Date of visit September 2017
Reviewer Eric Stutman, Top Choice College Consulting
School visited Dean College, Franklin, MA
Vital stats
1,400 undergrads (300 are part time), 55% male, 18:1 student:faculty ratio.
Private, Suburban, founded in 1865.
From Naviance:
70% freshman retention rate;
43% 6-year graduation rate.
68% acceptance rate.
From Dean College:
95% of Bachelors graduate in 4 years.
Cost of attendance: $53,000 (but most students get merit $ averaging $19,000).
Getting there
Franklin is about an hour drive or train ride from Boston, and about a 35 minute drive from Providence, RI. Campus is a few minutes off of Rt. 495, the outer beltway around Boston.
Surrounding area
Integrated in the town of Franklin, a mix of residences as well as businesses, so students can walk to stores and restaurants as well as the commuter rail station to Boston.
Curb appeal
Varied architecture, but the quad and Dean Hall have a nice collegiate look (see photo).
Campus
100 acre campus, divided in half by Main Street. Some dorms and Dean Hall quad are on one side, the student center, admissions and more dorms are on the other side of Main St.
Housing
Students live on campus all 2 (associates degree) or 4 years. The model room was very large with a full-size closet for each student.
Academics
About 15 majors for bachelors degrees and 20 for associates degrees.
About 60% of students pursue bachelors degrees.
Dance is their most well-known program, with about 170 students enrolled. Sport Management is also popular due to Dean's proximity to Gillette Stadium, and relationship with the Kraft Sports Group and the Pawtucket Red Sox.
All bachelors degree students take part in internships. There are very few STEM options.
Also well-known for the Arch program, a fee-based program for students with diagnosed learning differences.
Food
1 main cafeteria, plus a Starbucks and Boomers, a late-day sports pub. Cafeteria looked recently remodeled, with a nice station-based circle and separate grill station.
Library
One seen on the tour. Nothing unusual to report.
Greek life
None.
Sports
8 men's, 6 women's sports. Still transitioning from Junior college status to Division 3.
100 student football team represents 10% of the student body!
Religion
No affiliation.
Getting in
About 68% overall acceptance rate. About 54% of students are from out of state. Essay optional. After a conversation with admissions reps, I think almost any GPA seems ok if you can demonstrate why Dean is a good fit for you.
Eric's opinion, not fact
For a student who wants a very small school and does not have a high GPA in high school, Dean may be a good fit. Especially true if the student likes dance, theater or sports management. I liked how friendly and welcoming the staff was, the proximity to a town and commuter rail station, as well as all students living in college housing. My tour guide said there isn't much drinking or drugs in part because everyone, including your professors, will find out quickly.
Campus Photos