Dean College
Franklin, United States • Founded 1865
Overview
Established in 1865, the Dean College is a non-profit private multidisciplinary higher education institution located in the suburban setting of the large town of Franklin (population range of 10,000-49,999 inhabitants), Massachusetts.
Officially accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education, Dean College (DC) is a very small-sized coeducational US higher education institution. Dean College (DC) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation) and bachelor's degrees in several areas of study.
This 159-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 70-79% making this US higher education organization a moderately selective institution.
International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.
DC also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
For visits or applications to Dean College, location and primary contact details are below. Open days are typically announced via social channels — follow them to receive event notifications.
Academic Details
These figures give a quick read on Dean College's scale, staffing levels, and academic standing. Use them to ground decisions about programme fit and institutional capacity.
Academic Structures
Dean College delivers teaching through the academic units below — useful for orienting yourself before reading individual programmes. Each unit operates with a degree of academic autonomy.
Unit 5 items
- Joan Phelps Palladino School of Dance
- School of Business
- School of Continuing Studies
- School of Liberal Arts
- School of the Arts
Programs Offered
Dean College's programme list, with search and degree-level grouping. Search matches programme names; if you don't see your subject, check the divisions section to locate the relevant faculty.
Bachelor's Degree
16 programmes
At undergraduate level, Dean College offers 16 programmes. These bachelor's degrees typically open both direct employment pathways and routes into postgraduate specialisation.
Sociology Social & Cultural Studies
Dance Performing Arts
Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft Performing Arts
Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management Media Management
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Marketing Advertising & Digital Marketing
History History
Communication and Media Studies Communication Studies
Journalism Journalism
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Education & Teaching
English Language and Literature, General English Language Studies
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Liberal Arts
Biology, General Biological Sciences
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness Sport and Exercise Science
Psychology, General Psychology
Criminal Justice and Corrections Criminal Law & Justice
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Associate, Certificate & Other Qualifications
22 programmes
Beyond the main degree tiers, Dean College runs 22 programmes as certificates, diplomas, and associate or foundation programmes — useful for upskilling or as a pathway to bachelor's entry.
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Dance Performing Arts
Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft Performing Arts
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General Health Sciences
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Health/Medical Preparatory Programs Health Sciences
Sociology Social & Cultural Studies
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Accounting and Related Services Accounting
Accounting and Related Services Accounting
Human Resources Management and Services Human Resource Management
History History
Biology, General Biological Sciences
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Education & Teaching
English Language and Literature, General English Language Studies
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Liberal Arts
Communication and Media Studies Communication Studies
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness Sport and Exercise Science
Psychology, General Psychology
Criminal Justice and Corrections Criminal Law & Justice
Homeland Security Criminal Law & Justice
No programmes match your filter in this level.
How to apply to Dean College
A practical five-step guide to applying to Dean College, from programme research through submission and follow-up.
- 1 Find a programme that fits your goals
Use the programme finder to browse Dean College's 38 active programmes. Filter by keyword or scan by degree level. Read curriculum details on each programme's dedicated page if available.
- 2 Confirm you meet the requirements
Programme-level requirements at Dean College typically include academic transcripts, language proficiency proof, identity documents, and a personal statement or interview. Confirm specific requirements with the admissions office.
- 3 Assemble your application package
Prepare academic transcripts, ID/passport copies, language proficiency proof, a personal statement, and reference letters. International candidates may need apostilled or notarised translations — start early to avoid deadline pressure.
- 4 Submit your application
Dean College processes applications through www.dean.edu. Create an account, fill out the application form, and submit your documents. Note application deadlines, which vary by intake and programme.
- 5 Contact admissions and follow up
Confirm receipt of your application with the admissions office and keep an eye on your portal for status changes. Reach the institution by phone at +1 (877) 879 3326. Quick responses to any follow-up requests keep your application moving smoothly through the review process.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dean College
Frequently asked questions about Dean College, covering the institutional basics most prospective applicants want to confirm first.
When was Dean College founded?
Dean College was established in 1865 (approximately 161 years ago).
What city is Dean College in?
Dean College operates from Franklin, United States.
Is Dean College a public or private institution?
Dean College is a private institution.
How big is Dean College's student body?
Dean College serves approximately 1,000-1,999 students.
How many faculties does Dean College have?
Dean College is organised into 5 academic units across its disciplines.
Who recognises Dean College?
Dean College is accredited by New England Commission of Higher Education.
Where can I learn more about Dean College?
The institution's website is www.dean.edu.
Top-Ranked Universities in the United States
Selectivity at the top the United States universities sets admissions baseline expectations for students applying to Dean College. The selectivity gap between Dean College and the leaders below tells you about admissions context.
Members of Council of International Schools (CIS)
Membership criteria for Council of International Schools (CIS) signal what the network values — research output, teaching quality, internationalisation, or institutional governance. Knowing the criteria helps interpret what membership means.
Faculties at Nearby Universities
Beyond Dean College, the surrounding area hosts several universities with overlapping research strengths and faculty mixes. They are worth comparing if location flexibility matters to your decision and you want to keep options open within the same region.
Where Else to Study Performing Arts
Industry partnership exclusives on Performing Arts programmes vary — some the United States institutions hold sponsored chairs, others run rotating industry guest-teaching arrangements.
Universities Often Compared with Dean College
Mid-career outcome data (5–10 year post-graduation) is harder to source but more revealing than starting-salary data. Where available for peer institutions, it is worth comparing.
