Dickinson College
About Dickinson College
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Dickinson College is a private liberal arts college in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. Selective with a 35% acceptance rate, it is known for international business, political science, and sustainability studies, with a strong emphasis on global education and study abroad.
Founded
1783
Location
Carlisle, Pennsylvania
Students
2,276
Institution
Private
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
42.1%
Selective
Graduation Rate
79.8%
Near national average
Tuition
$65,650
Per year
Avg Net Price
$37,607
After financial aid
SAT Average
1391
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$70,204
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Very Selective
42.1 out of 100 applicants get in
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
Free
Early
Nov 15
Regular
Jan 15
Dickinson College accepts 42.1% of applicants, with admitted students averaging around 1391 on the SAT. If you're near or above that range, you have a strong chance.
SAT Scores
1391/ 1600
ACT Scores
32/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Above Average
79.8% complete their degree within six years
Retention
92%
4-Year Grad
79%
6-Year Grad
82%
Teaching Quality
9:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
81.1%
$/Student
$19.8K
Class Size
Small
79% of students graduate on time, and 81.1% of courses are taught by full-time faculty. That personal instruction helps keep students on track.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$65,650
Annual Tuition
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$17,100
Books & Supplies
$1,324
Total Cost of Attendance
$82,902
After Financial Aid
$37,607
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$40,755
Receive Grants
12.8%
Take Loans
38.5%
The total cost of attendance runs about $82,902/yr, including $17,100 for room and board. After financial aid, the average student pays $37,607.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Dickinson College fund their education.
While in School
12.8%
Get Grants
Free money
38.5%
Take Loans
Must repay
$100,109
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$19,000
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$201/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Only 38.5% of students take out federal loans, and those who do graduate with a median of $19,000. Many students here manage to minimize borrowing.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Dickinson College.
Gender
60.1%
Female
40%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
2,273
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
3
Graduates
12.2%
First-Gen
19 yrs
Avg Age
0.4%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 60% of the student body. 12% international students bring global perspectives to campus life.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Small
Campus Quick Facts
2,273
Students
private
Institution
Small
Campus Size
Liberal Arts
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
No
Teacher Cert
No
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
No
Online Programs
No
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Dickinson College fields 15 varsity teams with 659 student athletes, about 29% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division III with football
Conference
Centennial
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
15
Biggest: Lacrosse
Student Athletes
659
29% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
60% / 40%
398
Men
261
Women
12
Men's Teams
13
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Dickinson Collegeearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$70,204
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6International Business
$61K
50 grads
1yr Earnings
Economics
$54K
38 grads
1yr Earnings
Political Science and Government
$38K
35 grads
1yr Earnings
Psychology, General
$37K
30 grads
1yr Earnings
English Language and Literature, General
$26K
23 grads
1yr Earnings
Natural Resources Conservation and Research
$28K
20 grads
1yr Earnings
Earnings grow steadily here: $57K at six years, $58K at eight, and $70K by ten. Well above average at every stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Dickinson College
What is the acceptance rate at Dickinson College?▾
How much does Dickinson College cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Dickinson College?▾
How much do Dickinson College graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.