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Dean College vs Merrimack College

Dean College is a private college in Franklin, MA, and Merrimack College is a private college in North Andover, MA. Merrimack College is the more selective of the two, admitting about 70% of applicants against 74% at Dean College. Dean College is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $30,684 a year against $37,927 at Merrimack College. About 71% of students graduate at Merrimack College, compared with 48% at Dean College. Ten years after enrolling, Merrimack College alumni earn a median of about $75,584, against $38,109 for Dean College.

Dean College

Franklin, MA · Private

Merrimack College

North Andover, MA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Franklin, MA
North Andover, MA
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
1,089
3,916
Acceptance rate
74%
70%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.36–3.86
3.43–3.93
SAT (middle 50%)
910–1105
1070–1240
ACT (middle 50%)
17–22
26–32
Test policy
Test optional
Test blind
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$30,684
$37,927
Full cost / yr
$64,889
$70,038
In-state tuition
$46,526
$53,962
Out-of-state tuition
$46,526
$53,962
Application fee
$0
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$26,996
$31,710
$30k - $48k
$26,798
$29,417
$48k - $75k
$28,640
$31,962
$75k - $110k
$31,161
$36,045
Over $110k
$34,318
$41,050
Outcomes
Graduation rate
48%
71%
Freshman retention
68%
79%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$30,046
$54,316
Median earnings (10 yr)
$38,109
$75,584
Median debt at graduation
$25,000
$27,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
34%
16%
First-generation students
32%
21%
International students
2%
2%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 15
Early action
Nov 1
Nov 15
Regular decision
Rolling
Feb 15

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Dean College or Merrimack College harder to get into?
Merrimack College is harder to get into. It admits about 70% of applicants, compared with 74% at Dean College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Dean College or Merrimack College?
Dean College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $30,684 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $37,927 at Merrimack College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Dean College and Merrimack College?
Before aid, Dean College costs about $64,889 a year and Merrimack College about $70,038. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Dean College or Merrimack College?
Dean College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $26,996 there, against about $31,710 at Merrimack College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Dean College or Merrimack College?
Merrimack College is the larger of the two, with about 3,916 undergraduates against 1,089 at Dean College.
Does Dean College or Merrimack College have a better graduation rate?
Merrimack College has the higher graduation rate, at about 71% against 48% at Dean College.
Do graduates of Dean College or Merrimack College earn more?
Merrimack College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $75,584 ten years after enrolling, against about $38,109 for Dean College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Dean College and Merrimack College require SAT or ACT scores?
Dean College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Merrimack College is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all.
What SAT scores do Dean College and Merrimack College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 910–1105 at Dean College and 1070–1240 at Merrimack College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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