Ideally, your choice of a college should be based on the education it offers and how well it fits your goals and interests—not a choice based on cost. Our longstanding commitment to affordability means that we’ll help you to understand the process and access programs to make a Dickinson education possible.
We are invested in the education of every student enrolled at Dickinson. This investment includes personalized attention, state-of-the-art facilities, access to one of the nation’s most renowned study-abroad programs, a useful education in the liberal arts and sciences and a lifelong connection after graduation.
By the Numbers
While the greater value of a Dickinson education is important, we know that the numbers are important as well. Here are some key financial-aid statistics for the most recent entering class:
- All admitted students who demonstrated financial need and who met application deadlines received aid.
- The total need-based package for grant recipients averaged $35,056 (grants, loans and work study).
- The average institutional grant for first-year students was $23,763 (need-based and merit).
- Nearly 64 percent of the entering class received grant aid and/or scholarship assistance from the college.
- In 2010-11 Dickinson contributed more than $36.6 million in grants and scholarships ($56 million in total financial assistance processed) to support our students
Commitment to Affordability
Our investment in you. Endowment, alumni and foundation funds offset almost 20 percent ($12,000) of the actual cost for educating each of our enrolled students.
A realistic budget. We base your eligibility for our financial aid on the total cost of attendance, not just direct costs, so that you’ll have a more realistic budget and financial-aid package.
Honoring outside awards. Dickinson College does not reduce its institutional scholarship or grant award to those receiving outside scholarships or grants unless the student's total gift aid exceeds Dickinson's charges for tuition, fees, room and board.
Programs enhancing access and affordability. In addition to providing grants and scholarships, Dickinson is constantly seeking new and innovative ways to assist students and families with the rising costs of higher education. New programs and opportunities include our Community College Partnership, Public Service Fellowship and participation in the Yellow Ribbon Program.
Access to distinctive opportunities. To aid our students in making their dreams of study abroad possible, financial aid is portable to approved abroad programs. Additionally, students may benefit from college funding for research, field opportunities, conference attendance and stipends for summer internships. And, if you are planning to pursue a graduate degree, you'll find a number of agreements with grad schools.
Value of a Dickinson education. The value of a Dickinson education is not measured in dollars and cents but rather in the outcomes of our alumni. Discover what they have to say about their experiences and how their education prepared them for success.