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 gives you a solid return with modest risk. You leave with median debt of $19,000 against median earnings of $70,204 a decade out, so your debt load is roughly a quarter of a single year's pay. That gap is what makes the numbers work here, and the 83% graduation rate and 89% retention mean most people who start actually finish and hit those earnings.
The program earnings data tells a more cautious story. The top-paying majors listed here,Public Policy Analysis, Mathematics, International Business, Economics, International Relations,all sit in the low-to-mid $50,000s in early-career pay. Those are respectable but not high-flying starts for a private college. Economics and International Business give you the clearest financial payoff and are well-suited to Dickinson's international focus. Nothing in this data points to a lucrative technical or pre-professional track, so if you want a fast six-figure start, Dickinson is not built for that.
The main financial risk is the sticker price. If your family earns over $110,000, you pay about $43,766 a year,more than double what lower-income families pay. At that level, four years runs well past $170,000, and the mid-$50,000s early-career salaries in the top programs will feel thin against that bill.
The net price tiers make Dickinson a genuinely good deal at lower incomes. If your family earns under $75,000, you pay between $15,000 and $17,000 a year, and the aid stays steady across those brackets. Dickinson fits you best if you come from a middle- or lower-income household and want a liberal arts degree in economics, international business, or policy. If you are full-pay and chasing salary alone, price out cheaper options first.
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.