Dickinson College vs. Muhlenberg College

Comparable Facts

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

Dickinson College is larger than Muhlenberg College based on total student enrollment (2,314 students vs. 1,788 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Dickinson College vs. Muhlenberg College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Dickinson College or Muhlenberg 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 Muhlenberg College than Dickinson College ($34,739 vs. $38,483).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Muhlenberg College are 14.9% lower than at Dickinson College ($14,548 vs. $17,100).
• Dickinson College is 4.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Muhlenberg College (about $2,845 more per year; $65,650.00 vs. $62,805.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 4.5% higher at Dickinson College than at Muhlenberg College (about $2,845 more per year; $65,650.00 vs. $62,805.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Muhlenberg College than at Dickinson College (99% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Dickinson College students is 4.5% larger than aid received by Muhlenberg College students ($44,479 vs. $42,545).

Dickinson College vs. Muhlenberg College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Dickinson College (1390) is 60 points higher than at Muhlenberg College (1330).
• Incoming Dickinson College students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 31) as students at Muhlenberg College (31).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Dickinson College 1310/1460; Muhlenberg College 1250/1410.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Dickinson College 30/33; Muhlenberg College 29/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Dickinson College - Test optional; Muhlenberg College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Dickinson College Jan 15, 2027; Muhlenberg College Feb 1, 2027.
• Muhlenberg College has a higher acceptance rate (72%) than Dickinson College (42.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21.1% at Dickinson College vs. 13% at Muhlenberg College.

Dickinson College vs. Muhlenberg College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Dickinson College and Muhlenberg 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).

• Muhlenberg College's six-year graduation rate (86%) is higher than Dickinson College's (84%).
• Graduates from Muhlenberg College earn a median of about $1,700 more per year than Dickinson College graduates about ten years after starting college ($63,700 vs. $62,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Dickinson College graduates have a $5,490 lower median loan debt than Muhlenberg College graduates ($21,000 vs. $26,490).
• Among borrowers, Dickinson College graduates have an estimated $56 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Muhlenberg College graduates ($217 vs. $273).
• More Dickinson College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Muhlenberg College students, three years after graduation. (89% vs. 84%)

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.