Dickinson College vs. Villanova

Comparable Facts

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

Villanova University is larger than Dickinson College based on total student enrollment (10,041 students vs. 2,314 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Dickinson College is located in Carlisle, PA (Distant Town setting); Villanova University is in Villanova, PA (Large Suburban setting).
• Dickinson College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Villanova University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Dickinson College 11:1; Villanova University 10:1.

Dickinson College vs. Villanova Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Dickinson College or Villanova? 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 Villanova University than Dickinson College ($37,201 vs. $38,483).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Dickinson College are 3.4% lower than at Villanova University ($17,100 vs. $17,694).
• Villanova University is 3.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Dickinson College (about $2,126 more per year; $67,776.00 vs. $65,650.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 3.2% higher at Villanova than at Dickinson College (about $2,126 more per year; $67,776.00 vs. $65,650.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Dickinson College than at Villanova University (96% vs. 48%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Villanova University students is 7% larger than aid received by Dickinson College students ($47,609 vs. $44,479).

Dickinson College vs. Villanova Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Villanova University (1450) is 60 points higher than at Dickinson College (1390).
• Incoming Villanova students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (33 vs. 31 at Dickinson College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Dickinson College 1310/1460; Villanova University 1395/1510.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Dickinson College 30/33; Villanova University 32/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Dickinson College - Test optional; Villanova - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Dickinson College Jan 15, 2027; Villanova Jan 15, 2027.
• Dickinson College has a higher acceptance rate (42.1%) than Villanova (27%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21.1% at Dickinson College vs. 27.7% at Villanova.

Dickinson College vs. Villanova Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Dickinson College and Villanova? 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).

• Villanova University's six-year graduation rate (90%) is higher than Dickinson College's (84%).
• Graduates from Villanova University earn a median of about $23,100 more per year than Dickinson College graduates about ten years after starting college ($85,100 vs. $62,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Dickinson College graduates have a $5,497 lower median loan debt than Villanova graduates ($21,000 vs. $26,497).
• Among borrowers, Dickinson College graduates have an estimated $56 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Villanova graduates ($217 vs. $273).
• More Villanova graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Dickinson College students, three years after graduation. (90% vs. 89%)

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.