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Dickinson College vs Lafayette College

Dickinson College is a private college in Carlisle, PA, and Lafayette College is a private college in Easton, PA. Lafayette College is the more selective of the two, admitting about 31% of applicants against 42% at Dickinson College. Lafayette College is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $34,433 a year against $37,607 at Dickinson College. About 88% of students graduate at Lafayette College, compared with 82% at Dickinson College. Ten years after enrolling, Lafayette College alumni earn a median of about $91,410, against $70,204 for Dickinson College.

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Dickinson College

Carlisle, PA · Private

Lafayette College

Easton, PA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Carlisle, PA
Easton, PA
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
2,273
2,757
Acceptance rate
42%
31%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.45–4
3.5–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1310–1460
1350–1500
ACT (middle 50%)
30–33
31–33
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$37,607
$34,433
Full cost / yr
$82,902
$83,133
In-state tuition
$65,650
$65,398
Out-of-state tuition
$65,650
$65,398
Application fee
$65
$65
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$40,755
$12,716
$30k - $48k
$15,081
$7,445
$48k - $75k
$16,316
$10,881
$75k - $110k
$22,696
$12,581
Over $110k
$45,175
$52,608
Outcomes
Graduation rate
82%
88%
Freshman retention
92%
90%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$57,110
$80,614
Median earnings (10 yr)
$70,204
$91,410
Median debt at graduation
$19,000
$16,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
13%
12%
First-generation students
12%
15%
International students
12%
7%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 15
Nov 1
Early action
Nov 15
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 15
Jan 5

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 Dickinson College or Lafayette College harder to get into?
Lafayette College is harder to get into. It admits about 31% of applicants, compared with 42% at Dickinson 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, Dickinson College or Lafayette College?
Lafayette College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $34,433 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $37,607 at Dickinson 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 Dickinson College and Lafayette College?
Before aid, Dickinson College costs about $82,902 a year and Lafayette College about $83,133. 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, Dickinson College or Lafayette College?
Lafayette College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $12,716 there, against about $40,755 at Dickinson College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Dickinson College or Lafayette College?
Lafayette College is the larger of the two, with about 2,757 undergraduates against 2,273 at Dickinson College.
Does Dickinson College or Lafayette College have a better graduation rate?
Lafayette College has the higher graduation rate, at about 88% against 82% at Dickinson College.
Do graduates of Dickinson College or Lafayette College earn more?
Lafayette College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $91,410 ten years after enrolling, against about $70,204 for Dickinson College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Dickinson College and Lafayette College require SAT or ACT scores?
Dickinson College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Lafayette College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Dickinson College and Lafayette College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1310–1460 at Dickinson College and 1350–1500 at Lafayette College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school