Dickinson Named ‘Dream School’ in New Book by Bestseller Jeffrey Selingo
One aspect of the Dickinson experience Selingo calls out is study abroad, illustrated on campus by this collection of signs pointing to all corners of the globe. Photo by Amelia Rehrman '26.
National recognition highlights Dickinson’s distinctive liberal-arts experience and global approach
Dickinson has been named one of 75 “new dream schools” in Dream School: Finding the College That’s Right for You, by New York Times bestselling author and higher-education expert Jeffrey Selingo. The book highlights institutions across the country that pair academic rigor with engaged campus life and strong postgraduation outcomes.
Dickinson admissions counselors Rebecca Chernyha and James Malone recently met up Selingo at the National Association for College Admission Counseling conference.
Surveying more than 3,000 parents, the author identified a final list of colleges based on accessibility of admission, affordability, measurable career outcomes and high-engagement student experiences. Selingo notes Dickinson’s standout global perspective, which finds nearly 60% of students studying abroad, compared to around 1% nationally. He also highlights Dickinson’s environment of hands-on learning and civic- and sustainability-focused programs as making the college a compelling choice for students seeking both challenge and real-world preparation.
Being included places Dickinson among a select group of institutions nationwide that, according to Selingo’s research, meet families’ top priorities for college choice: experiential learning, a sense of community and strong pathways to careers—priorities Dickinson has been embracing for more than two centuries.
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Published September 23, 2025