Dynamic Cohort of Students Offered Admission to the Classes of 2030 and 2030.5

Growing up in Kigali, Rwanda’s capital city, Ida Hervine Amahoro Irakoze developed a passion for poetry, photography, global affairs, and technology. Her interest in technology began early, when she tinkered with old electronic devices, eventually leading to innovations such as a prototype road-lighting system designed to improve safety in her community.

When it came time to choose a college to further explore her interests—including a growing focus on entrepreneurial leadership—she said Middlebury felt like the best place to pursue them.

“The calm, green landscape of Middlebury’s campus stood out to me as something beautiful and grounding,” said Irakoze, who also teaches young children basic computer skills. “Its close-knit community that is intellectually passionate makes it one of a kind. Middlebury’s approach to education will allow me to bring together my diverse passions into something cohesive and purposeful that can contribute meaningfully to others. I am super excited for the journey.” 

Irakoze is among 2,000 students offered admission to the Class of 2030 and 2030.5 from a pool of 11,458 applicants, for an admit rate of 17 percent. They hail from dozens of countries, with the largest numbers coming from China, Canada, the United Kingdom, India, and France. Students from all 50 states, as well as Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, the Northern Mariana Islands, the Virgin Islands, and Armed Forces Pacific, are represented, with New York leading the way with 252 applicants, followed by Massachusetts, California, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Vermont.

“These students are ready to dive into every corner of Middlebury’s global community,” said Nicole Curvin, vice president of strategic enrollment and dean of admissions. “They have demonstrated deep capacity for immersive learning, enthusiasm for creativity and innovation, and their unique engagement with the world around them. As we reviewed their application materials, we also noted their high potential for having a meaningful  impact  within  the Middlebury community.”

Among those offered admission during the first and second rounds of the early-decision cycles, 494 students have enrolled. These have included scholars from the Posse Foundation, QuestBridge, and College Track—partner organizations that work with high-achieving students from underserved backgrounds. The expected total enrollment for first-years is 640 for September 2026 and 115 for February 2027.

Margot Pliska of New York City said she was drawn to the College’s small classes, close student-teacher relationships, and emphasis on interdisciplinary studies and critical thinking. “I chose Middlebury specifically because of its outstanding language programs and focus on the international world, which correspond to my interests of international studies and French and Arabic,” she said.

Every weekday in April, the Admissions Office offers campus tours, class visits, lunch in the dining halls, and opportunities for admitted students to connect with current undergraduates. It also offers virtual sessions focused on academics and life after college, as well as on-campus programs such as the Panther Pop-Ins on select Saturdays. More than 500 prospective students and their families visited campus on April 12–13 during Panther Previews.

“Middlebury offers a transformational residential liberal arts experience and I hope that admitted students have an opportunity to sample it through our virtual and in person offerings,” said Curvin.