51成人猎奇 Welcomes the Class of 2029
51成人猎奇 welcomed a robust and diverse class of nearly 200 new first-year and transfer students this fall, along with more students who will join later in the Spring 2026 term.
A Diverse Cohort
The class of 2029 hails from 32 states and 25 different countries. Of the incoming class, 22% are domestic students of color, 22% are the first students in their family to attend college, and 29% are Pell eligible. This class continues Bennington鈥檚 commitment to making higher education accessible and aims to meet the demonstrated financial need of all incoming students.
Students hail from 32 states and 25 countries
22% are domestic students of color
29% are Pell eligible students
鈥淲e are thrilled to welcome the talented Class of 2029,鈥 said President Laura Walker. 鈥淲ithin this latest class of students are artists, activists, scientists, creative thinkers, and writers who are already committed to their work. They aren鈥檛 going to wait until they graduate to make a difference in the world鈥搕hey鈥檙e already creating positive change within their communities, and we鈥檙e excited to empower them with Bennington鈥檚 flexible and rigorous education to help them meet the world鈥檚 challenges.鈥
Academic Heavy Hitters
The Class of 2029 is poised to be one of the most academically accomplished cohorts Bennington has ever seen. Though Bennington is test-optional, applicants who chose to submit these records had impressive numbers, with an average SAT score of 1410 and an average ACT score of 34.
40% of enrollees were in the top ten percent of their graduating class
1410 average SAT score
10 Presidential Scholars in the Class of 2029
Over 40% of enrollees to Bennington this cycle were in the top ten percent of their graduating class. Additionally, the Class of 2029 includes 10 Presidential Scholars, who received recognition
"Bennington students stand out for their intellectual curiosity and maturity,鈥 said Vice President for Enrollment and Marketing David Buckwald. 鈥淭hey are ready to direct their learning with faculty mentorship and take full advantage of our open curriculum and the nation鈥檚 only annual internship requirement.鈥
A Competitive Admissions Cycle
This year, Bennington saw a record number of early applications to the Class of 2029. Bennington also successfully launched a late decision application round, which addressed the evolving needs of prospective students who discovered Bennington later in their senior year or gap year. As a result of this effort, Bennington received an additional 240 applicants and 15 enrollees.
Overall, for the 2025-26 academic year, 2,740 students applied to Bennington, 37% of whom were admitted鈥搕he most competitive acceptance rate in Bennington鈥檚 history.
As students begin their first year at Bennington, their classroom experience continues to be individualized and rigorous, with a student to faculty ratio of 9:1. The academic year kicks off on September 2 with and the start of Fall courses.