Middlebury College is a private liberal arts college located in Middlebury, Vermont. Founded in 1800, it is one of the oldest liberal arts colleges in the United States, with a reputation for academic excellence and a commitment to environmental sustainability. Middlebury College is consistently ranked among the top liberal arts colleges in the country, and is known for its strong programs in the arts, languages, and international studies.
Pros:
- Strong academic programs: Middlebury College is known for its rigorous academic programs, particularly in the areas of the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. The college offers over 50 majors and more than 30 minors, as well as a number of interdisciplinary programs. Middlebury is particularly well-known for its language programs, which are considered among the best in the country.
- Commitment to sustainability: Middlebury College has a strong commitment to environmental sustainability, and has implemented a number of initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint and promote sustainable practices. The college has a LEED-certified biomass plant, which provides 20% of the campus’s heating needs, and has a goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2028.
- International focus: Middlebury College has a strong focus on international studies, and offers a number of programs to encourage students to study abroad and engage with other cultures. The college has language schools in nine different countries, and more than 50% of students study abroad at some point during their time at Middlebury.
- Strong alumni network: Middlebury College has a strong and active alumni network, with more than 30,000 alumni living around the world. The college has a number of alumni groups and events, and alumni are often involved in recruiting and mentoring current students.
- Beautiful campus: Middlebury College has a beautiful and picturesque campus, with a mix of historic and modern buildings set among rolling hills and wooded areas. The campus is well-maintained and offers a number of outdoor recreational opportunities, including hiking, skiing, and boating.
Cons:
- Limited diversity: Middlebury College has been criticized for its lack of diversity, particularly in terms of racial and socioeconomic diversity. The student body is largely white and affluent, and efforts to increase diversity and inclusion have been slow and incremental.
- Expensive tuition: Middlebury College is a private institution, and tuition and fees are among the highest in the country. While the college does offer a generous financial aid program, many students still graduate with significant debt.
- Isolation: Middlebury College is located in a rural area of Vermont, which can feel isolated and remote to some students. While the college offers a number of recreational opportunities on campus and in the surrounding area, students may feel limited by the lack of nearby urban areas and cultural offerings.
- Competitive culture: Middlebury College has a highly competitive academic culture, which can be stressful and overwhelming for some students. While the college offers a number of resources and support systems to help students succeed, the pressure to perform at a high level can be intense.
- Limited extracurricular opportunities: Middlebury College is a small school, and as a result, there may be limited extracurricular opportunities for students. While the college offers a number of clubs and organizations, students may find that there are fewer opportunities to explore niche interests or pursue specialized activities.
In conclusion, Middlebury College is a highly respected liberal arts college with a number of strengths and weaknesses. The college offers strong academic programs, a commitment to sustainability and international studies, and a beautiful campus. However, Middlebury is also criticized for its lack of diversity, high tuition costs, competitive culture, and limited extracurricular opportunities. Students considering Middlebury should carefully consider these factors before making a decision, and weigh the pros and cons against their own individual priorities.