Dean College: 76.0% Acceptance Rate

76.0%Acceptance

$44,960Tuition

1,142Students

43%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$38,109Earnings

Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test BlindNCAA Division IIIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Dean College

Dean College built its reputation as a performing arts powerhouse where students get hands-on career training in small classes. The private liberal arts college enrolls 1,142 students in Franklin, Massachusetts, a large suburban setting about 40 minutes from Boston. With a 15:1 student-faculty ratio, professors know their students personally and tailor instruction to individual goals.

Students typically pay $30,236 after financial aid, though families earning under $48,000 pay even less. That investment faces reality when graduates earn a median of $38,109 ten years after college. With $25,000 in typical debt and monthly loan payments of $265, the math gets tight for many alumni. The 43% six-year graduation rate suggests some students struggle to finish their programs.

Dean attracts a diverse student body that's 52% women and draws from both Massachusetts (48% in-state) and beyond. The Bulldogs field 16 Division III sports teams with 355 total athletes competing in the Great Northeast Athletic Conference. With 75% of freshmen returning for sophomore year, most students find their footing despite the academic challenges. The 96% employment rate shows Dean's career focus pays off for those who complete their degrees.

Academics & Faculty

Dean College builds its reputation around performing arts and career-focused programs that prepare students for immediate employment after graduation. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio means small classes where professors know students by name and can provide individualized attention. However, the 43.2% six-year graduation rate suggests many students struggle to complete their degrees. The college emphasizes practical skills training over traditional liberal arts theory. Students often choose Dean for its strong theater, dance, and music programs that offer real performance opportunities. The 95.6% employment rate shows graduates find work quickly. Many programs include internships and hands-on learning that connect directly to career paths.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Full-Time Faculty: 24.4%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 43.9%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 43.2%
Retention Rate: 75.6%
Median Earnings (10 years): $38,109
Carnegie Classification: Baccalaureate College

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Bachelor	$41,565
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Bachelor	$26,933
Dance.	Bachelor	$26,121
Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft.	Bachelor	$20,140
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$11,351

View all 41 programs →

Campus Life

Franklin sits 45 minutes southwest of Boston, giving students access to city internships without urban chaos. The 100-acre campus houses 90% of the 1,142 students in residence halls that feel more like close-knit communities than dorms. New England winters mean heavy coats and snow boots from December through March, while fall brings perfect sweater weather for walking between classes.

With only 1,142 students total, everyone knows everyone by sophomore year. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio means professors remember your name and notice when you miss class. Weekend social life revolves around residence hall programming and athletic events, though many students venture into Boston for concerts or internship networking. The performing arts students often dominate campus culture, staging impromptu performances in common areas. With 355 student-athletes competing in 16 varsity sports, Bulldogs games draw decent crowds despite Division III status. Students describe the atmosphere as supportive rather than competitive, where collaboration beats cutthroat academics.

Setting: Suburb-Large
Housing Capacity: 1,028 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1865

Campus Safety (2023)

31 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential
Rape	7	3
Stalking	7	2
Burglary	3	3
Dating Violence	4	2

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 14°–37°F
July Avg: 60°–84°F
Annual Precipitation: 100.6"
Annual Snowfall: 86.0"

Student Demographics

Dean College draws students who want hands-on career preparation in a close-knit environment. The student body splits almost evenly between Massachusetts residents and those from other states, reflecting the college's solid regional reputation that extends beyond New England borders. Nearly 30% receive Pell Grants, showing the school serves many first-generation and working-class families seeking practical career training. The slight female majority connects to Dean's strong programs in arts, education, and health sciences. Students typically choose Dean for its small classes and direct pathways to employment rather than traditional liberal arts exploration.

Men: 48.3%
Women: 51.8%
White: 63.6%
Black: 12.2%
Hispanic: 11.4%
Asian: 1.3%
In-State Students: 47.5%
Pell Grant Recipients: 29.6%

Location

Franklin sits about 25 miles southwest of Boston, placing Dean College within commuting distance of New England's largest city. The town of 33,000 residents offers a classic New England suburban setting with tree-lined streets and historic architecture. Students can reach downtown Boston in roughly 45 minutes by car or public transit. Franklin maintains a small-town feel while providing access to internships and cultural opportunities in the greater Boston area. The region features typical Massachusetts landscapes of rolling hills, forests, and colonial-era buildings. Nearly half of Dean's 1,142 students come from Massachusetts, reflecting the college's strong regional draw. Students considering colleges in Massachusetts may also compare Dean College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Franklin, Massachusetts 02038-1941

Ray Mansion, Dean College Admissions Building, Franklin MA

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $38,109
Median Earnings (5 years): $36,113
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $28,700
Loan Repayment Rate: 48.5%
Monthly Loan Payment: $265/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $25,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Dean College?

Dean College accepts 75.95% of applicants, making it accessible to most students with solid academic records. The school focuses on career-focused education and strong performing arts programs rather than highly selective admissions.

How much does Dean College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $30,236 after aid, less than the full tuition of $44,960. About 30% of students receive Pell Grants, and the college provides institutional grants averaging $28,997 to help make education affordable.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Dean College?

Dean College maintains a 15:1 student-faculty ratio with total enrollment of 1,142 students. This small class environment supports the college's emphasis on personalized attention and hands-on learning in their career-focused programs.

What are employment outcomes like for Dean College graduates?

Graduates achieve a 95.6% employment rate, reflecting the school's strong career preparation focus. However, median earnings ten years after graduation are $38,109, and the six-year graduation rate is 43.20%.

Where is Dean College located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in Franklin, Massachusetts, a large suburban setting about 40 minutes from Boston. With housing capacity for 1,028 students and 355 student athletes competing in 16 NCAA Division III sports, campus life centers around tight-knit community connections.

Does Dean College have strong performing arts programs?

Dean College built its reputation on exceptional performing arts programs, particularly in theater and dance. The retention rate of 75.55% suggests students find the specialized programs and small college atmosphere engaging enough to stay through graduation.