loading…
College comparison
Hamilton vs Middlebury
A side-by-side of acceptance rate, test scores, and cost — source-cited estimates, not guarantees. Want the number that actually matters for your student? Model your admit odds at each.
| Metric |  Hamilton Clinton, NY |  Middlebury Middlebury, VT |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rateMiddlebury College is more selective | 14% | 11% |
| SAT (25–75) | 1450–1550 | 1445–1550 |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 2,030 | 2,738 |
| Avg net price | $28,985 | $31,483 |
| Median earnings (10 yr)Hamilton reports higher median earnings | $78,411 | $76,310 |
| Graduation rate | 91% | 91% |
| Median debt | $17,000 | $13,857 |
| Economic mobility | 2.3% | 1.3% |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Private (nonprofit) | Private (nonprofit) |
Hamilton vs Middlebury: how they compare
Both are highly selective, top-tier liberal arts colleges with strong outcomes, but they diverge in key metrics and campus character.
By the numbers Hamilton and Middlebury are comparably selective, with acceptance rates of 14% and 11% and nearly identical SAT 25–75th percentiles (1450–1550 vs. 1445–1550). Outcomes show a difference: Hamilton’s 10-year median earnings are $78k versus Middlebury’s $76k, and Hamilton delivers stronger financial value at 2.7× earnings per dollar of net price (avg. price $29k) compared to Middlebury’s 2.4× ($31k avg. price). Hamilton also exceeds Middlebury in economic mobility (230% vs. 127% rate). Middlebury shows higher admit-rate volatility (109% vs. 49%), while Hamilton has a slightly stronger DOE financial health score (2.9/3 vs. 2.4/3). Both share a 91% graduation rate.
Where they overlap They are both prestigious, residential liberal arts colleges known for rigorous academics and strong student support, leading to identical high graduation rates. Each offers a robust campus life with quality amenities and extensive extracurricular involvement.
How they differ Culturally, Hamilton has a Greek life presence and is situated in a suburban New York setting. Middlebury, located in a Vermont college town, lacks a significant Greek scene and is known for its immersive language programs. Academically, Hamilton is noted for its writing strength and open curriculum, while Middlebury is strong in foreign languages.
Who each suits Hamilton suits the student seeking a socially active campus with strong writing instruction, an open curriculum, and its measured economic mobility and post-graduate earnings value. Middlebury is a fit for the student drawn to a tight-knit, traditional college-town environment with noted language programs and its selectivity.
Editorial overview — a qualitative summary of culture and fit, reviewed for accuracy. Not a ranking or a guarantee.
Quick answers
- Is Hamilton College or Middlebury College harder to get into?
- Middlebury College is more selective: Hamilton College's acceptance rate is approximately 14% and Middlebury College's is approximately 11% (estimates from public and primary sources).
- What SAT score do you need for Hamilton College vs Middlebury College?
- The middle-50% SAT range is 1450–1550 at Hamilton College and 1445–1550 at Middlebury College. Scores outside these bands are still admitted, especially with strong applications.
Figures are estimates compiled from public datasets (College Scorecard / IPEDS) and primary sources; verify with each institution before relying on them.
These outputs are estimates from a baseline model — not guarantees of admission, cost, or outcome.