Dickinson College vs Saint Francis University: which has better ROI?
Saint Francis University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $94,104 in 6.8 years versus 6.9 years at Dickinson College, on median earnings of $62,101 vs $70,204 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Dickinson College | Saint Francis University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $37,607 | $23,526 |
| Total net cost | $150,428 | $94,104 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $70,204 | $62,101 |
| Median debt | $19,000 | $27,000 |
| Payback | 6.9 yrs | 6.8 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $286,452 | $180,716 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Dickinson College or Saint Francis University?
Saint Francis University, at $23,526 a year after aid versus $37,607 — a gap of $14,081 a year, or $56,324 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Dickinson College or Saint Francis University graduates earn more?
Dickinson College graduates report a median $70,204 ten years after entry, $8,103 more than the $62,101 at Saint Francis University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, Dickinson College or Saint Francis University?
Dickinson College: its completers carry a median $19,000 in federal loans versus $27,000 at Saint Francis University, a difference of $8,000. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
80% of students finish at Dickinson College, against 74% at Saint Francis University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.