The Dickinson Promise: Before

The Dickinson Promise

Before: Affordability Promise

For many families, the first question is whether they can afford Dickinson. The Affordability Promise answers that question directly with a real institutional commitment to bringing talented students here.

If you are admitted to Dickinson, we will make it possible for you to be here.

Our financial aid support includes both need-based aid and merit aid. We provide a tuition-free education for most domestic families earning $125,000 or less annually, aid packages with no loans required for most domestic families earning $75,000 or less, and financial aid that bridges the demonstrated gap between what we cost and what you can afford—for every Dickinson family.

That's a promise made possible by more than 5,000 donors, and it's one we intend to keep.

Dickinson Freshman signing in to the college during Convocation

Dickinson Freshman walk up the stairs to their dorm on Move In Day next to a sign that says Welcome to Dickinson

Affordability by the Numbers

The total need-based package for Dickinson grant recipients averaged $59,475 (grants, loans and work study) in 2025-26.
62% of students received need-based grants (which don't have to be paid back).
The average need-based grant of $54,208 covered 79.7% of tuition in 2025-26.
The Princeton Review ranked Dickinson #16 for Great Financial Aid.

Our financial aid counselors will work with you every step of the way to ensure you have the information, resources and support you need to plan and manage your investment in Dickinson.

Need-Based Aid

We are committed to meeting 100% of every admitted student's demonstrated financial need.

Merit Scholarships

Our merit scholarships are designed to recognize exemplary academic performance without regard to financial need, and all applicants are eligible.

Frequently Asked Questions

For Prospective Students & Families

Who is eligible?

The Affordability Promise is open to all incoming students. Financial-aid packages are offered to prospective students at the time of admission; upperclass students who were not awarded the tuition-free aid are not eligible to receive it in future years. Students are eligible to receive the aid for eight semesters of full-time attendance.

What does "no loans" really mean?

Starting with the class of 2030, the college replaced need-based loans with greater financial aid for students with family incomes of $75,000 or less and typical assets.

If I qualify for tuition-free aid, will I receive it every year?

Continued eligibility will be reviewed on an annual basis, based on required financial aid applications. Incoming students are required to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the CSS Profile. Returning students are required to complete the FAFSA and the General Application. Changes in income and assets could impact future eligibility for tuition-free aid.

How do I apply for the Affordability Promise?

Incoming students are required to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the CSS Profile and tax documentation through the College Board’s IDOC Service. A Non-Custodial CSS Profile may be required if the parents are divorced or separated. Returning students are required to complete the FAFSA and the General Application.

Will all the students who qualify for “no loans” graduate debt free?

Not necessarily. Students may still be eligible to borrow, and may choose to borrow, a Federal Direct Loan. Also, a family can apply for a private loan if they would like. The college, however, will not require a Federal Direct Loan to be part of the calculation in the aid package.

If I don't submit all my financial aid application materials, will I still be considered for the Affordability Promise?

No. We cannot assess eligibility until all application materials are received.

My family’s adjusted gross income is in the eligible range. Why don’t I qualify for tuition-free aid?

Eligibility is based on both adjusted gross income (including the non-custodial parent's income, if applicable) and typical assets. The Office of Financial Aid will review the financial aid application materials to determine if assets are typical for the income level.

Will my external scholarship impact my eligibility for the Affordability Promise?

Whenever possible, Dickinson will attempt to have students benefit from external scholarships without reducing their eligibility for internal grants and scholarships.

Does this mean that students who qualify for tuition-free aid will pay no tuition, fees, housing or food?

No. The amount of financial aid will be determined by information from the family’s FAFSA and CSS Profile applications. In most cases, it is likely that the family will be required to pay some portion of the fees, housing and food for attendance at Dickinson. The no-loan portion of the award replaces the Federal Direct Subsidized Loan, which students would otherwise be expected to borrow as part of their financial aid package.

If I qualify for the Federal Pell Grant, will I be eligible for the tuition-free aid?

Not necessarily. While there will likely be overlap between Pell and Dickinson Promise grant recipients, we include the non-custodial parent's income in the adjusted gross income. Additionally, families need to demonstrate typical assets.

What other out-of-pocket expenses might I anticipate?

Summer classes, health insurance, books, supplies, personal expenses and travel.

What does "tuition free" mean?

Tuition free means that the total amount of gift aid from all sources (federal, state, institutional scholarships/grants) is equal to or exceeds tuition. Other charges—such as food, housing and fees—may still be applicable.

Dickinson students gather around a campfire at the Dickinson Farm during Pre-Orientation festivities

During

After

Dickinson Promise Overview