U of R vs. Dickinson College

Comparable Facts

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

University of Rochester is larger than Dickinson College based on total student enrollment (11,946 students vs. 2,314 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Rochester is located in Rochester, NY (Midsize City setting); Dickinson College is in Carlisle, PA (Distant Town setting).
• University of Rochester is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Dickinson College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Rochester 9:1; Dickinson College 11:1.

U of R vs. Dickinson College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, U of R 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 Dickinson College than U of R ($38,483 vs. $40,462).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Dickinson College are 13.6% lower than at University of Rochester ($17,100 vs. $19,792).
• University of Rochester is 2.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Dickinson College (about $1,430 more per year; $67,080.00 vs. $65,650.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 2.2% higher at U of R than at Dickinson College (about $1,430 more per year; $67,080.00 vs. $65,650.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Dickinson College than at University of Rochester (96% vs. 72%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Rochester students is 2.3% larger than aid received by Dickinson College students ($45,500 vs. $44,479).

U of R vs. Dickinson College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, U of R 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 U of R.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Rochester (1480) is 90 points higher than at Dickinson College (1390).
• Incoming U of R students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (32 vs. 31 at Dickinson College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Rochester 1410/1540; Dickinson College 1310/1460.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Rochester 31/34; Dickinson College 30/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: U of R - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional); Dickinson College - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional).
• Typical fall application deadline: U of R Jan 5, 2027; Dickinson College Jan 15, 2027.
• Dickinson College has a higher acceptance rate (42.1%) than U of R (40.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.4% at U of R vs. 21.1% at Dickinson College.

U of R vs. Dickinson College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for U of R 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 University of Rochester's (83%).
• Graduates from University of Rochester earn a median of about $9,000 more per year than Dickinson College graduates about ten years after starting college ($71,000 vs. $62,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Dickinson College graduates have a $3,500 lower median loan debt than U of R graduates ($21,000 vs. $24,500).
• Among borrowers, Dickinson College graduates have an estimated $36 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than U of R graduates ($217 vs. $253).
• More Dickinson College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former U of R students, three years after graduation. (89% vs. 79%)

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.