Middlebury Welcomes Class of 2028

Interest in Middlebury College continues to remain strong with 12,541 applications received for admission into the Class of 2028, of which 1,500 applicants—or 12 percent—received invitations to enroll. The College welcomed 600 fall students this year and will welcome 100 February students, with 26 percent of the class self-identifying as students of color, 14 percent being international students, and 16 percent representing first-generation college students. 

The class comes from 42 states and the District of Columbia—with the most students coming from Massachusetts, New York, California, Vermont, and Connecticut, in that order—and 51 countries, with the most students coming from China, Canada, India, Hong Kong, and Brazil, in that order. The class also includes students who enrolled through many of our sustained community-based organization partnerships including the Posse Foundation, QuestBridge, Matriculate, and College Match. 

“By any measure, this is an impressive group, demonstrating our commitment to yield a class that represents an array of backgrounds and talents, and it is reflective of our robust recruiting strategy,” Nicole Curvin, vice president for enrollment and dean of admissions said, noting that with this first admitted class since the Supreme Court’s decision to end the consideration of race as a factor in holistic application review, Middlebury Admissions continues to adapt and evolve to the changing landscape while staying true to its mission.

Class Overview

Applicants to the Class of 2028 included 11,224 regular decision applicants and 1,392 students who applied through both rounds of the early decision program. Early decision applications increased by 4.9 percent over last year while regular decision applications decreased by 6.8 percent over last year. 

“In reviewing our data for the Class of 2028, we were pleased to note that we received applications from students of color in similar numbers to previous applicant pools, which is a helpful foundation,” Curvin said. 

The Admissions Committee learned many things after reading the applications from the Class of 2028. This class has worked, played, designed, and dreamed in unique ways, and includes those who have served as a guest conductor for the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, earned a student commercial lobster license, created and sold handmade sustainable jewelry, and trained to become an invasive species monitor to participate in a watershed cleanup. 

“While we are disappointed in the decline in enrolled students of color in Middlebury’s entering class, we are not deterred in pursuing our educational mission. We know that diversity of perspectives and backgrounds drives excellence,” Middlebury President Laurie L. Patton said. “Other colleges and universities are experiencing similar results, as this first year is a learning experience for all of us in higher education.” 

Why Middlebury?

Fragkiskos “Frank” Emmanoil Kefalogiannis arrived at Middlebury from Greece on August 29 with his father for pre-orientation for international students. He initially found Middlebury on a list of U.S. liberal arts colleges, then met with an Admissions counselor to learn more.

“The idea of Middlebury got me hooked,” Frank said. “I want to study languages and international relations and public health. I was also drawn to the Schools Abroad programs—and skiing. I was looking for something different from Greece—a small college with a small faculty-to-student ratio. Middlebury’s faculty-student ratio, 9:1, really impressed me. And people are so welcoming here.”

Munira Nurbhai of Tanzania, a first-generation college student, found Middlebury through a friend who also completed the United World Colleges program as a Davis scholar. 

“I really like the supportive community, especially the Office of International Student Scholar Services, the student environment, small class sizes, and the psychology program,” Munira said. “I didn’t want to be in a city. I wanted to be in a smaller community, and I am really impressed with Vermont. I just can’t believe how beautiful it is.”

Access and Affordability

In June 2023, Middlebury extended the test optional pilot program for an additional three years (up to the entering Class of 2030). For the Class of 2028, 53 percent of admitted students did not submit a standardized test score as part of their application. Middlebury collects standardized testing information upon enrollment and continues to review and evaluate student progress during their time at Middlebury.  

Affordability is a key consideration for students in choosing a college. This year, Middlebury will award about $17.3 million in need-based financial aid to the Class of 2028, with roughly 46 percent of the students receiving support. Student Financial Services provides additional resources to some students, including a laptop and class materials and/or books. 

“Despite the troubled rollout of the new Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), we were able to inform our admitted students of their aid awards, effectively answer questions, and, most importantly, to meet full calculated need for all students,” Curvin said. 

The Supreme Court Decision

In June 2023, the Supreme Court rejected the use of race as a “plus” factor in holistic admissions, ending many decades of legal protection for inclusive, comprehensive admissions. The majority opinion concluded by saying that universities still could consider “an applicant’s discussion of how race affected his or her life, be it through discrimination, inspiration, or otherwise.” Middlebury’s preparation for this decision included a review of strategies employed by public institutions where the consideration of race in college admissions was terminated some years earlier, such as in California, Michigan, and Texas. This included enhanced outreach efforts to connect with prospective students of color early in their college search process, such as inviting high school students to campus and participating in partnerships focused on encouraging talented students who might not otherwise apply to selective colleges.    

“We know that many public institutions in these states experienced significant decreases in enrollment of certain groups of students in the early years after the legal landscape restricted the use of race in the admissions process,” said Hannah Ross, Middlebury’s general counsel and chief risk officer. 

What’s Ahead

Middlebury President Laurie L. Patton noted that Middlebury is committed to recruiting and enrolling students from many different lived experiences as defined by our mission.

“Our work includes refining and focusing our efforts to build a community of learners who will go on to live engaged, creative, and consequential lives, and contribute to their communities across our world,” she said. 

Building relationships with community-based organizations continues to be a strategic element of recruiting at Middlebury. This includes joining forces with College Track, a national organization committed to serving low-income students who will be the first in their family to pursue a bachelor’s degree. Admissions staff are making contact with students in College Track’s 12 centers across the country in Louisiana, California (Los Angeles and Northern), Colorado, and the District of Columbia metro area. College Track has made a 10-year commitment to their students, which includes academic, personal, and career support. 

The partnership is just one example of Middlebury’s efforts to ensure a strong and deep applicant pool with students from all backgrounds, identities, and ethnicities. 

“Once we admit talented students who can fulfill their potential at Middlebury, it is important to share all that is remarkable about our community. It takes all of us—current students, staff, and faculty—to effectively help us to enroll our exceptional incoming class,” Curvin said.