Dickinson College vs. Fisk University

Comparable Facts

Compare Dickinson College in Carlisle, PA with Fisk University in Nashville, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Dickinson College is larger than Fisk University based on total student enrollment (2,314 students vs. 1,059 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Dickinson College is located in Carlisle, PA (Distant Town setting); Fisk University is in Nashville, TN (Large City setting).
• Dickinson College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Fisk University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Dickinson College 11:1; Fisk University 12:1.

Dickinson College vs. Fisk University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Dickinson College or Fisk University? 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 Fisk University than Dickinson College ($18,595 vs. $38,483).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Fisk University are 15% lower than at Dickinson College ($14,540 vs. $17,100).
• Dickinson College is 153.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Fisk University (about $39,792 more per year; $65,650.00 vs. $25,858.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 153.9% higher at Dickinson College than at Fisk University (about $39,792 more per year; $65,650.00 vs. $25,858.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Dickinson College than at Fisk University (96% vs. 87%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Dickinson College students is 95% larger than aid received by Fisk University students ($44,479 vs. $22,811).

Dickinson College vs. Fisk University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Dickinson College or Fisk University? 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 Fisk University and Dickinson College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Dickinson College (1390) is 60 points higher than at Fisk University (1330).
• Incoming Dickinson College students have a 10 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (31 vs. 21 at Fisk University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Dickinson College 1310/1460; Fisk University 1140/1510.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Dickinson College 30/33; Fisk University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Dickinson College - Test optional; Fisk University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Dickinson College Jan 15, 2027; Fisk University Aug 1, 2027.
• Dickinson College has a higher acceptance rate (42.1%) than Fisk University (37.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21.1% at Dickinson College vs. 8.8% at Fisk University.

Dickinson College vs. Fisk University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Dickinson College and Fisk University? 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 Fisk University's (45%).
• Graduates from Dickinson College earn a median of about $26,100 more per year than Fisk University graduates about ten years after starting college ($62,000 vs. $35,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Dickinson College graduates have a $5,000 lower median loan debt than Fisk University graduates ($21,000 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Dickinson College graduates have an estimated $51 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Fisk University graduates ($217 vs. $268).
• More Dickinson College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Fisk University students, three years after graduation. (89% vs. 38%)

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.