Dickinson College is a private liberal arts college in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, founded in 1773 by Benjamin Rush, a signer of the Declaration of Independence. Dickinson is nationally recognized for its commitment to global education, with one of the highest study-abroad participation rates in the country. The college is also a leader in sustainability, having achieved carbon neutrality and integrating environmental responsibility across its curriculum.
Mascot: Red Devil
Notable Alumni
James Buchanan (15th U.S. President)•Spencer Fullerton Baird (Smithsonian Institution head)•Christina Paxson (president of Brown University)
At a Glance
Cost
Published sticker prices for 2025-2026. Actual cost after aid varies.
Top Programs & National Ranking
Approximate national ranking based on departmental rankings, research output, and program reputation.
Highlights
Campus Experience
Dickinson punches above its weight in study abroad — two-thirds of students go — which creates an unusual social dynamic where the junior class largely vanishes each year. Greek life claims about 40% of campus and dominates weekend socializing in sleepy Carlisle. Academics are rigorous but notably non-competitive; students genuinely help each other, and professors will meet you at a cafe to discuss your paper.
Historic limestone buildings centered around Old West, a National Historic Landmark, give the campus colonial charm in downtown Carlisle. Pleasant and walkable but relatively small and integrated into the town rather than set apart.
Based on Niche reviews, Princeton Review surveys, student forums, and institutional data.
Safety
Low on-campus crime, with most incidents being disciplinary. The college runs a safety shuttle 7 nights a week and maintains 24-hour dispatch.
Carlisle is a small, generally safe borough. The town has a moderate crime rate for its size, and students are advised to stay aware at night.
Based on Clery Act data, student surveys, and local crime statistics.
Plan Your Visit
Schedule: Weekdays year-round; advance registration required
Duration: About 90 minutes (info session + student-led campus tour)
Includes an admissions counselor overview and a student-led walking tour covering academic buildings, residence halls, the Holland Union Building, Kline Center, and Waidner-Spahr Library. Call 800-644-1773 for availability.
Book a TourA self-guided QR-code tour covers 26 campus locations from Old West to the Kline Center. Scan codes at each stop to access videos, photo galleries, and information. Pick up a map in the vestibule of Waidner Admissions House.
Tour ResourcesVisit during the fall semester (September-November) when Carlisle's historic downtown is buzzing and over 30 restaurants are within walking distance. Avoid planning around Carlisle's major car show weekends (spring and fall) when hotels sell out. Winter break (mid-Dec to late Jan) leaves campus quiet.
Free visitor parking on the street and in the Admissions lot adjacent to the Weiss Center for the Arts. Vehicles staying 3+ hours should register at Public Safety for a free hanging tag. Carlisle is at the junction of I-76 (PA Turnpike) and I-81, about 20 minutes SW of Harrisburg. Nearest airport: Harrisburg International (MDT, 30 min).
Location
Similar Colleges
Find the right college for you
Explore 161 colleges by degree, filter by acceptance rate, SAT range, and more.
Explore Colleges