Organizer Information
Dickinson College is a private liberal arts college in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, founded in 1783. For students interested in visual arts and related disciplines, the Department of Art & Art History offers undergraduate study through an Art & Art History major with Art History and Studio Art options. The college also offers an interdisciplinary Film & Media Studies minor.
Key Information
- Official Institution Name: Dickinson College
- Opportunity Type: University Programs & Admissions
- Study Levels: Undergraduate
- Degrees Offered: BA
- Academic Fields: Fine Arts, Studio Art, Art History, Film & Media
- Relevant Programs: Art & Art History major — Art History option; Art & Art History major — Studio Art option; Film & Media Studies minor
- Language of Instruction: English
- International Applicants: Yes
- Application Period: Fall 2027 admission cycle
- Application Deadline: 15 November 2026; 15 January 2027
- Start of Studies: Fall 2027
- Application Fee: $0
- Tuition: $71,100 for 2026–27
- Funding: Scholarships and need-based financial aid available.
Field of Study & Eligible Disciplines
- The Art & Art History major is available through two options: Studio Art and Art History. Studio Art covers areas including drawing, painting, printmaking, photography, digital studio practices, sculpture and ceramics. Art History includes study ranging from ancient art through modern and contemporary art, with courses in areas such as museum studies, architecture, design and Asian art.
- Film & Media Studies is offered as a six-course interdisciplinary minor incorporating critical analysis and media creation, including screenwriting and video production.
- Dickinson's Art & Art History Department encourages prospective students to submit an optional portfolio through SlideRoom. A portfolio is not required for admission and does not determine eligibility to major in Art & Art History.
General Eligibility
- Dickinson accepts first-year applicants through its undergraduate admissions process, including international applicants. First-year applicants must complete an admission application and meet the college's academic and application requirements. Dickinson is test-optional; SAT or ACT scores may be submitted but are not required.
- Educational Background: First-year applicants must provide official secondary-school transcripts. Applicants are expected to have completed a college-preparatory secondary-school curriculum. International applicants must provide academic records from their most recent three years of secondary school, with English translations where required.
- For international applicants, Dickinson also requires a Certification of Finances, whether or not the applicant is requesting financial aid.
Language Requirements
- Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate English proficiency. Dickinson lists the following recommended scores:
- TOEFL iBT: 90, or 4.5 under the TOEFL scoring changes effective January 2026
- IELTS: 7.0
- Duolingo English Test: 120, with interview
- English proficiency can also be demonstrated through at least three years at a high school where English is the principal language of instruction, subject to Dickinson's stated conditions.
Application Fee
| Applicant Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| First-year applicants | $0 |
Dickinson eliminated its undergraduate application fee.
Tuition
| Academic Year | Study Level | Tuition | Required Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026–27 | Undergraduate | $71,100 | $550 |
- Dickinson lists $71,100 in tuition and $550 in required fees for 2026–27.
- International students should also account for mandatory health insurance and other costs that Dickinson states are not covered by its international financial-aid calculations.
Funding & Financial Support
- Dickinson offers merit scholarships and need-based financial aid to international students. International admission is need-aware, and an applicant's ability to finance their education is considered in admission decisions. Need-based aid applicants must complete the CSS Profile and Certification of Finances.
- For domestic students, Dickinson states that it meets 100% of demonstrated financial need and has introduced the Dickinson Promise for qualifying domestic families.
University Services & Academic Support
- Art & Art History students have access to specialized facilities including individual senior studios, photography facilities, a woodshop, sculpture facilities and gallery spaces. The Trout Gallery provides opportunities for exhibitions, museum-based learning and senior-level curatorial work.
- Students also have access to academic advising and college-wide career development services, including internship, employment, mentoring and graduate-school support. International students receive dedicated International Student & Scholar Services and international orientation support.
Application Requirements
- Completed first-year application with essay
- Official secondary-school transcript
- Counselor recommendation and school report
- One teacher recommendation; two are recommended
- Senior-year academic grades before the admission decision
- English proficiency evidence for applicants whose first language is not English
- Early Decision Agreement, if applying Early Decision
SAT/ACT scores are optional. An Art & Art History portfolio is optional and may be submitted through SlideRoom as an application supplement.
International applicants additionally submit the required financial documentation, including the Certification of Finances; applicants seeking need-based aid must also complete the CSS Profile.
How to Apply?
- Application Portal
Deadline & Timeline
- Application Opens: 1 August 2026
- Early Decision I & Early Action Deadline: 15 November 2026
- Early Decision II Deadline: 15 January 2027
- Regular Decision Deadline: 15 January 2027
- International Interview Scheduling Deadline: 11 December 2026
Location
Dickinson College — Carlisle, Pennsylvania, United States
Additional Details
Dickinson's art portfolio is an optional admissions supplement, not a mandatory admission requirement. The Department recommends approximately 10–20 images and requires submissions to be made through SlideRoom rather than as physical materials.
The Art & Art History major is an undergraduate liberal-arts program rather than a standalone graduate art degree. Studio Art and Art History are options within the major, while Film & Media Studies is offered as a minor.
The tuition figure above is the currently published 2026–27 amount; Dickinson's official sources reviewed for this page do not establish a final 2027–28 tuition amount, so no unsupported 2027–28 figure is provided.