Middlebury College
Middlebury, VT
Quick Facts
“Scientia et Virtus (Latin)”(Knowledge and Virtue)
Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education
About Middlebury College
Middlebury: Vermont's pioneering liberal arts gem, fostering global citizens.
Nestled in the picturesque landscape of Middlebury, Vermont, Middlebury College stands as a beacon of liberal arts education with a rich history and a forward-thinking global outlook. Founded in 1800, it holds the distinction of being the first operating college in Vermont, setting a precedent for academic excellence and innovation. Known for its rigorous arts and humanities programs, Middlebury offers 45 majors, alongside joint engineering opportunities, all within a vibrant and engaging rural campus environment.
Middlebury's historical significance is profound, marked by its early commitment to inclusivity. It was one of the first formerly all-male liberal arts colleges in New England to become coeducational in 1883, and its alumni roster includes groundbreaking figures like Alexander Twilight, the first black graduate of any U.S. college (1823), and Lemuel Haynes, who received the first advanced degree ever bestowed upon an African American (1804). The college continued its pioneering spirit by establishing the first undergraduate Environmental Studies program in the U.S. in 1965.
Academically, Middlebury offers a distinctive student experience. Beyond its undergraduate programs, the college is globally renowned for its immersive Middlebury College Language Schools, offering intensive summer programs in ten languages. Its academic reach extends further with the prestigious Bread Loaf School of English and the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey, providing specialized graduate education. Through the C.V. Starr-Middlebury Schools Abroad, students can engage in transformative international programs at 38 sites across the globe, truly embodying its motto, "Scientia et Virtus" – Knowledge and Virtue.
Student life at Middlebury is dynamic, supported by a close-knit community and a passion for engagement. The Middlebury Panthers, with their 31 varsity teams, compete fiercely in the NCAA Division III's New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC), fostering a strong sense of camaraderie and spirit.
Key Highlights
- ✦Established in 1800, Middlebury College was the first operating college or university in Vermont.
- ✦Pioneered coeducation in New England, accepting women as students in 1883.
- ✦Home to the first undergraduate Environmental Studies program in the U.S., founded in 1965.
- ✦Offers 45 majors in the arts and humanities, along with joint engineering programs.
- ✦Renowned for its Middlebury College Language Schools and C.V. Starr-Middlebury Schools Abroad, offering programs at 38 global sites.
- ✦An endowment of approximately $1.73 billion (as of 2025).
- ✦Alexander Twilight, Class of 1823, was the first black graduate of any college or university in the United States.
Timeline
Schools & Colleges
3 notable schools within Middlebury College
Middlebury College Language Schools
Intensive summer immersion programs offered in Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish.
Bread Loaf School of English
Middlebury's graduate school of English, established in 1920, with campuses in Vermont, Oxford, New Mexico, and North Carolina.
Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey
A graduate school focused on international policy, language, and professional development, affiliated with Middlebury College.
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