Middlebury College demonstrates well above average return on investment, ranking at the 89.6th percentile nationally. Graduates earn $76,310 compared to peer median earnings of $63,066, representing $13,244 more annually than similar selective institutions. However, graduates earn $14,455 less than expectations based on incoming student demographics, placing Middlebury at the 6.7th percentile for earnings beyond expectations. Median student debt of $13,857 falls substantially below the peer median of $24,181, creating a favorable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.18. This combination of strong absolute earnings, controlled borrowing, and comparison to peer institutions supports the institution's premium positioning. The return index reflects Middlebury's ability to convert educational investment into career outcomes that justify the financial commitment, even though outcomes don't exceed statistical predictions given the highly prepared student body. Low-income graduates earn $71,400, ranking in the top 25% nationally, demonstrating strong mobility outcomes for students from lower-income backgrounds who gain admission.
Middlebury College graduates demonstrate substantial earnings growth over their early careers. Median earnings rise from $57,291 six years after enrollment to $71,957 at eight years and $76,310 at ten years, representing 33.2% growth from the six-year mark. These outcomes are based on cohorts ranging from 180 to 232 graduates across the measurement periods, providing solid confidence in the reported figures. Graduates earn $76,310 compared to a peer median of $63,066, representing $13,244 more annually than similar institutions. Low-income graduates earn $71,400, ranking in the top 25% nationally and demonstrating strong outcomes for students from lower-income backgrounds who gain admission. Earnings span from $48,442 at the 25th percentile to $124,474 at the 75th percentile, reflecting differences in program choice and career trajectory. Approximately 20.7% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, indicating balanced preparation for both advanced education and workforce entry. The earnings beyond expectations metric shows graduates earn $14,455 less than predicted, suggesting that while absolute outcomes are strong, they may not exceed what would be expected given the institution's highly selective student body.
Latest FE earnings field: 10-year
Lower quartile, 10-year field
Earnings outcomes at Middlebury show considerable variation across career paths and program choices. The gap between the 25th percentile ($48,442) and 75th percentile ($124,474) represents a 2.6:1 ratio, reflecting meaningful differences in field of study and post-graduation career direction. Applied Economics graduates lead with median earnings of $125,751, while International Relations graduates earn $84,567. Other strong-earning programs include American Government and Politics at $67,080 and Computer Science at $58,673. Earnings growth accelerates substantially in the early career period, increasing by 33.2% between the six-year and ten-year marks. With cohorts ranging from 180 to 232 graduates across measurement periods, these figures reflect outcomes across Middlebury's liberal arts curriculum rather than isolated high-earning professional tracks.
Financial justification for the investment.
Earnings outcomes show meaningful variation reflecting diverse career paths across liberal arts disciplines. The gap between 25th percentile earnings ($48,442) and 75th percentile earnings ($124,474) represents a 2.6:1 ratio, indicating substantial differences in post-graduation career choices and field selection. Low-income graduates earn $71,400, demonstrating strong outcomes for students from diverse economic backgrounds. This earnings distribution reflects the breadth of career paths available to liberal arts graduates, from public service and education to finance and consulting roles.
Approximately 20.7% of Middlebury graduates continue to graduate or professional study, based on program mix analysis with medium confidence. This continuation rate reflects balanced preparation for both immediate workforce entry and advanced education pathways, typical of selective liberal arts institutions.
Program mix and student pathways explain much of the earnings story.
Applied Economics drives Middlebury's strongest earnings outcomes, with graduates earning $125,751 and representing 22.8% of the graduating class. International Relations produces $84,567 with 31 graduates, while American Government and Politics generates $67,080 with 52 students. Computer Science, despite ranking #158 nationally, provides technology pathway with 65 graduates earning $58,673. The concentration of strong outcomes in economics and policy-related fields reflects Middlebury's particular strengths and student interests. These flagship programs demonstrate how institutional focus areas can generate exceptional career outcomes, with Applied Economics ranking #3 nationally and International Relations ranking #6 nationally. The program diversity supports different career trajectories while maintaining overall strong return on educational investment across the liberal arts curriculum.
See which programs drive the strongest earnings and career trajectories
Upper quartile, 10-year field
Earnings outcomes show meaningful variation reflecting diverse career paths across liberal arts disciplines. The gap between 25th percentile earnings ($48,442) and 75th percentile earnings ($124,474) represents a 2.6:1 ratio, indicating substantial differences in post-graduation career choices and field selection. Low-income graduates earn $71,400, demonstrating strong outcomes for students from diverse economic backgrounds. This earnings distribution reflects the breadth of career paths available to liberal arts graduates, from public service and education to finance and consulting roles.
