<p>I knew someone who graduated from Bennington College. My sense, from him, is that it’s strong in the fine arts. It seemed as though there was a lot of overlap in terms of student culture, but the setting couldn’t be more different. Sarasota has great weather year round and is less secluded. Bennington is even more alternative in its curriculum in that it has no exams in addition to no grades. </p>
<p>From what I understand, Bennington College once had a great reputation, but its endowment was squandered by bad leadership. It’s safe to say that it’s no longer an elite school. It is also expensive and has abysmal financial aid. New College is extremely inexpensive and has fantastic merit scholarships.</p>
<p>For the price, New College is a better bet. I’d only counsel students to go to Bennington if they were 100% sure they wanted to go to an alternative type of school and needed a safety for places like Reed, Bard, Wesleyan, and Oberlin. But I’m sure it provides an excellent education nonetheless.</p>