Jumpstart Your Application

Dickinson FlexApp & Early Aid Estimate

Applying early should feel exciting—not financially uncertain. 

With Dickinson’s FlexApp, you can get a head start on your application to Dickinson!

Plus, students who are considering Early Decision can access our Early Aid Estimate Request to receive a personalized estimate of their Dickinson aid award before making a binding commitment. In other words, you will know what Dickinson will cost you before you apply Early Decision.

This process gives students and families greater clarity about affordability so they can move forward with confidence. 


Step-by-Step Process

Ready to take the next step? It's simple! Here's what you need to do:

1

Complete the FlexApp.

2

Request your early aid estimate through the FlexApp Portal.

3

Use the Net Price Calculator to provide your financial information to our team.

4

Receive your personalized estimate.

5

Submit the Common App or Coalition app prior to the Early Decision I (Nov. 15) or Early Decision II (Jan. 15) deadline.

 


Key Benefits of the FlexApp & Early Aid Estimate


Clarity Before Commitment
Understand what Dickinson may cost before a binding Early Decision commitment.
Reduced Stress
Make your decision with more confidence and less uncertainty.

Flexibility
Explore an Early Decision option without feeling locked in before you know the numbers.
Personalized Review
Your estimate is prepared by Dickinson’s financial aid professionals using your family’s actual information.

What Is the Flex App?

The FlexApp is Dickinson’s flexible early application option designed for students who are ready to get a head start on their college applications. 

Students submitting the FlexApp gain:

  • An invitation to join the Flex Portal, where they can find information and resources developed by our team, designed to support their applicant journey 
  • The opportunity to indicate their interest early on. 
  • Access to our Early Aid Estimate Request, allowing them to get a fuller picture of what their Dickinson aid award* 

 

*Early Aid Estimates are provided for students who are strongly considering applying Early Decision to Dickinson. 

What Is an Early Aid Estimate?

An Early Aid Estimate is a personalized estimate of your potential merit and, if applicable, need-based financial aid prepared by Dickinson’s financial aid staff using the information required for a formal aid application.  

It provides a preview of: 

  • Dickinson grant and scholarship eligibility 
  • Federal and state aid (if applicable) 
  • Estimated family contribution 
  • Approximate out-of-pocket cost 

 

While this estimate is not a formal financial aid award, it is intended to very closely reflect the aid you would receive if admitted. 


Important Notes 

  • The Early Financial Read is an estimate, not a guarantee of your final financial aid award. 
  • Final aid offers are based on official financial aid documents and admission. 
  • Available to U.S. citizens and eligible domestic applicants (if applicable). 
  • The estimate is based solely on financial information and is not an indication of an admissions decision. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Is the Early Financial Read binding?

No. It is simply an estimate to help your family understand what Dickinson may cost. 

How accurate is the estimate?

The estimate is based on the same financial information used to determine official aid and is intended to be a very close approximation. 

What if the estimate doesn’t work for my family?

You are under no obligation to apply Early Decision. You may remain in a non-binding application plan. 

Does requesting an Early Financial Read affect my admission decision?

No. Admission and financial aid are reviewed separately.