Delaware State University vs. Dickinson College

Comparable Facts

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

Delaware State University is larger than Dickinson College based on total student enrollment (5,327 students vs. 2,314 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Delaware State University is located in Dover, DE (Small City setting); Dickinson College is in Carlisle, PA (Distant Town setting).
• Delaware State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Dickinson College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Delaware State University 17:1; Dickinson College 11:1.

Delaware State University vs. Dickinson College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Delaware State University 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 Delaware State University than Dickinson College ($13,953 vs. $38,483).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Delaware State University are 2.5% lower than at Dickinson College ($16,664 vs. $17,100).
• Dickinson College is 515.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Delaware State University (about $54,980 more per year; $65,650.00 vs. $10,670.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 218.2% higher at Dickinson College than at Delaware State University (about $45,016 more per year; $65,650.00 vs. $20,634.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Dickinson College than at Delaware State University (96% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Dickinson College students is 234.2% larger than aid received by Delaware State University students ($44,479 vs. $13,309).

Delaware State University vs. Dickinson College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Delaware State University 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 Delaware State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Dickinson College (1390) is 480 points higher than at Delaware State University (910).
• Incoming Dickinson College students have a 9 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (31 vs. 22 at Delaware State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Delaware State University 800/1020; Dickinson College 1310/1460.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Delaware State University 20/24; Dickinson College 30/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Delaware State University - Test optional; Dickinson College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Delaware State University Feb 1, 2027; Dickinson College Jan 15, 2027.
• Delaware State University has a higher acceptance rate (46.6%) than Dickinson College (42.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 33.7% at Delaware State University vs. 21.1% at Dickinson College.

Delaware State University vs. Dickinson College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Delaware State University 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 Delaware State University's (35%).
• Graduates from Dickinson College earn a median of about $25,400 more per year than Delaware State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($62,000 vs. $36,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Dickinson College graduates have a $7,500 lower median loan debt than Delaware State University graduates ($21,000 vs. $28,500).
• Among borrowers, Dickinson College graduates have an estimated $77 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Delaware State University graduates ($217 vs. $294).
• More Dickinson College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Delaware State University students, three years after graduation. (89% vs. 32%)

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.