Visual & Performing Arts at Bennington College
Bennington, VT · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Visual and Performing Arts, General
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
18
Optimistic
17
Base Case
15
Pessimistic
Earnings
$20,809/yr (-18% vs median)
AI Risk
High (38% exposed)
Job Market
Large (63,400 openings/yr)
ROI
1.5x earnings multiple
How AI Changes the Outlook
Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Visual & Performing Arts graduates.
| Optimistic No Disruption |
Base Case Gradual AI |
Pessimistic Aggressive AI |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| 10-Year Earnings | $389K | $398K | $385K |
| Earnings Multiple | 1.5x | 1.5x | 1.5x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 41% | 37% | 30% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 18 | 17 | 15 |
4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$258,576
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
15.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$20,724
Small cohort — data may not reflect typical outcomes
About Bennington College
With a 48% acceptance rate, Bennington College is moderately selective, a smaller institution with 759 students in Bennington, VT. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $127,672 — 51% less than the list price.
See all programs and financial aid at Bennington College →Top Career Paths
Art directors
$111,040/yr
Special effects artists and animators
$99,800/yr
Art, drama, and music teachers, postsecondary
$80,190/yr
Compare & Explore
Visual & Performing Arts at Other Schools
Other Majors at Bennington College
Explore the Trade Alternative
Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Bennington College's Visual & Performing Arts program score?
This program scores 17/100 — on the lower end for Visual & Performing Arts. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Do Bennington College Visual & Performing Arts graduates earn enough to justify the loans?
The debt-to-income ratio of 1.3x suggests an extended repayment window. Whether it's 'worth it' depends on career trajectory, not just first-year pay.
How vulnerable is Visual & Performing Arts to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Visual & Performing Arts careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 38% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Why are Visual & Performing Arts earnings lower at Bennington College?
Lower starting pay at Bennington College may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
How affordable is Visual & Performing Arts at Bennington College after financial aid?
Sticker price is $258,576, but the average net cost is $127,672 — a 51% discount. For students who qualify for aid, this program is considerably more affordable than it appears.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →