Middlebury College's published cost of attendance reaches $82,260 per year, including $65,280 in tuition, $18,600 for room and board, and $1,000 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays $25,934 after financial aid, representing savings of $56,326 from the sticker price.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $82,260 |
| Tuition and Fees | $65,280 |
| Room and Board | $18,600 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,000 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$56,326 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $25,934 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $10,270 |
| $30–48k | $8,548 |
| $48–75k | $14,741 |
| $75–110k | $22,228 |
| $110k+ | $48,804 |
Middlebury College's published cost of attendance reaches $82,260 per year, including $65,280 in tuition, $18,600 for room and board, and $1,000 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays $25,934 after financial aid, representing savings of $56,326 from the sticker price. This net price places Middlebury slightly above the peer median of $27,143, reflecting the institution's premium positioning within selective private colleges.
The financial aid system demonstrates significant income-based adjustment, with net prices ranging from $10,270 for families earning under $30,000 to $48,804 for those earning over $110,000. This progressive aid structure indicates that financial assistance concentrates toward lower-income families while higher-income families pay closer to full tuition. Compared to peer institutions, Middlebury's net price remains competitive within the selective private college market, though families should expect substantial financial investment regardless of aid eligibility.
Middlebury's financial aid approach reflects its positioning as a selective institution serving students from diverse economic backgrounds. With 16.7% of students qualifying for Pell grants, the college enrolls a meaningful share of lower-income students while maintaining its premium market position.
The substantial gap between sticker price ($82,260) and average net price ($25,934) indicates aggressive aid packaging for eligible families. Aid targeting concentrates toward lower-income families, with the steepest discounts available for families earning under $48,000 annually.
The progressive aid structure suggests institutional commitment to economic diversity within the constraints of selective admission and premium positioning. Families should understand that financial aid eligibility depends on comprehensive financial assessment including assets, family size, and special circumstances beyond simple income thresholds.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
Middlebury College graduates carry exceptionally manageable debt levels relative to their earnings potential and compared to peer institutions. Median student debt reaches $13,857, substantially below the peer median of $24,181, representing a $10,324 advantage.
Debt levels range from $5,501 at the 25th percentile to $24,703 at the 75th percentile, indicating variation but generally controlled borrowing across the student population. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.18 falls well within manageable parameters, meaning typical monthly payments represent a small percentage of post-graduation income.
Parent PLUS borrowing shows a median of $26,113 with monthly payments of $344, indicating additional family investment but at levels that reflect the institution's high-income student population. The combination of strong earnings ($76,310) and controlled debt levels creates favorable conditions for post-graduation financial stability.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Middlebury College represents a premium educational investment that delivers strong long-term financial returns despite earning below expectations relative to student demographics. Graduates earn $76,310 compared to peer median earnings of $63,066, representing $13,244 more annually than similar institutions.
While graduates earn $14,455 less than expectations based on incoming student characteristics, the absolute earnings level ranks in the 91st percentile nationally. Median debt of $13,857 creates a favorable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.18, supporting sustainable loan repayment.
The combination of top-quartile earnings, controlled debt levels, and strong institutional reputation creates conditions for positive return on educational investment. Students should weigh the premium cost against career outcomes, understanding that Middlebury delivers strong absolute results even if they don't exceed statistical predictions.
