
Dickinson College
Live where history, nature and culture are all part of the college experience.
Acceptance rate
42.1%
SAT (mid 50%)
1310–1460
Avg net price
$37,607
after aid
Testing
Optional
2027 cycle
Sources: the U.S. Department of Education (2024), and the Dickinson College admissions site.
Your chances
How hard is it to get in?
Dickinson College admitted 42.1% of applicants in its most recent reported class. That’s selective. Fewer than half of the students who apply get in.
Here’s where admitted students landed on tests. The middle 50% score 1310–1460 on the SAT and 30–33 on the ACT. Scores at or above that band keep you in contention. They don’t decide it.
The real question isn’t your odds. It’s your move. That’s where Spike comes in. It reads your profile against what Dickinson College actually rewards, then tells you what to do next.
What they value
Curiosity Is Your Superpower
You'll partner on projects and papers with your professors. You'll design your own research projects, present at national conferences.
Dickinson's flexible liberal arts and sciences approach encourages you to explore different academic avenues while discovering your focus.
- Classical StudiesGreek, Latin, Archaeology
- Biochemistry & Molecular BiologyChemistry, Biology, Research
- International StudiesGlobal Mosaics, Security Studies
Verified from dickinson.edu and dickinson.edu and admissions.dickinson.edu and dickinson.edu and dickinson.edu and dickinson.edu and dickinson.edu and dickinson.edu.
Applying
Here’s what to send, and when.
- TestingOptional (2027 cycle)
Verified from https://www.dickinson.edu.
The essays
Here are the supplemental essay prompts.
The current prompts, straight from the application. They change year to year. Most guides you’ll find are a cycle behind.
Every prompt, with how to approach each →
Verified from https://www.dickinson.edu.
Cost and aid
What will you actually pay?
The sticker price is about $82,902. That isn’t what most families pay. After need-based aid, the average net price is $37,607.
Dickinson awards $60 million annually in scholarships.
Ten years after enrolling, graduates earn a median of $70,204.
Verified from https://www.dickinson.edu and the U.S. Department of Education.
Academics
These are the most popular majors.
- International Business11% of degrees
- Economics8% of degrees
- Political Science and Government7% of degrees
- Psychology, General6% of degrees
- English Language and Literature, General5% of degrees
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research4% of degrees
Campus life
Here’s the feel of the place.
“Explore nature on the Appalachian Trail, then frequent the eclectic dining and shopping options in downtown Carlisle, a Tuesday here.”
It doesn't take many steps beyond campus to officially arrive in downtown Carlisle, a town recognized on the Best College Towns in America list.
Quick answers
What do people ask about Dickinson College?
- Is Dickinson College test-optional?
- For the 2027 application cycle, standardized testing at Dickinson College is optional.
- How hard is it to get into Dickinson College?
- Very hard. Dickinson College admits 42.1% of applicants. The middle 50% of admitted students score 1310 to 1460 on the SAT. Treat it as a reach for every applicant.
- How much does Dickinson College cost?
- The list price is about $82,902. After aid, families pay $37,607 on average.
- Is Dickinson College worth it?
- Graduates earn a median of $70,204 ten years after enrolling. 82% of students graduate within six years. Value depends on your aid offer and your goals. That’s what Spike helps you weigh.
Launching soon
Ask Spike anything about Dickinson College.
Spike answers from Dickinson College’s own site, then helps you figure out your move.