College comparison
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 | Haverford Haverford, PA | Middlebury Middlebury, VT |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rateMiddlebury College is more selective | 12% | 11% |
| SAT (25–75) | 1460–1550 | 1445–1550 |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 1,430 | 2,738 |
| Avg net price | $25,314 | $31,483 |
| Median earnings (10 yr)Haverford reports higher median earnings | $79,966 | $76,310 |
| Graduation rate | 90% | 91% |
| Median debt | $13,621 | $13,857 |
| Economic mobility | 1.8% | 1.3% |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Private (nonprofit) | Private (nonprofit) |
Two elite liberal arts colleges with distinct identities and different quantitative profiles.
By the numbers On value and outcomes, Haverford presents a stronger case: its 10-year median earnings of $80k surpass Middlebury's $76k, achieved at a lower average net price ($25k vs. $31k), giving it a significantly higher value multiplier (3.2x vs. 2.4x earnings per dollar). Haverford also excels in economic mobility (180% rate vs. 127%) and exhibits greater institutional stability, with lower admit-rate volatility (43% vs. 109%) and a superior DOE financial-health score (3.0 vs. 2.4). Selectivity is virtually identical (12% vs. 11% acceptance) with overlapping SAT ranges (Haverford 1460–1550, Middlebury 1445–1550). Graduation rates are comparable at 90% and 91%, respectively.
Where they overlap Both are prestigious, small liberal arts colleges with intense academic cultures and high graduation rates. They attract similarly accomplished, driven students and offer a tight-knit, residential community focused on undergraduate teaching.
How they differ Culturally and geographically, they diverge. Middlebury's social life is described as more self-contained and driven by on-campus activities, including a strong sports team presence, in its Vermont college-town setting. Haverford, in a suburban location near Philadelphia, is noted for a more laid-back, friendly student body governed by a foundational honor code, with social life often extending into the opportunities of a major metropolitan area.
Who each suits Haverford suits a student who values a collaborative, principled community defined by its honor code, seeks easy access to a city, and prioritizes strong economic mobility and financial value. Middlebury is ideal for a student drawn to an immersive New England college-town experience, a vibrant campus-centric social scene often tied to athletics, and deep strengths in languages and the humanities.
Editorial overview — a qualitative summary of culture and fit, reviewed for accuracy. Not a ranking or a guarantee.
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.
| Location | Haverford, PA | Middlebury, VT |
|---|