About Dickinson College
Dickinson College builds global citizens through its well-known liberal arts curriculum and extensive study abroad programs. The 2,157 students benefit from a 9:1 student-faculty ratio in the small city of Carlisle, Pennsylvania. This historic institution has produced leaders like President James Buchanan and Chief Justice Roger B. Taney. The college's emphasis on international education sets it apart from typical liberal arts schools.
Students pay an average net price of $32,191, less than the $63,475 sticker price. Graduates earn a median of $70,204 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $19,000 quite manageable. The monthly loan payment of just $201 reflects this affordable debt burden. With 83% of students graduating within four years, most complete their degrees on schedule.
The student body draws heavily from out-of-state, with only 24% coming from Pennsylvania. Women make up 60% of enrollment, creating a gender imbalance that affects campus social actives. The Red Devils compete in 25 NCAA Division III sports with 496 total athletes. The 89% retention rate suggests students find what they're looking for at this academically rigorous institution.
Students pay an average net price of $32,191, less than the $63,475 sticker price. Graduates earn a median of $70,204 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $19,000 quite manageable. The monthly loan payment of just $201 reflects this affordable debt burden. With 83% of students graduating within four years, most complete their degrees on schedule.
The student body draws heavily from out-of-state, with only 24% coming from Pennsylvania. Women make up 60% of enrollment, creating a gender imbalance that affects campus social actives. The Red Devils compete in 25 NCAA Division III sports with 496 total athletes. The 89% retention rate suggests students find what they're looking for at this academically rigorous institution.
Academics & Faculty
Dickinson College delivers a classic liberal arts education with a distinctive global focus that sets it apart from typical small colleges. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate academic environment where professors know students by name and mentor them closely. This personalized attention shows in the strong 83% four-year graduation rate. The college is nationally recognized for its study abroad programs, with students encouraged to spend a semester overseas as part of their liberal arts experience. Dickinson's emphasis on international education and cross-cultural understanding permeates the curriculum, preparing graduates for careers in an increasingly connected world. The small class sizes foster discussion-based learning that liberal arts colleges are known for.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 9:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 79.5%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 83.6%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 83.4%
- Retention Rate
- 88.7%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $70,204
- Carnegie Classification
- Liberal Arts College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Public Policy Analysis. | Bachelor | $55,338 |
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $53,358 |
| International Business. | Bachelor | $51,750 |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $50,320 |
| International Relations and National Security Studies. | Bachelor | $48,823 |
| Sociology. | Bachelor | $44,356 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $42,682 |
| Political Science and Government. | Bachelor | $40,737 |
| Area Studies. | Bachelor | $38,289 |
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics. | Bachelor | $38,289 |
Campus Life
Dickinson's historic campus sits in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, about 20 miles southwest of Harrisburg and two hours from Philadelphia. With housing capacity for 2,078 students and total enrollment of 2,157, nearly every student lives on campus in a tight-knit residential community. You'll need that winter coat, central Pennsylvania sees snowy winters and mild summers, with students bundling up for walks between the limestone buildings that date back centuries.
The 9:1 student-faculty ratio means small seminars where professors know your name, and the college's global focus shows up everywhere on campus. Students planning their required study abroad experiences crowd the Waidner-Spahr Library, while Red Devils athletes represent nearly 23% of the student body across 25 Division III sports teams. Weekend social life revolves around campus events, outdoor activities in the surrounding countryside, and trips to nearby cities. The college's Quaker heritage and liberal arts mission create an intellectually curious atmosphere where students debate everything from politics to philosophy late into the night in residence hall lounges.
The 9:1 student-faculty ratio means small seminars where professors know your name, and the college's global focus shows up everywhere on campus. Students planning their required study abroad experiences crowd the Waidner-Spahr Library, while Red Devils athletes represent nearly 23% of the student body across 25 Division III sports teams. Weekend social life revolves around campus events, outdoor activities in the surrounding countryside, and trips to nearby cities. The college's Quaker heritage and liberal arts mission create an intellectually curious atmosphere where students debate everything from politics to philosophy late into the night in residence hall lounges.
- Setting
- City-Small
- Housing Capacity
- 2,078 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1783
Campus Safety (2023)
71 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stalking | 15 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 9 | 5 | 0 | 2 |
| Rape | 10 | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 7 | 5 | 0 | 1 |
| Burglary | 4 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 21°–38°F
- July Avg
- 62°–86°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 43.5"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
Dickinson draws ambitious students from across the country, with over three-quarters coming from outside Pennsylvania. The student body leans 60% female, reflecting strong interest in the college's internationally-focused liberal arts programs and language studies. With only 14% receiving Pell Grants, most students come from affluent families who value the college's global education mission. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio attracts students seeking close mentorship and small seminar discussions. This is a community of globally-minded students who chose Dickinson for its study abroad opportunities and tight-knit academic environment rather than staying close to home.
- Men
- 39.8%
- Women
- 60.2%
- White
- 65.0%
- Black
- 3.9%
- Hispanic
- 7.5%
- Asian
- 5.1%
- In-State Students
- 23.9%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 13.7%
Location
Dickinson College sits in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, about 20 miles southwest of Harrisburg. The campus occupies 144 acres in this small city of roughly 20,000 residents. Carlisle blends college town atmosphere with Civil War history and proximity to outdoor recreation in the Cumberland Valley. The town's downtown features local shops and restaurants that cater to the college's 2,157 students. Students enjoy easy access to hiking trails and historical sites while remaining within driving distance of major metropolitan areas like Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. The setting provides small-town charm without complete isolation from urban opportunities. Students considering colleges in Pennsylvania may also compare Dickinson with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Carlisle, Pennsylvania 17013-2896
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $70,204
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $71,404
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $45,300
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 88.4%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $201/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $19,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Dickinson College?
Dickinson College accepts 34.92% of applicants, making it a selective liberal arts institution. The college draws students from across the country, with only 23.88% coming from Pennsylvania.
How much does Dickinson College cost after financial aid?
The average net price at Dickinson is $32,191, lower than the full cost of $81,299. Students from families earning under $48,000 typically pay around $15,000-$17,000 after aid, while the college is known for meeting demonstrated financial need.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Dickinson College?
Dickinson maintains a 9:1 student-faculty ratio with 2,157 total students. This intimate setting supports the college's reputation for close mentoring relationships and its strong liberal arts tradition dating back to 1783.
What do Dickinson College graduates earn after graduation?
Dickinson graduates earn a median of $70,204 ten years after graduation with typical monthly loan payments of $201. The college's emphasis on global education and study abroad programs helps prepare students for international careers.
Where do students live at Dickinson College?
Dickinson houses 2,078 students on campus in the small city of Carlisle, Pennsylvania. The retention rate of 88.72% suggests students appreciate the close-knit campus community and historic college town setting.
Does Dickinson College offer athletic scholarships?
Dickinson College offers $0 in athletic scholarships as a NCAA Division III institution. However, 496 students participate in 25 varsity sports as Red Devils, competing in the Middle Atlantic Conferences for the love of the game.
