Dickinson College
Carlisle, PA
Dickinson, founded in 1773, is a private, liberal arts college. Conceived during the American Revolution, Dickinson was the first college chartered in the newly recognized U.S. Although it is steeped in history, Dickinson is confident of the future, enterprising in its approach to contemporary challenges and practical in its educational program. Dickinson asks its students constantly to challenge what is safe and comfortable, meeting the future with a voice that reflects America and engages the world. Its program requires students to cross the traditional borders of academic discipline to witness the interrelated nature of knowledge and to extend their studies off-campus through one of the school's 11 study centers abroad, by participating in internships, through field studies and through service to the community. Dickinson is best known for its unique approach to science education and for its outstanding and comprehensive international education program. While firmly rooted in the liberal arts, Dickinson's major in international business and its commitment to providing students with a useful education clearly set the college on a path that is future-oriented. Its 114-acre campus is located in Carlisle, 18 miles from Harrisburg. The oldest campus building, completed in 1804, is a registered National Historic Landmark.
Website: www.dickinson.edu/
Admission
- Entrance Difficulty
- Very difficult
- Overall Admission Rate
- 49% of 5,941 applicants were admitted
- Early Action Offered
- Yes
- Early Decision Offered
- Yes
- Regular Admission Deadline
- January 15
Qualifications of Enrolled Freshmen
- Average GPA
- Not reported
- SAT Math
-
663 average
610-720 range of middle 50% - SAT EBRW
-
657 average
620-700 range of middle 50% - ACT Composite
- 29 average
27-32 range of middle 50%
Money Matters
- Cost of Attendance
- $69,071
- Tuition and Fees
- $52,930
- Room and Board
- $13,236
- Average Percent of Need Met
- 99%
- Average Freshman Award
- $44,642
- Average Indebtedness of 2016 Graduates
- $25,881
Academics
- Academic Calendar System
- Semester
- General Education/Core Curriculum
- Required
- Full-Time Faculty Teaching Undergraduates
- 225
- Regular Class Size
- 2-9 students: 33% of classes
10-19 students: 45% of classes
20-29 students: 17% of classes
30-39 students: 5% of classes
40-49 students: 1% of classes
Campus Life
- Carlisle Population
- 18,880
- Nearest Metropolitan Area
- Harrisburg
- Freshman Housing Guarantee
- Freshmen are guaranteed housing
- Students in College Housing
- 95% of all students
- Athletic Conferences
- NCAA Division III
- Mascot
- Red Devil
- Sororities
- 27% of women participate
- Fraternities
- 16% of men participate
Students
- Ethnicity of Students from U.S.
- 0.1% American Indian/Alaskan Native
4.1% Asian
5.5% Black/African-American
9.6% Hispanic/Latino
4.2% Multi-race (not Hispanic/Latino)
0.1% Native Hawaiian/ Pacific Islander
75.4% White
1.0% Unknown - International Students
- 12.4% from 44 countries
- First-Year Students Returning
- 90.0%
- Students Graduating Within 4 Years
- 80.4%
- Graduates Offered Full-Time Employment Within 6 Months
- Not reported
- Graduates Pursuing Advanced Study Directly
- 37.0%
Freshman Admission Requirements
Entrance Difficulty
Very Difficult: More than 50% of freshmen were in the top 10% of their high school class and scored over 1230 on the SAT I or over 26 on the ACT; about 60% or fewer of all applicants accepted.
High School Preparation
- High School Graduation
- High school diploma required and GED is accepted
- High School Program
- College preparatory program is recommended
High School Units Required or Recommended
Subject | Required Units | Recommended Units |
---|---|---|
English | 4 | |
Mathematics | 3 | |
Science | 3 | |
Foreign Language | 2 | 3 |
Social Studies | 2 | |
History | ||
Academic Electives | 2 |
Examinations
Exam | Required Units | Scores Due in Admissions Office |
---|---|---|
SAT or ACT | Recommended | January 15 |
SAT Only | ||
ACT Only | ||
SAT and SAT Subject Tests, or ACT | ||
SAT Subject Tests Only | Considered if submitted | |
SAT Essay Component Policy | Not Reported | |
ACT Writing Test Policy | Accepted with or without writing component | |
ACT Writing Test Policy | SAT: Not used ACT: Not used |
Applying for Admission
Admissions Office
- Address
- PO Box 1773
- City, State, Zip
- Carlisle, PA 17013-2896
- Phone
- (717) 245-1231
- Fax
- (717) 245-1442
- admissions@dickinson.edu
Application Dates and Fees
- Regular Admisson Deadline
- January 15
- Application Fee
- $65
- Application Fee Waiver
- Available
- Regular Admission Notification
- March 23
- Accept Offer of Admission
- By May 1 or within 2 weeks if notified after May 1
- Waiting List Used
- Yes
- Defer Admission
- Student can defer admission
- Transfer Admission
- Transfer applications accepted
Early Admission
- Early Decision Offered
- Yes
- Early Decision Deadline
- November 15, January 15
- Early Decision Notification
- December 15, February 15
- Early Action Offered
- Yes
- Early Action Deadline
- December 1
- Early Action Notification
- February 15
Application Form
- Common Application
- Accepted, supplemental forms required
- Universal College Application
- Not accepted
- Electronic Application
- Available
Other Application Requirements
- Interview
- Not Required
- Essay or Personal Statement
- Required for all freshmen
- Letters of Recommendation
- 2 required for all freshmen
- Other
- Financial Need
- Financial need is a consideration in the admissions process
Selection of Students
Factor | Very Important | Important | Considered | Not Considered |
---|---|---|---|---|
Rigor of Secondary School Record | X | |||
Academic GPA | X | |||
Standardized Tests | X | |||
Class Rank | X | |||
Recommendations | X | |||
Essay | X | |||
Interview | X | |||
Level of Applicant's Interest | X | |||
Extracurricular Activities | X | |||
Volunteer Work | X | |||
Particular Talent/Ability | X | |||
Character/Personal Qualities | X | |||
First Generation to Attend College | X | |||
State Residency | X | |||
Geographic Residence | X | |||
Relation with Alumnus | X | |||
Religious Affiliation/Commitment | X | |||
Ethnicity | X | |||
Work Experience | X |
Profile of Fall Admission
- Overall Admission Rate
- 49% of 5,941 applicants were admitted
- Women
- 49% of 3,537 applicants were admitted
- Men
- 48% of 2,404 applicants were admitted
- Students Enrolled
- 624 (22%) of 2,894 admitted students enrolled
- Women
- 358 (21%) of 1,730 admitted students enrolled
- Men
- 266 (23%) of 1,164 admitted students enrolled
- Early Decision Admission Rate
- 68% of 376 applicants were admitted
- Early Action Admission Rate
- 57% of 3014 applicants were admitted
- Students Offered Wait List
- 628
- Students Accepting Wait List Position
- 252
- Students Admitted From Wait List
- 35
Grade Point Average of Enrolled Freshmen (4.0 scale)
- Average GPA
- Not reported
- 3.75 and Above
- Not reported
- 3.50 - 3.74
- Not reported
- 3.25 - 3.49
- Not reported
- 3.00 - 3.24
- Not reported
- 2.50 - 2.99
- Not reported
- 2.00 - 2.49
- Not reported
SAT Scores of Enrolled Freshmen
- SAT Math
- 663 average
610-720 range of middle 50% - Score of 700 - 800
- 33%
- Score of 600 - 700
- 49%
- Score of 500 - 600
- 17%
- Score of 400 - 500
- 1%
- Score of 300 - 400
- 0%
- Score of 200 - 300
- 0%
- SAT EBRW
- 657 average
620-700 range of middle 50% - Score of 700 - 800
- 27%
- Score of 600 - 700
- 61%
- Score of 500 - 600
- 12%
- Score of 400 - 500
- 0%
- Score of 300 - 400
- 0%
- Score of 200 - 300
- 0%
ACT Scores of Enrolled Freshmen
- ACT Composite
- 29 average
27-32 range of middle 50% - Score of 30 - 36
- 51%
- Score of 24 - 29
- 45%
- Score of 18 - 23
- 4%
- Score of 12 - 17
- 0%
- Score of 6 - 11
- 0%
- Score of 5 or Below
- 0%
Other Qualifications of Enrolled Freshmen
- High School Class Rank
- Top tenth: 48%
Top quarter: 77%
Top half: 96% - National Merit Scholar
- Not reported
- Valedictorian
- Not reported
- Class President
- Not reported
- Student Government Officer
- Not reported
Tuition and Expenses
- Cost of Attendance
- $69,071
- Tuition and Fees
- $52,930
- Room and Board
- $13,236
- Books and Supplies
- $1,170
- Other Expenses
- $1,710
- Payment Plans
- Installment plan
Applying for Financial Aid
Financial Aid Office
- finaid@dickinson.edu
- Web Site
- Financial Aid Web Site
- Net Price Calculator URL
- Net Price Calculator URL
Application Process
- Application Deadline
- Priority deadline November 15
Final deadline January 15 - Award Notification
- On or about March 23
- Methodology for Awarding Institutional Aid
- Federal and Institutional Methodologies
Forms Required | Cost to File |
---|---|
FAFSA Code is 003253 |
Free |
State Aid Form | |
CSS/Financial Aid Profile | $25 for first college, $16 each additional |
Profile of 2017 - 18 Financial Aid
Freshman
- Financial Aid Applicants
- 422 (69.6%) of freshmen
- Found to Have Financial Need
- 375 (88.9%) of applicants
- Received Financial Aid
- 374 (99.7%) of applicants with financial need
- Need Fully Met
- 344 (92.0%) of aid recipients
- Average Percent of Need Met
- 99%
- Average Award
- $44,642
- Need-Based Gift
- Received by 362 (96.8%) of aid recipients, average amount $40,052
- Need-Based Self-Help
- Received by 341 (91.2%) of aid recipients, average amount $5,678
- Merit-Based Gift
- Received by 22 (5.9%) of aid recipients
- Merit-Based Gift
- 64 (10.6%) of freshmen had no financial need and received merit aid, average amount $11,343
All Undergraduates
- Financial Aid Applicants
- 1,428 (61.4%) of undergraduates
- Found to Have Financial Need
- 1,331 (93.2%) of applicants
- Received Financial Aid
- 1,328 (99.8%) of applicants with financial need
- Need Fully Met
- 1,020 (76.8%) of aid recipients
- Average Percent of Need Met
- 98%
- Average Award
- $45,710
- Need-Based Gift
- Received by 1,306 (98.3%) of aid recipients, average amount $39,595
- Need-Based Self-Help
- Received by 1,232 (92.8%) of aid recipients, average amount $6,329
- Merit-Based Gift
- Received by 66 (5.0%) of aid recipients
- Merit-Based Gift
- 359 (15.4%) of undergraduates had no financial need and received merit aid, average amount $10,287
Borrowing
- 2016 Graduates Who Took Out Loans
- 54%
- Average Indebtedness of 2016 Graduates
- $25,881
- Parents of Students Receiving Aid
- 6.0%
- Parents of Students Not Receiving Aid
- Not reported
Financial Aid Programs
Loans
- Federal Loans
- Direct subsidized Stafford loans, direct unsubsidized Stafford loans, direct PLUS loans, Federal Perkins loans
- State Loans
- Other Loans
- College/university loans
Scholarships and Grants
- Need-Based Available
- Federal Pell grants, SEOG, State scholarships, Institutional scholarships, Private scholarships
- Non-Need–Based Available
- Academic scholarships, Special characteristics (minority, religious affiliation, other scholarships)
Non-Need Awards
- Academic Interest/Achievement Award Areas
- Military Science
- Number of Awards
- 877
- Top Areas (By Money Awarded)
- Creative Arts/Performance Award Areas
- Not reported
- Number of Awards
- Not reported
- Top Areas (By Money Awarded)
- Special Achievements/Activities Award Areas
- Not reported
- Number of Awards
- Not reported
- Top Areas (By Money Awarded)
- Special Characteristics Award Areas
- Children and Siblings of Alumni, Children of Faculty/Staff, Veterans, Veterans' Children
- Number of Awards
- 36
- Top Areas (By Money Awarded)
Employment
- Work-Study Programs
- Federal work study available, other work study available
- Average Earnings from On-Campus Employment
- $2,277
- Academic Calendar System
- Semester
- Summer Session
- Not offered
- General Catalog/Bulletin
- Online Catalog
Undergraduate Education
Undergraduate Majors
- African Studies
- American/United States Studies/Civilization
- Anthropology
- Archeology
- Biochemistry
- Biology/Biological Sciences, General
- Chemistry, General
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, General
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Dance, General
- Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts, General
- East Asian Studies
- Economics, General
- English Language and Literature, General
- Environmental Science
- Environmental Studies
- Fine/Studio Arts, General
- French Language and Literature
- Geology/Earth Science, General
- German Language and Literature
- History, General
- International Business/Trade/Commerce
- International Relations and Affairs
- Italian Studies
- Jewish/Judaic Studies
- Latin American Studies
- Legal Studies, General
- Mathematics, General
- Medieval and Renaissance Studies
- Music, General
- Near and Middle Eastern Studies
- Neuroscience
- Philosophy
- Physics, General
- Political Science and Government, General
- Psychology, General
- Public Policy Analysis, General
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Russian Language and Literature
- Sociology
- Spanish Language and Literature
- Women's Studies
- Most Popular Disciplines
- Social sciences, Biological/life sciences, Business/marketing
- Combined Liberal Arts/Professional Degree Programs
- Engineering, international studies with Johns Hopkins University
- Special Programs
- Accelerated program, Student-designed major, Double major, English as a second language, Independent study, Internships, Study abroad
- Study Abroad
- Offered
- Online Degrees
- Not reported
Curriculum and Graduation Requirements
- General Education/Core Curriculum
- Required
- Computer
- Students not required to own/lease a computer
- Foreign Language
- Required
- Math/Science
- Required for all students
Faculty and Instruction
- Full-Time Faculty
- 225
- Part-Time Faculty
- 58
- Full-Time Faculty with Ph.D./Terminal Degree
- 73%
- Regular Class Size
- 2-9 students: 33% of classes
10-19 students: 45% of classes
20-29 students: 17% of classes
30-39 students: 5% of classes
40-49 students: 1% of classes - Discussion Section/Lab Class Size
- Not reported
Advanced Placement
- International Baccalaureate
- Accepted
- Advanced Placement (AP) Examinations
- Accepted for placement and credit
- Sophomore Standing
- Available through AP examinations
Academic Resources
- Library Available on Campus
- Yes
- Holdings
- 1,291,419
- Computer Ownership
- Students not required to own/lease a computer
- Computers Available on Campus
- 1750
- Internet/E-mail Access
- Not reported
Academic Support Services
- Remedial Instruction
- Not Offered
- Tutoring
- Available
- Services for Learning Disabled Students
- Available
- Services for Physically Disabled Students
- Hearing impaired services, speech disorders services, visually impaired services, wheelchair access
Graduate/Professional School Education
Master's Degrees Offered
Not reported
Master's Programs of Study
- Not reported
Doctoral Degrees Offered
Not reported
Doctoral Programs of Study
- Not reported
Location and Setting
- Boston Population
- 18,880
- Nearest Metropolitan Area
- Harrisburg
- Campus Size
- 144 acres
Weather
- Temperature
- 21.2 average low in January, 81.2 average high in September
- Rain
- 125 rainy days per year
Getting Around
- Campus Map
- Map
- Nearest Bus Station
- 1 mile(s) from campus in Carlisle
- Nearest Train Station
- 20 mile(s) from campus in Harrisburg
Housing
- College Housing
- College offers housing to students
- Types of Housing
- Coed housing, disabled student housing
- Students in College Housing
- 95% of all students
- Housing Requirements
- Students required to live on campus through senior year
- Freshman Housing Guarantee
- Freshmen are guaranteed housing
- Students Living Off Campus/Commuting
- 5%
- Off-Campus Housing Assistance
Security
- 24-Hour Emergency Phone/Alarm Devices
- Available
- 24-Hour Security Patrols
- Available
- Late-Night Transport/Escort Services
- Available
- Electronically Operated Housing Entrances
- Available
- Other
Personal Support Services
- Health Service
- Offered
- Personal Counseling
- Offered
- Child Care
- Offered
Sports and Recreation
Intercollegiate Athletics
- Athletic Conferences
- NCAA Division III
- Mascot
- Red Devil
- School Colors
- Red and white
Intercollegiate Sports Offered
Sports | Women | Men | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Offered | Scholarships | Offered | Scholarships | |
Baseball | x | |||
Basketball | x | x | ||
Cross-Country Running | x | x | ||
Field Hockey | x | |||
Football | x | |||
Golf | x | x | ||
Lacrosse | x | x | ||
Soccer | x | x | ||
Softball | x | |||
Squash | x | x | ||
Swimming And Diving | x | x | ||
Tennis | x | x | ||
Track And Field | x | x | ||
Volleyball | x |
Women's Sports | ||
---|---|---|
Offered | Scholarships | |
Baseball | ||
Basketball | x | |
Cross-Country Running | x | |
Field Hockey | x | |
Football | ||
Golf | x | |
Lacrosse | x | |
Soccer | x | |
Softball | x | |
Squash | x | |
Swimming And Diving | x | |
Tennis | x | |
Track And Field | x | |
Volleyball | x |
Mens's Sports | ||
---|---|---|
Offered | Scholarships | |
Baseball | x | |
Basketball | x | |
Cross-Country Running | x | |
Field Hockey | ||
Football | x | |
Golf | x | |
Lacrosse | x | |
Soccer | x | |
Softball | ||
Squash | x | |
Swimming And Diving | x | |
Tennis | x | |
Track And Field | x | |
Volleyball |
- Women's Club Sports
- cheerleading, equestrian sports, fencing, ice hockey, rock climbing, skiing (downhill), ultimate Frisbee
- Men's Club Sports
- cheerleading, equestrian sports, fencing, ice hockey, rock climbing, skiing (downhill), ultimate Frisbee, volleyball
Recreational Sports
- Intramural Sports
- badminton, basketball, field hockey, football, racquetball, sand volleyball, soccer, softball, squash, tennis, volleyball
Student Activities
- Activities and Organizations
- choral groups, drama theatre, radio station, student newspaper, national fraternities, national sororities, multi-organization board, outing club, student senate, admissions volunteers, wdcv radio station
- Sororities
- 27% of women participate
- Fraternities
- 16% of men participate
- ROTC
- Army ROTC offered on campus
Student Body
- Coeducational
- Yes
- All Undergraduates
- 2,382
- Women
- 1,385 (58.1%)
- Men
- 997 (41.9%)
- Full-Time Undergraduates
- 2,346
- Ethnicity of Students from U.S.
- 0.1% American Indian/Alaskan Native
4.1% Asian
5.5% Black/African-American
9.6% Hispanic/Latino
4.2% Multi-race (not Hispanic/Latino)
0.1% Native Hawaiian/ Pacific Islander
75.4% White
1.0% Unknown - International Students.
- 12.4% from 44 countries
- Average Age
- 20
- All Graduate Students
- Not reported
Undergraduate Retention and Graduation
- First-Year Students Returning
- 90.0%
- Students Graduating Within 4 Years
- 80.4%
- Students Graduating Within 5 Years
- 83%
- Students Graduating Within 6 Years
- 83.0%
After Graduation
- Graduates Offered Full-Time Employment Within 6 Months
- Not reported
- Average Starting Salary
- Not reported
- Graduates Pursuing Advanced Study Directly
- 37.0%
- Disciplines Pursued
- Business 2%
Law 5%
Arts and Sciences 14%
Medicine 2%
Education 2%
Other 3%
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