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Bennington College

Bennington, VT

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Program

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenNo AuditionInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program

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ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenNo AuditionInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

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MFA Music

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenNo AuditionInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Training

Self-directed graduate study supports composition, performance, ethnomusicology, sound practices, and interdisciplinary exploration

One-on-one mentorship is provided by practicing artist-educators

Professional Development

Students develop teaching experience by planning and leading courses and assisting faculty

Hands-on work emphasizes experimentation, collaboration, and public presentation

Degree Flexibility

The standard format is four consecutive terms, with alternative schedules considered through an applicant proposal

School Info

Snapshot

3.53

Avg GPA (W)

45%

Admit Rate

school-wide

71%

Grad Rate

780

Enrollment

$38K

Earnings

10yr after

Costs & Aid

Tuition & Fees

$72,900

Before aid

Average Net Price

$30,947

After aid

Tuition And Fees · bennington.edu College Scorecard

Program info updated Jul 27, 1:53 PM

Program Highlights

Training

Self-directed graduate study supports composition, performance, ethnomusicology, sound practices, and interdisciplinary exploration

One-on-one mentorship is provided by practicing artist-educators

Professional Development

Students develop teaching experience by planning and leading courses and assisting faculty

Hands-on work emphasizes experimentation, collaboration, and public presentation

Degree Flexibility

The standard format is four consecutive terms, with alternative schedules considered through an applicant proposal

Program Highlights

Training

Self-directed graduate study supports composition, performance, ethnomusicology, sound practices, and interdisciplinary exploration

One-on-one mentorship is provided by practicing artist-educators

Professional Development

Students develop teaching experience by planning and leading courses and assisting faculty

Hands-on work emphasizes experimentation, collaboration, and public presentation

Degree Flexibility

The standard format is four consecutive terms, with alternative schedules considered through an applicant proposal

Key Info

Enrollment Term

University AppApplication

Apply

Common App Coalition App

Deadline

Early application deadlineNov 1, 2026

Early Decision IIRegular DecisionJan 10, 2027

Optional interview requestFeb 1, 2027

Fall transfer priorityApr 7, 2027

Late DecisionApr 15, 2027

Fall transfer finalApr 30, 2027

Admissions Application Financial Aid Deadlines · bennington.edu

Program AppApplication

Dates

Dates TBA

Apply

School Website

Admissions And Aid · bennington.edu

Interview Requirements

These requirements are from the Fall 2026 entry cycle. Fall 2027 requirements are typically posted between August and October and usually change only slightly — confirm on the official source before submitting.

Resume (Include Performing, Teaching, and Creative Projects)

Portfolio (Representative Work; Links or Uploaded Media)

Essay (Resource Proposal)

Letters of Recommendation (Two)

Transcripts (Official; All Colleges and Universities)

Statement (Optional; Graduate Assistantship)

Admissions And Aid · bennington.edu

Good to Know

Application Status

Apply through the Bennington graduate application

The published priority deadline is March 15, but the page does not identify a current entry year

As of July 26, 2026, MFA Music is not listed among applications currently available to start

Program Format

Designed as a two-year, four-term program

Applicants needing a different schedule may propose one with the application

What's The Process

Application Review

Faculty review the completed application and portfolio

Interviews are offered by faculty invitation only

Scholarship Info

Graduate Assistantship

Applicants may submit an optional statement describing relevant experience and potential contributions

Recipients work 15 hours per week during fall and spring in exchange for a 50% tuition reduction

School Info

Snapshot

3.53

Avg GPA (W)

45%

Admit Rate

school-wide

71%

Grad Rate

780

Enrollment

$38K

Earnings

10yr after

Costs & Aid

Tuition & Fees

$72,900

Before aid

Average Net Price

$30,947

After aid

Tuition And Fees · bennington.edu College Scorecard

Training

Self-directed graduate study supports composition, performance, ethnomusicology, sound practices, and interdisciplinary exploration

One-on-one mentorship is provided by practicing artist-educators

Professional Development

Students develop teaching experience by planning and leading courses and assisting faculty

Hands-on work emphasizes experimentation, collaboration, and public presentation

Degree Flexibility

The standard format is four consecutive terms, with alternative schedules considered through an applicant proposal

Updated Jul 27, 1:53 PM