College should be a wise investment , not a financial burden. In the Center for Student Financial Planning and Services, our aim is to help you and your family understand the financial aid process and make sure you receive the maximum amount of assistance available. At Dean, we’ve helped thousands of students achieve their education goals with all different forms of financial assistance, including scholarships, grants, work study, and loans from federal, state and institutional sources. We know what it takes to help you navigate the many opportunities, resources, deadlines and forms to ensure that you understand and receive the best financial aid solutions. We hope you find this brochure helpful as you navigate the college process. Keep it in an accessible place so you can refer to it along the way. You are not in this alone . We are here to help you every step of the way.
WE SUPPORT YOUR JOURNEY You matter. At Dean College, we are here to support you every step of the way. Whether we’re guiding you through the payment process or assisting you with your career goals, you will find success at Dean. INVESTING IN YOURSELF Your education is an investment in your future, and at Dean College, we are invested in you. Our community is committed to helping you reach your full potential. To support your journey, you will be provided with: • Guaranteed funding from Dean College for all four years of full-time enrollment ( annual completion of the FAFSA may be required ) • One-on-one support with your success and career advisor • The Dean Career Advantage , our holistic approach that starts in week one and continues throughout your four years, preparing you for the job market by integrating real-world experience with your coursework and providing the skills employers expect • A team of faculty and staff who will guide you every step of the way • Access to free learning support services in state-of-the-art facilities • Guaranteed on-campus housing all four years ENDLESS OPPORTUNITIES Through small classes, you will get to know your professors — and they will know you. Through workshops both in and out of the classroom, you will gain real- world knowledge and hands-on experience. No matter what your interest, endless opportunities await, including: • Dean Leadership Institute, a unique opportunity for students to interact with today’s business leaders • Access to one-of-a-kind opportunities through the Center for Business, Entertainment and Sport Management at Dean, including access to Gillette Stadium, home of the New England Patriots • Opportunities for performing arts students to become actively involved onstage and backstage, beginning in their first semester • Student-run organizations and leadership opportunities • NCAA Division III athletics
As a first-generation college student who knew finances were going to be a significant challenge, you bet I was concerned about how much I was going to pay for college. I chose Dean College because I received the best financial aid package. I decided to stay at Dean because it felt like home . I found myself in classes with faculty who got to know me. They respected that I had to work for my education and supported me every step of the way, whether that was creating a class schedule that allowed me to balance my part-time jobs or pushing me to consider who I was as a person through my involvement on
WHY COLLEGE? Many students and families are asking this question in these uncertain and challenging times. However, this is what we know: earning a bachelor’s degree leads to higher earnings, lower unemployment, a wider range of career opportunities, and the sharpest difference in civic participation and health-related behaviors. Having a college degree is all about expanding opportunities. A successful career leads to higher lifetime earnings. In fact, on average, college graduates earn close to $1 million* more over their lifetimes than high school graduates. You will learn to solve problems, increase your awareness of the world around you, become a leader and contribute to your community. Your college experiences will help you make a difference not just in your own life, but also in the lives of those around you. Having a sense of the value of educational experience is critical to thinking about college affordability. If you need to borrow, like most students do, think of it as paying for college over time. The benefits of your education last a lifetime. *Elka Torpey, “Education pays,” Career Outlook, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
campus. MORGAN C.
OF STUDENTS COMPLETE AT LEAST ONE INTERNSHIP BEFORE GRADUATING 100%
OF GRADUATES COMPLETE THEIR DEGREES IN 4 YEARS 95%
OF GRADUATES ARE EMPLOYED OR ENROLLED IN GRAD SCHOOL WITHIN 1 YEAR OF GRADUATING 96%
The Dean Difference isn’t any one thing. It’s everything we do to support your success. With small classes, connected faculty, nationally recognized academic support programs, and expert academic and career advising, everything at Dean is integrated to ensure your education is worth every cent.
COST The actual cost to attend Dean will vary based on your eligibility for a merit scholarship and additional financial aid. Below is the average among all entering students for the 2025–26 academic year based on full-time enrollment and living on campus.
99% OF STUDENTS RECEIVE DEAN SCHOLARSHIPS AND/OR GRANT AID
DISTRIBUTION OF AVERAGE FINANCIAL AID OFFER
Tuition
$ 48,128 $ 20,660
Food and Housing
Fees
$
550
DIRECT COST
$69,338
SCHOLARSHIPS AND GRANTS 84%
HERE FOR YOU Our dedicated team of financial aid specialists will work one-on-one with you and your family through the financial aid process to ensure that you receive all possible sources of assistance to make your Dean education a reality. An education at Dean is far more than a degree; it is the path leading to the career you desire.
Average Financial Aid Offer
$ 44,207
This represents all forms of assistance, including scholarships, grants and loans from all sources.
LOANS 13%
The staff here are amazing! They were able to completely explain my financial aid awards and help me gain as much financial aid as possible. They truly care. BREENA T.
Average Out-of-Pocket Direct Cost $25,131
WORK-STUDY 3%
Be sure to plan for additional costs related to your education, including books and supplies, travel to and from Dean, and your personal expenses. We estimate this to be approximately $2,570 per year.
INCOME RANGES OF DEAN COLLEGE FAMILIES Dean College enrolls students from all economic backgrounds.
OUR COMMITMENT TO YOU We guarantee you will receive the
same level of aid from Dean College sources (Dean scholarships and grants) all four years if you remain a full-time student in good academic standing.
TO SEE YOUR ESTIMATED COST, USE OUR NET PRICE CALCULATOR: dean.edu/calculator
LESS THAN $40,000 GREATER THAN $160,000 28% 20% 25% 27% $40,000– $89,999 $90,000– $160,000
Data is based on new financial aid applicants who enrolled for Fall 2025.
NEED-BASED FINANCIAL AID
MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS At the time of your admission, you are automatically considered for a merit scholarship based on your academic achievement and potential at Dean. Ninety-five percent of admitted students receive an award. Resident student scholarships range from $26,000 to $35,000 per year, with an average award of $32,500, and are guaranteed for four years, provided the student maintains conditions of academic progress. That amounts to $104,000 to $140,000 over four years. It is like getting a year or two of free tuition! Merit scholarships are not based on financial need, so an application for financial aid is not considered Dean offers an interest-free payment plan option to spread out your costs not covered by other forms of financial assistance up to six months per semester. This allows for smaller, more affordable payments over the course of the school year instead of one large payment at the start of each semester. PARENT AND FAMILY LOANS Need more assistance? You’re not alone. We are prepared to assist you in finding additional sources to cover the rest of your costs. In the meantime, our website has information to get you started. For information about these additional options, visit dean.edu/paymentplans . when making a scholarship decision. ADDITIONAL OPTIONS PAYMENT PLAN
The staff were amazing during my financing process. When my financial aid package came in the mail and I wasn’t sure what the differences between my awards were, or what subsidized and unsubsidized loans were, they helped me out. EMILY W.
Additional assistance in the form of grants, student loans, work study and parent loans is available by completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). GRANTS Based on your financial need, we will make sure you get all the grants you qualify for from all sources, including federal and state governments as well as Dean College. Grants are often called “gift aid,” since you do not need Part-time work study jobs are available for those who qualify. You will earn your money throughout the year and will receive a paycheck every two weeks based on your hours worked. Most students work six to eight hours per week. There are also part-time jobs available on campus and near campus if you do not qualify for work-study funds. This is also a great way to gain valuable professional experience and build your resume and network. STUDENT LOANS to repay them. WORK STUDY While loans should be used as a final option after scholarships and grants, responsible borrowing is an investment in your future and will be manageable to repay once you graduate. Student loans are an excellent resource if you need additional funds to cover your full cost. Approximately 80% of students at Dean College borrow to assist with their educational expenses. These funds need to be repaid after you leave Dean College. Please Note: Institutional need-based funding, along with federal and state sources of financial aid, are available to U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens only.
Dean wants you to succeed. They provide you with the pathway to get through college and make it into the real world. They do everything they can during your time here to make your experience the most amazing it can be. NICK S.
PART-TIME JOBS ARE AVAILABLE FOR STUDENTS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
RESOURCES JUST FOR YOU
HOW TO APPLY 3 If you plan to enroll at Dean in the fall of 2026, complete the 2026-27 FAFSA by our priority filing date of March 15 . The FAFSA can be completed at studentaid.gov using Dean’s school code of 002144 . Don’t delay — file today! FAFSA, keep an eye on your email in case anything else is needed. Your financial aid checklist in your Applicant Status portal will also keep you on track. 3 You will be notified of your merit scholarship eligibility with your admissions acceptance letter. 3 Once you have submitted your 3 If your FAFSA is received by the time you are admitted, you will receive your financial aid offer approximately two weeks after your admission — otherwise, you will receive it approximately two to three weeks after your FAFSA is received. Remember, you are not alone in the financial aid process. Consider Dean staff your first resource in helping you reduce your cost to attend college or answer any question you have about the admissions or financial aid process. No question is too big or too small!
Do I need to wait until I am admitted to complete my FAFSA? No. Submit your FAFSA as early as possible. You don’t even have to wait until you submit your admissions application. The Admissions Office and Student Financial Planning will coordinate your applications. I don’t think I will qualify for financial aid. Should I apply anyway? We recommend that all U.S. citizens and permanent residents complete the FAFSA. It is free and ensures that you are considered for all assistance. Federal student and federal parent loans also require the FAFSA. Will I receive financial aid every year? Your merit scholarship will be renewed every year. To receive other assistance, like grants, work-study and loans, you must submit the FAFSA every year. You can expect to receive the same amount of Dean College funding every year. Your eligibility for federal and state funds will be based on your FAFSA. Students must maintain satisfactory academic progress as indicated in the academic catalog. Will applying for financial aid hurt my chances of being admitted? No. Your financial circumstances are not used in making an admissions decision. What if my family’s financial situation is different today from the information we reported on the FAFSA? Contact Student Financial Planning to explain your circumstances. Changes to income based on employment changes, uncovered medical expenses, and other personal circumstances would qualify you for a re-evaluation of your financial aid eligibility.
What if I receive a scholarship from outside of Dean? Will it affect my financial aid? In most cases it will not. In some cases, if you are taking loans, we may need to adjust your loan. Another school offered me more money. Will Dean match that amount? Dean does not match scholarships and financial aid offers from other colleges. However, if you would like to discuss your cost to attend Dean compared to other colleges, we are happy to have that conversation with you. Can my parents apply for a loan to help pay for my expenses? This is very common among Dean parents. More information about parent and family loans is available on the Dean website. My parents are divorced/separated. Do I have to file the FAFSA with both parents? The FAFSA will walk you through a series of questions to help you determine which parent(s) must provide information. You must report information for the parent that provided most of your support in the last 12 months. If your parent has remarried, you will also need to include information for your parent’s spouse. How do I know if I’ve done everything I need to do? When you apply for admission, you will gain access to your Applicant Status portal, which includes a checklist of all the things you need to do for both admissions and financial aid. We will also send reminders to the email address you provide on your admissions application.
ADMISSIONS COUNSELORS Contact your counselor directly, email admissions@dean.edu or call 508-541-1508 . FINANCIAL PLANNING SPECIALISTS Our experts will assist you throughout the process. Call 508-541-1518 or email sfp@dean.edu with any questions.
ADMISSIONS AND FINANCIAL AID APPOINTMENTS
Schedule an appointment online to speak with someone by phone or video chat at dean.edu/askfinancialaid . WEBINARS We offer webinars throughout the year to assist you in all aspects of financial aid and paying for college. See the schedule under Live Virtual Events as well as on-demand recordings at dean.edu/visit . Review the Cost & Aid page on the Dean website, dean.edu/financialaid , for even more information. OUTSIDE SCHOLARSHIPS Be sure to check with your high school about opportunities for seniors. There are also several websites to search for additional scholarships, including fastweb.com , finaid.org , scholarships.com and collegeboard.org . VETERANS EDUCATIONAL BENEFITS Dean College certifies all VA educational benefit chapters and participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program. Read more about this program at dean.edu/aid .
2025-2026
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