At $32,191/yr net price, Dickinson College graduates earn $70,204/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $36,204/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $32,191 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $128,764 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $70,204/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$36,204/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 83.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $19,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $17,167/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $15,148/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $16,348/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $21,727/yr |
| $110,001+ | $43,766/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Policy Analysis. | Bachelor | $55,338 | |
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $53,358 | |
| International Business. | Bachelor | $51,750 | $19,000 |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $50,320 | $19,000 |
| International Relations and National Security Studies. | Bachelor | $48,823 | $19,000 |
| Sociology. | Bachelor | $44,356 | $19,000 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $42,682 | $19,000 |
| Political Science and Government. | Bachelor | $40,737 | $19,000 |
| Area Studies. | Bachelor | $38,289 | $19,802 |
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics. | Bachelor | $38,289 | $19,000 |
The Risk Factor
83.4% of students at Dickinson College graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
Dickinson College delivers middling financial returns that don't match its high price tag. With median earnings of $70,204 ten years after graduation and a net price of $32,191 annually, you're looking at a payback period that stretches longer than many peer institutions.
The earnings picture varies dramatically by major. Public Policy Analysis tops the list at $55,338, while Mathematics follows at $53,358. International Business, Economics, and International Relations cluster around $48,000-$52,000. These numbers lag behind what you'd see from similar programs at other liberal arts colleges, particularly given Dickinson's Pennsylvania location where living costs eat into your take-home pay.
Your biggest financial risk here is the mismatch between cost and career outcomes. The school's strong 83% graduation rate won't compensate for weak starting salaries in popular majors. The $19,000 median debt load is manageable, but only 13.65% of students receive need-based aid, meaning most families pay close to full price.
Dickinson makes financial sense if your family can afford the full cost without borrowing heavily and you're pursuing one of the higher-paying majors. Students needing significant financial aid should look elsewhere, as merit scholarships are limited and need-based aid covers few students.
The school works best for students from affluent families who value the liberal arts experience over financial returns. If you need your degree to pay for itself quickly or you're considering graduate school that requires additional borrowing, the math doesn't work in your favor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dickinson College worth the high cost?
Dickinson's $32,191 annual net price leads to modest returns, with graduates earning $70,204 after 10 years. The debt burden is manageable at $19,000 median, but you're paying premium prices for middle-tier outcomes.
What are the best paying majors at Dickinson College?
Public Policy Analysis leads at $55,338, followed by Mathematics at $53,358 and International Business at $51,750. Even the top programs generate lower earnings than you'd expect given the school's cost.
How much student debt do Dickinson College graduates have?
Dickinson graduates carry a median debt of $19,000, which is reasonable compared to many private colleges. The 83% graduation rate means most students complete their degrees, but the earning potential may not justify the total investment.
Does Dickinson College provide good financial aid?
With a net price of $32,191 after aid, Dickinson offers some relief from its full sticker price. However, families still face significant costs for outcomes that don't clearly outperform less expensive alternatives.