Overview of Dickinson College
Dickinson College, located in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, is a private liberal arts institution known for its commitment to providing a transformative and interdisciplinary education. Founded in 1773, Dickinson is one of the oldest colleges in the United States, and it has a rich history of academic excellence, global engagement, and a strong emphasis on civic responsibility. Let’s explore various aspects that define Dickinson College:
Liberal Arts Education: Dickinson College is dedicated to offering a liberal arts education that fosters critical thinking, communication skills, and a broad understanding of diverse disciplines. The curriculum is designed to provide students with a well-rounded education, encouraging exploration across the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and the arts.
International Focus: Dickinson has a strong international focus, encouraging students to engage with global perspectives through study abroad programs, language immersion, and international research opportunities. The college’s commitment to global education is reflected in its partnerships with institutions worldwide and the integration of global perspectives into the curriculum.
Global Mosaics: The Global Mosaics program at Dickinson is a distinctive feature that allows students to explore global challenges through an interdisciplinary lens. This program emphasizes collaborative research, experiential learning, and engagement with real-world issues, preparing students to be informed and active global citizens.
Community Engagement and Civic Responsibility: Dickinson College places a significant emphasis on community engagement and civic responsibility. The college encourages students to actively contribute to the community through service learning, volunteerism, and participation in civic initiatives. The commitment to civic responsibility aligns with the college’s motto, “Engage the World.”
Sustainability Initiatives: Dickinson is known for its commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. The college has implemented various sustainability initiatives, including LEED-certified buildings, renewable energy projects, and a campus-wide emphasis on environmental awareness. The Center for Sustainability Education plays a central role in promoting sustainable practices and education.
The Dickinsonian: The Dickinsonian is the student-run newspaper at Dickinson College, providing a platform for students to engage in journalism, reporting, and commentary. The newspaper covers campus events, issues, and broader topics, fostering a culture of free expression and open dialogue.
Experiential Learning: Dickinson College places a strong emphasis on experiential learning, recognizing the value of practical experiences in complementing classroom learning. Students have opportunities for internships, research projects, community-based learning, and involvement in initiatives that bridge theory and practice.
Academic Programs and Interdisciplinary Studies: Dickinson offers a range of academic programs, allowing students to explore their interests and passions. The college supports interdisciplinary studies, enabling students to integrate knowledge from various disciplines and pursue a holistic education that aligns with their intellectual curiosity.
Global Study and Research Centers: Dickinson operates global study and research centers in locations such as Bologna, Italy, and Toulouse, France. These centers provide students with immersive study abroad experiences, allowing them to engage with different cultures, languages, and academic perspectives.
The Arts at Dickinson: The arts play a vital role at Dickinson College, with opportunities for students to engage in visual arts, performing arts, and creative writing. The Weiss Center for the Arts serves as a hub for artistic expression, featuring galleries, performance spaces, and opportunities for students to showcase their creative talents.
Center for Civic Learning and Action: The Center for Civic Learning and Action supports Dickinson’s commitment to civic engagement. The center provides resources for community service, social justice initiatives, and political engagement, encouraging students to apply their knowledge and skills to address societal challenges.
Athletics and Campus Life: Dickinson College competes in NCAA Division III athletics as the Red Devils. The college offers a range of sports and recreational activities, contributing to campus life, school spirit, and the overall student experience. Dickinson emphasizes a well-rounded student experience that includes both academic and extracurricular pursuits.
Residential Life: Dickinson’s residential life program is designed to foster a sense of community and enhance the overall college experience. The college requires students to live on campus for their first three years, contributing to a supportive and engaging living and learning environment.
Alumni Success: Dickinson College boasts a distinguished network of alumni who have excelled in various fields, including business, government, academia, and the arts. The college’s alumni community serves as a valuable resource for current students, providing mentorship, networking opportunities, and insights into their respective industries.
Community and Inclusivity: Dickinson College values a sense of community and inclusivity. The college actively works to create an environment where individuals from diverse backgrounds feel welcome and supported. Initiatives and programs promote inclusivity, dialogue, and understanding among students, faculty, and staff.
Dickinson College stands as a venerable institution with a commitment to providing a liberal arts education that prepares students for a life of engagement, inquiry, and contribution to the global community. The college’s emphasis on experiential learning, sustainability, global perspectives, and civic responsibility reflects its dedication to shaping well-rounded individuals who are equipped to navigate the complexities of the world. Dickinson’s historic legacy, coupled with its forward-looking approach, positions it as a dynamic and influential institution in the landscape of higher education.
PO Box 1773 Carlisle, PA 17013-2896
Phone: (800) 644-1773
Email: admit@dickinson.edu
Web site: http://www.dickinson.edu
Rankings: Dickinson College
Located in Carlisle, PA, Dickinson College is one of the best universities in the state of Pennsylvania. On this page, you will find in-depth rankings for Dickinson College in the following areas: graduation rates, teaching resources, financing opportunities, and alumni donations. Latest acceptance rate is also given to show how competitive is Dickinson College.
| Rankings, Ratings, and Admissions Statistics | |
| Overall Ranking: | 46 |
| Score: | 68 |
| Peer college rating (out of 5) | 3.4 |
| Graduation and retention ranking: | 41 |
| Average freshman retention rate: | 90.8% |
| 6-year graduation rate: | 84.0% |
| Predicted graduation rate: | 82% |
| Overperformance(+)/Underperformance(-): | 2 |
| Faculty resources ranking: | 55 |
| Classes with under 20 students (2020): | 67.8% |
| Classes with 50 or more students (2020): | 0.0% |
| Student faculty ratio (2020): | 10:1 |
| Percent of faculty who are full-time (2020) | 92.7% |
| Student selectivity ranking: | 47 |
| SAT/ACT 25th-75th percentile (2020) | 1190-1390 |
| 2020 Freshmen in top 10 percent of high school class: | 50% |
| Freshmen in top 25 percent of high school class (2020): | 87% |
| Fall 2020 Acceptance rate: | 44.2% |
| Financial resources rank: | 60 |
| Alumni giving rank: | 50 |
| Average alumni giving rate (2020): | 35.8% |
Essential Facts: Dickinson College
- Dickinson’s men’s basketball team won Centennial Conference titles in 2013 and 2015, and an at-Large bid to the NCAA tournament in 2014.
- Chartered in 1783 by Benjamin Rush, a signer of the Declaration of Independence and a prominent Philadelphia physician, Dickinson was the first college established in the new United States of America.
- The college has an impressive 8-to-1 student/faculty ratio and an average class size of 15, so students can expect a lot of interaction with faculty.
Rules and regulations Sports Activities
| General Information | |
| Percent of undergraduate students who live in college-owned, operated, or affiliated housing: | 91% |
| Percent of undergraduates who are members of a fraternity: | 21% |
| Percent of student body who are members of a sorority: | 24% |
| Average percentage of students on campus during weekends: | 85% |
| Are all students permitted to have cars on campus? | No |
| Percent of students who have cars on campus: | 23% |
| Is alcohol permitted on campus for students of legal age? | Yes |
| Additional policies and regulations: | class attendance policies set by individual instructors, hazing prohibited |
| Collegiate athletic association: | NCAA III |
| Men’s scholarship sports: | N/A |
| Women’s scholarship sports: | N/A |
| Student activities: | choral groups, concert band, dance, drama/theater, international student organization, jazz band, literary magazine, model UN, music ensembles, musical theater, radio station, student government, student newspaper, student film society, symphony orchestra, yearbook |