Dickinson Promise
The Dickinson Promise is a transformative initiative offering a tuition-free education for families earning $125,000 or less annually, starting with the class of 2030.
In addition, Dickinson will offer incoming domestic students with a family income of $75,000 or less financial-aid packages that do not include student loans.
The new program enables Dickinson to join a small group of schools in the country able to provide such support.
The Dickinson Promise was made possible thanks to the generosity of more than 5,000 alumni, parents, students, faculty staff and friends who supported the Campaign for Scholarships. Thank you to all the donors who made this possible and showed the incredible support of the Dickinson community.
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Frequently Asked Questions for Prospective Students & Families
Who is eligible?
Dickinson Promise is open to incoming first-year, domestic students starting with the class of 2030. Dickinson Promise grants are offered only to first-year prospective students at the time of admission; upperclass students who were not awarded the Dickinson Promise are not eligible to receive the Dickinson Promise in future years. Students are eligible to receive the Dickinson Promise for eight semesters of attendance.
What does this really mean? How is financial aid calculated?
Currently, when compiling a student’s aid package, the college assumes that a portion of the funding will come from federal loans. Starting with the class of 2030, the college will replace the need-based loan with greater financial aid for students with family incomes of $75,000 or less with typical assets.
Will I receive the Dickinson Promise every year?
Continued eligibility will be reviewed on an annual basis, based on required financial aid applications. Incoming students are required to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the CSS Profile. Returning students are required to complete the FAFSA and the General Application. Changes in income and assets could impact future eligibility for the Dickinson Promise.
How do I apply for the Dickinson Promise
Incoming students are required to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the CSS Profile, and submit tax documentation through the College Board’s IDOC Service. A Non-Custodial CSS Profile may be required if the parents are divorced or separated. Returning students are required to complete the FAFSA and the General Application.
Will all the students who qualify for “no loans” graduate debt free?
Not necessarily. Students may still be eligible for, and may request, to borrow a Federal Direct Loan. Also, a family can apply for a private loan if they would like. The college, however, will not require a Federal Direct Loan to be part of the calculation in the aid package.
If I do not submit all my financial aid application materials, will I still be considered for the Dickinson Promise?
No. We cannot assess eligibility until all application materials are received.
My family’s adjusted gross income is in the eligible range. Why don’t I qualify
Eligibility is based on both adjusted gross income (including the non-custodial parent, if applicable) and typical assets. The Office of Financial Aid will review the financial aid application materials to determine if assets are typical for the income level.
Will my external scholarship impact my eligibility for Dickinson Promise?
Whenever possible, Dickinson will attempt to have students benefit from both external scholarships and to not reduce eligibility for Dickinson Promise or other Dickinson funds.
Does this mean that these students will pay no tuition, fees, housing or food?
No. The amount of financial aid will be determined by information from the family’s FAFSA and CSS Profile applications. In most cases, it is likely that the family will be required to pay some portion of the tuition and fees for attendance at Dickinson. The no-loan portion of the award replaces the Federal Direct Subsidized Loan, which students would otherwise be expected to borrow as part of their financial aid package.
If I qualify for the Federal Pell Grant, will I be eligible for the Dickinson Promise?
Not necessarily. While there will likely be overlap between the Pell Grant and Dickinson Promise recipients, we include the non-custodial parent income in the adjusted gross income. Additionally, families need to demonstrate typical assets.
What if my family’s income changes?
The commitment is for all four years assuming that the family income and assets remain similar from year to year.
What other out-of-pocket expenses might I anticipate?
Summer classes, health insurance, books, supplies, personal expenses and travel.
If you have a question that is not answered here, please reach out to your financial-aid counselor.