Dickinson College
Dickinson College is a private nonprofit university in Carlisle, PA ranked #532 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of B+, enrolling about 2,157 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 43.1%. Students most often pursue International Business and Mathematics.
Academically, students benefit from a 9:1 student-faculty ratio, 88.7% first-year retention, and 83.4% six-year graduation. Peer cohorts and advising networks provide scaffolding that keeps newcomers anchored during demanding semesters.
Families typically invest $32,191, about $15,193 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -55.6%, roughly 140.9 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $57,110. That's about $13,422 higher than national results. It's a compelling fit for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore and students looking for meaningful faculty access.
Who is Dickinson College Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Dickinson College graduates 83.4% of students within six years and keeps 88.7% of first-year students. Affordability earns a C- compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Dickinson College's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $63,475 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,324 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $16,500 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $1,928 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $80,329 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 13.7% of Dickinson College students receive Pell Grants — below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $17,167 to $43,766 depending on family income. Use Dickinson College's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $21,727/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $43,766/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $57,110
- 10-Year Median Earnings $57,110
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $17,294
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 88.3%
- Employment Rate 68.1%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Dickinson College graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Dickinson College vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Dickinson College's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Dickinson College's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Dickinson College graduates earn $57,110 median, the -55.6% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
- SAT Math Not reported
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACTNot required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 2,157
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 88.7%
- Graduation Rate 83.4%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 9:1
How to Get Into Dickinson College
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Dickinson College requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 43.1%, Dickinson College is moderately selective. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: Dickinson College accepts 43.1% of applicants, making it moderately selective. Focus on strong academics, meaningful extracurriculars, and compelling essays to stand out.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Dickinson College undergraduates. International Business, Political Science and Government, and Economics draw the most students.
- International Business 10.5%
- Political Science and Government 8.3%
- Economics 8.1%
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research 6.3%
- Psychology, General 6.3%
- Area Studies 4.7%
See more majors
- Mathematics 4.7%
- Biology, General 3.9%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. International Business $104,288
- 2. Mathematics $88,409
- 3. Economics $87,865
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. International Relations and National Security Studies $87,169
- 5. Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics $80,589
- 6. Biology, General $77,545
- 7. Psychology, General $76,497
- 8. Political Science and Government $73,090
- 9. Natural Resources Conservation and Research $65,376
- 10. Public Policy Analysis $61,592
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: International Business grads earn $104,288—69% more than Public Policy Analysis ($61,592). Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Dickinson College. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- International Business (Bachelor's Degree, 70 graduates)
- Political Science and Government (Bachelor's Degree, 55 graduates)
- Economics (Bachelor's Degree, 54 graduates)
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research (Bachelor's Degree, 42 graduates)
- Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 42 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (36 programs)▼
- International Business
- Political Science and Government
- Economics
- Psychology, General
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Mathematics
- Area Studies
- Biology, General
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- English Language and Literature, General
- Computer Science
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Social and Philosophical Foundations of Education
- Public Policy Analysis
- Sociology
- History
- Philosophy
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Non-Professional General Legal Studies (Undergraduate)
- Archeology
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Chemistry
- Slavic, Baltic and Albanian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Physics
- Music
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Anthropology
- Medieval and Renaissance Studies
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Dance
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 2,157
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 39.8%
- Female Students 60.2%
- Caucasian 65.0%
- Asian 5.1%
- Hispanic 7.5%
- Black 3.9%
- Pell Grant Recipients 13.7%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Dickinson College's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Dickinson College's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Dickinson College support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Dickinson College, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Women make up 60.2% of undergraduates. About 13.7% receive Pell Grants, below the national average of 38%, suggesting a wealthier student body or generous institutional aid.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Dickinson College support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Dickinson College, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Dickinson College offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -55.6% ROI. Ranked #532 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $32,191 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $57,110 median earnings. With 83.4% graduating within six years and 88.7% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Dickinson College's Positioning
With a B+ grade and #532 ranking, Dickinson College competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $32,191 annually, Dickinson College charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 88.7% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $22,534 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -55.6% ROI and $57,110 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $22,191+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Dickinson College ranks #532 of 1971 institutions, with 1324 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 83.4% six-year graduation rate sits 20.9 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 88.7% first-year retention is 11.9 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- -55.6% return on investment is 140.9 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $57,110 run about 31% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $32,191 is roughly $12,292 higher than the national median of $19,899.
Helpfulness for Students
- 9:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 88.7% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 68.1% employment rate within three years sits 0.1 points below national outcomes.
- Average net price of $32,191 is about $12,292 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 13.7% trails the national share by 19.8 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
EDsmart rates Dickinson College—a private nonprofit university in Carlisle, PA—at B+ overall. It stands at #532 among 1971 schools Category results include Completion (A), Support (A-), Career Outcomes (B), and Affordability (C-).
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
Student momentum is strong: 88.7% retention and 83.4% six-year graduation. EDsmart calculates the ROI at -55.6%, offering a quick value checkpoint.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $32,191 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $80,329.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $48,138 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $17,294 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 13.7% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Median earnings come in near $57,110 six years after enrollment. This is roughly 31% above typical U.S. college outcomes.
Employment outcomes report about 68.1% of alumni working within three years.
The ROI comes in near -55.6%, which you can cross-check against your financial plan.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
43.1% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Dickinson College admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Contact Information
- Address Carlisle, PA 17013-2896
- Website www.dickinson.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationMiddle States Commission on Higher Education (MSACHE)
- Endowment$583.5M