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Dickinson College vs Villanova University

Dickinson College is a private college in Carlisle, PA, and Villanova University is a private university in Villanova, PA. Villanova University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 27% of applicants against 42% at Dickinson College. Dickinson College is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $37,607 a year against $43,756 at Villanova University. About 92% of students graduate at Villanova University, compared with 82% at Dickinson College. Ten years after enrolling, Villanova University alumni earn a median of about $100,423, against $70,204 for Dickinson College.

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Dickinson College

Carlisle, PA · Private

Villanova University

Villanova, PA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Carlisle, PA
Villanova, PA
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
2,273
6,938
Acceptance rate
42%
27%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.45–4
3.51–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1310–1460
1395–1510
ACT (middle 50%)
30–33
32–34
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$37,607
$43,756
Full cost / yr
$82,902
$84,793
In-state tuition
$65,650
$67,776
Out-of-state tuition
$65,650
$67,776
Application fee
$65
$80
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$40,755
$17,823
$30k - $48k
$15,081
$16,496
$48k - $75k
$16,316
$20,923
$75k - $110k
$22,696
$33,389
Over $110k
$45,175
$58,741
Outcomes
Graduation rate
82%
92%
Freshman retention
92%
95%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$57,110
$84,905
Median earnings (10 yr)
$70,204
$100,423
Median debt at graduation
$19,000
$25,874
Student body
Pell grant recipients
13%
12%
First-generation students
12%
13%
International students
12%
2%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 15
Nov 1
Early action
Nov 15
Nov 1
Regular decision
Jan 15
Jan 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 Dickinson College or Villanova University harder to get into?
Villanova University is harder to get into. It admits about 27% 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 Villanova University?
Dickinson College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $37,607 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $43,756 at Villanova University. 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 Villanova University?
Before aid, Dickinson College costs about $82,902 a year and Villanova University about $84,793. 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 Villanova University?
Villanova University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $17,823 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 Villanova University?
Villanova University is the larger of the two, with about 6,938 undergraduates against 2,273 at Dickinson College.
Does Dickinson College or Villanova University have a better graduation rate?
Villanova University has the higher graduation rate, at about 92% against 82% at Dickinson College.
Do graduates of Dickinson College or Villanova University earn more?
Villanova University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $100,423 ten years after enrolling, against about $70,204 for Dickinson College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Dickinson College and Villanova University require SAT or ACT scores?
Dickinson College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Villanova University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Dickinson College and Villanova University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1310–1460 at Dickinson College and 1395–1510 at Villanova University. 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