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Dickinson College

Carlisle, PA · Private · 2,273 students

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 Dickinson College’s admissions site.

Your chances

How hard is it to get in?

Getting in is the hard part. Dickinson College admitted 42.1% of applicants in its most recent reported class, one of the lowest rates in the country. Realistically it is a reach for every applicant, no matter how strong.

Admitted students cluster near the top of the testing range: the middle 50% score 13101460 on the SAT and 3033 on the ACT. Scores at or above that band keep you in contention, but they do not decide it.

The real question is not your odds but your move. That is where Spike comes in: it reads your profile against what Dickinson College actually rewards, and tells you what to do next.

Check your own numbers against this class →

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

Requirements and deadlines

  • Testingoptional (2027 cycle)

Verified from https://www.dickinson.edu.

The essays

Supplemental essay prompts

The current prompts, straight from the application. These change year to year, so most guides you will find are a cycle behind.

    Every prompt, with how to approach each →

    Verified from https://www.dickinson.edu.

    Cost and aid

    What you will actually pay

    The sticker price is about $82,902, but that is not 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.

    Campus life

    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.

    Ultimate College TownHistoricNature-adjacentCultural

    Quick answers

    Dickinson College FAQ

    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, and 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, but the average price families actually pay after aid is $37,607.
    Is Dickinson College worth it?
    Graduates earn a median of $70,204 ten years after enrolling, and 82% graduate within six years. Value depends on your aid offer and your goals, which is exactly what Spike helps you weigh.

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    Ask Spike anything about Dickinson College.

    Spike answers from Dickinson College’s own site, then helps you figure out your move. Join the waitlist to get in early.