Dickinson College vs. Olin College

Comparable Facts

Compare Dickinson College in Carlisle, PA with Franklin W Olin College of Engineering in Needham, MA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Dickinson College is larger than Olin College based on total student enrollment (2,314 students vs. 405 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Dickinson College is located in Carlisle, PA (Distant Town setting); Franklin W Olin College of Engineering is in Needham, MA (Large Suburban setting).
• Dickinson College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Franklin W Olin College of Engineering is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Dickinson College 11:1; Franklin W Olin College of Engineering 9:1.

Dickinson College vs. Olin College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Dickinson College or Olin 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 Dickinson College than Olin College ($38,483 vs. $43,184).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Dickinson College are 17.8% lower than at Franklin W Olin College of Engineering ($17,100 vs. $20,810).
• Franklin W Olin College of Engineering is 1.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Dickinson College (about $748 more per year; $66,398.00 vs. $65,650.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1.1% higher at Olin College than at Dickinson College (about $748 more per year; $66,398.00 vs. $65,650.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Franklin W Olin College of Engineering than at Dickinson College (100% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Dickinson College students is 2.7% larger than aid received by Franklin W Olin College of Engineering students ($44,479 vs. $43,290).

Dickinson College vs. Olin College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Dickinson College or Olin 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 Olin College and Dickinson College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Franklin W Olin College of Engineering (1530) is 140 points higher than at Dickinson College (1390).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Dickinson College 1310/1460; Franklin W Olin College of Engineering 1493/1558.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Dickinson College 30/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Dickinson College - Test optional; Olin College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Dickinson College Jan 15, 2027; Olin College Jan 1, 2027.
• Dickinson College has a higher acceptance rate (42.1%) than Olin College (25.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21.1% at Dickinson College vs. 43.7% at Olin College.

Dickinson College vs. Olin College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Dickinson College and Olin 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).

• Franklin W Olin College of Engineering's six-year graduation rate (96%) is higher than Dickinson College's (84%).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Franklin W Olin College of Engineering graduates have a $6,290 lower median loan debt than Dickinson College graduates ($14,710 vs. $21,000).
• Among borrowers, Olin College graduates have an estimated $65 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Dickinson College graduates ($152 vs. $217).

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.