Hamilton College vs. Dickinson College

Comparable Facts

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

Dickinson College is larger than Hamilton College based on total student enrollment (2,314 students vs. 2,031 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Hamilton College is located in Clinton, NY (Rural Fringe setting); Dickinson College is in Carlisle, PA (Distant Town setting).
• Hamilton College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Dickinson College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Hamilton College 9:1; Dickinson College 11:1.

Hamilton College vs. Dickinson College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Hamilton College 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 Hamilton College than Dickinson College ($28,719 vs. $38,483).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Dickinson College are 2.3% lower than at Hamilton College ($17,100 vs. $17,510).
• Hamilton College is 5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Dickinson College (about $3,310 more per year; $68,960.00 vs. $65,650.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 5% higher at Hamilton College than at Dickinson College (about $3,310 more per year; $68,960.00 vs. $65,650.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Dickinson College than at Hamilton College (96% vs. 56%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Hamilton College students is 24.8% larger than aid received by Dickinson College students ($55,511 vs. $44,479).

Hamilton College vs. Dickinson College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Hamilton College 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 Hamilton College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Hamilton College (1500) is 110 points higher than at Dickinson College (1390).
• Incoming Hamilton College students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 31 at Dickinson College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Hamilton College 1450/1550; Dickinson College 1310/1460.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Hamilton College 33/35; Dickinson College 30/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Hamilton College - Test optional; Dickinson College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Hamilton College Jan 5, 2027; Dickinson College Jan 15, 2027.
• Dickinson College has a higher acceptance rate (42.1%) than Hamilton College (13.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 39% at Hamilton College vs. 21.1% at Dickinson College.

Hamilton College vs. Dickinson College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Hamilton College 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).

• Hamilton College's six-year graduation rate (89%) is higher than Dickinson College's (84%).
• Graduates from Hamilton College earn a median of about $17,000 more per year than Dickinson College graduates about ten years after starting college ($79,000 vs. $62,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Hamilton College graduates have a $5,240 lower median loan debt than Dickinson College graduates ($15,760 vs. $21,000).
• Among borrowers, Hamilton College graduates have an estimated $55 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Dickinson College graduates ($162 vs. $217).
• More Hamilton College 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.