Dickinson College was created explicitly for high purposes- to prepare young people, by means of a useful education in the liberal arts and sciences, for engaged lives of citizenship and leadership in the service of society. Founded by Dr. Benjamin Rush, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, the college was chartered in 1783, just days after the conclusion of the American Revolution with the specific purpose of preparing the citizens and leaders who would ensure the success of the new democracy. It was to offer a distinctively original form of American education - one that was rigorously rooted in the traditional liberal arts and was, at the same time, innovative, forward-looking and ultimately useful. It was a revolutionary education designed for a revolutionary age.
As we face the challenges and complexities of the 21st century, Dickinson continues to seek direction from this revolutionary heritage within a contemporary context. A Dickinson education prepares its graduates to become engaged citizens by incorporating a global vision that permeates the entire student experience, creating a community of inquiry that allows students to cross disciplinary boundaries and make new intellectual connections, and encouraging students to be enterprising and active by engaging their communities, the nation and the world.
Dickinson offers a liberal arts education that is distinctive in purpose and approach. Our founders intended Dickinson graduates to use their liberal arts education as a powerful agent of change to advance the lot of humankind. We expect no less today.
Admission Considerations:
Secondary school GPA (Required), Secondary school rank (Required), Secondary school record (Required), Completion of college-prepatory program (Recommended), Recommendations (Required), Formal demonstration of competencies (Recommended), TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) (Required)
Test Scores (2006) :
25th Percentile
75th Percentile
SAT Critical Reading
600
690
SAT Math
600
680
SAT Writing
ACT Composite
26
30
ACT English
26
32
ACT Math
25
30
Notes:
25th Percentile = 25% of students scored at or below
75th Percentile = 25% of students scored above
Tuition and Fees :
Undergraduate Academic Year Cost:
2005-2006
2006-2007
2007-2008
Tuition and fees
$32,120
$33,804
$35,784
Books and supplies
$1,000
$1,000
$1,000
Room and board (on campus)
$8,050
$8,480
$8,980
Financial Aid Information:
Financial Aid Office Phone: (717) 245-1308
Percentage of students receiving any financial aid: 58%
Average amount of types of financial aid received from:
Federal Grants: $4,579
State/Local Grants: $3,012
Institutional Grants: $20,979
Student Loans: $7,712
