Dickinson College

A spirit of globally engaged liberal arts education defines the intellectual life at Dickinson College, where a distinctive commitment to sustainability, international understanding, and useful learning empowers students to connect classroom knowledge to the world beyond campus. Founded in 1783 by Benjamin Rush, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, Dickinson was chartered with the explicit purpose of providing a "useful education" suited to the needs of a new democracy. Today that founding vision endures across more than 40 majors, minors, and certificate programs that emphasize interdisciplinary thinking and cross-cultural competence. The college’s intimate setting in Carlisle, Pennsylvania provides a cohesive campus environment where approximately 2,100 undergraduates form close relationships with faculty and peers. Within this tight-knit community, roughly two-thirds of students study in more than 50 programs across six continents.

Collaborative inquiry is the hallmark of a Dickinson education, where the campus functions as a launchpad for research, global service, and professional preparation. An 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio ensures individualized mentorship. The college is widely recognized as a national leader in sustainability. For international applicants, Dickinson is need-aware and offers both merit scholarships and need-based financial aid, investing more than $70 million annually in institutional grants. Through this blend of historic mission, global outlook, and practical preparation, Dickinson graduates emerge equipped to engage the world as thoughtful, informed citizens — a claim supported by a 95% success rate within one year of graduation.