Canisius vs. Dickinson College

Comparable Facts

Compare Canisius University in Buffalo, NY with Dickinson College in Carlisle, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Canisius University is larger than Dickinson College based on total student enrollment (2,451 students vs. 2,314 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Canisius University is located in Buffalo, NY (Large City setting); Dickinson College is in Carlisle, PA (Distant Town setting).
• Canisius University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Dickinson College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Canisius University 11:1; Dickinson College 11:1.

Canisius vs. Dickinson College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Canisius or Dickinson College? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Canisius University than Dickinson College ($19,666 vs. $38,483).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Canisius University are 20.7% lower than at Dickinson College ($13,560 vs. $17,100).
• Dickinson College is 90.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Canisius (about $31,150 more per year; $65,650.00 vs. $34,500.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 90.3% higher at Dickinson College than at Canisius University (about $31,150 more per year; $65,650.00 vs. $34,500.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Canisius University than at Dickinson College (100% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Dickinson College students is 78.1% larger than aid received by Canisius University students ($44,479 vs. $24,972).

Canisius vs. Dickinson College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Canisius or Dickinson College? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Dickinson College and Canisius.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Dickinson College (1390) is 200 points higher than at Canisius (1190).
• Incoming Dickinson College students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (31 vs. 25 at Canisius).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Canisius University 1050/1320; Dickinson College 1310/1460.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Canisius University 22/28; Dickinson College 30/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Canisius - Test-free; Dickinson College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Dickinson College Jan 15, 2027.
• Canisius has a higher acceptance rate (72.4%) than Dickinson College (42.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.1% at Canisius vs. 21.1% at Dickinson College.

Canisius vs. Dickinson College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Canisius and Dickinson College? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Dickinson College's six-year graduation rate (84%) is higher than Canisius University's (67%).
• Graduates from Dickinson College earn a median of about $12,100 more per year than Canisius graduates about ten years after starting college ($62,000 vs. $49,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Dickinson College graduates have a $3,750 lower median loan debt than Canisius graduates ($21,000 vs. $24,750).
• Among borrowers, Dickinson College graduates have an estimated $38 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Canisius graduates ($217 vs. $255).
• More Dickinson College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Canisius students, three years after graduation. (89% vs. 71%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.