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In accordance with the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 (HEOA), all institutions of higher education that receive federal student financial assistance are required to make student consumer information available to all enrolled and prospective students.
Click on any of the links below for more information.
General Institutional Information
Accreditation | Copyright Infringement – Policies and Sanctions | Privacy of Student Records – Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) | Financial Statements | Nondiscrimination Statement | Information Dissemination | Textbook Information | Constitution Day | Misrepresentation| Student Complaint Process
Academics
Educational Programs – Undergraduate Degrees & Certificate Programs | Notice of Participating and Non-participating States for EMT Paramedic Professional Licensure | Transfer of Credit Policies and Articulation Agreements
Faculty
School of the Arts | Dean R. Sanders '47 School of Business | Joan Phelps Palladino School of Dance | School of Liberal Arts
Campus Life
Student Activities | Instructional Facilities | Facilities and Services For Students With Disabilities | Student Diversity | Voter Registration
Financial Aid Information
Price of Attendance | Net Price Calculator | Refund Policy | Overview of Financial Aid | How to Apply for Aid and Aid Eligibility | How Aid is Awarded | How Aid is Disbursed | Terms of Student Loans | Title IV Code of Conduct | Terms of Student Employment | Financial Aid for Study Abroad | Scholarship Fraud | Information published by the U.S. Department of Education | Satisfactory Academic Progress | Entrance and Exit Loan Counseling | CARES Act Information | Loan Repayment | Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA)
Health and Safety
Campus Safety and Security (Clery Reports) | Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Program | Emergency Preparedness | Fire Safety Procedures | Missing Person Notification Policy | Hazing | Vaccination Policies
Student Outcomes
Career and Job Placement Services and Rates | Retention & Graduation Rates | College Navigator (National Center for Education Statistics – NCES)
General Institutional Information
Accreditation
Dean is fully accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).
New England Commission of Higher Education
301 Edgewater Place
Suite 210
Wakefield, MA 01880
774-425-7785
www.neche.org
View New England Commission of Higher Education details on Dean College’s accreditation.
Copyright Infringement – Policies and Sanctions
View the Dean College Copyright Infringement
Privacy of Student Records – Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (frequently referred to as the Buckley Amendment) is a federal law that requires the College to maintain the confidentiality of student educational records and is intended to be a safeguard against unauthorized release of information contained in student educational records. This act applies to all enrolled students, former students and alumni. It does not apply to students seeking admission. Click here for more information on privacy of student records.
There are limited exceptions to FERPA regulations under which Dean is permitted to disclose educational records or personally identifiable, non-directory information from education records in connection with a health or safety emergency without student consent. The situation must present imminent danger to a student, other students or members of the school community in order to qualify as an exception. This action is only under circumstances that present imminent danger.
Financial Statements
View 2024 Audited Financial Statements for Dean College.
View 2024 Summary of Annual Audited Financial Statements for Dean College.
View 2023 Financial Statements for Dean College.
View 2023 Summary of Annual Audited Financial Statements.
View 2022 Financial Statements for Dean College.
View 2022 Summary of Annual Audited Financial Statements.
Information Dissemination
The following offices are designated to provide assistance to current and prospective students:
Director of Financial Aid – Center for Student Financial Planning
Registrar - Registrar’s Office
Director of Campus Police and Safety - Campus Police and Safety
Non-Discrimination Statement
Dean College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other legally protected category in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other College-administered programs. The harassment or intimidation of another person, whether student, faculty or staff, or any other act of discrimination that limits another person’s right to equal opportunity or otherwise denies a person equal treatment because of any of these protected categories is also prohibited. Equal treatment and nondiscrimination have been traditional policies of Dean since its founding in 1865. The board of trustees reaffirms these historic policies and makes clear that Dean is operated in compliance with both the spirit and letter of the law. Formal compliance assurance has been on file with the federal government since Feb. 4, 1965.
Textbook Information
Specific information about our required and recommended course materials can be found on Self-Service Course Catalog - Dean College Self Service.
Once in Self-Service, the Course Catalog - Dean College Self Service can be accessed by clicking on the Course Catalog tile. Select a Term and Subject, click Search, and then select a specific Section. The link for textbook information is at the bottom of Section Details.
Books are available at the Follett Bookstore website or on campus.
Constitution Day
Constitution Day is an American federal observance that recognizes the adoption of the U.S. Constitution and those who have become U.S. citizens. It is observed on September 17, the day the delegates from the U.S. Constitutional Convention signed the Constitution in 1787.
In observance of Constitution Day and to celebrate the principles enshrined in America’s founding document Campus Life sponsors events on September 17. Past activities included “The U.S. Runs on the Constitution” event sponsored by the Student Government Association. Facts about the Constitution were posted, and students could participate in a quiz on the Constitution and enter a raffle. Information was presented in the residence halls via posters and on the campus TV.
Misrepresentation
Dean College and its employees are prohibited under federal regulations from making any false, erroneous or misleading statements directly or indirectly to a student, prospective student, member of the public, accrediting agency, state agency or the Department of Education. Misleading statements include any statement that has the likelihood or tendency to deceive or confuse. A statement is any communication made in writing, visually, orally or through other means. This includes student testimonials given under duress or because such testimonial was required to participate in a program. Federal regulations further provide that substantial misrepresentation is any misrepresentation on which the person to whom it was made could reasonably be expected to rely, or has reasonably relied, to that person’s detriment.
The regulations regarding misrepresentation describe misrepresentation with respect to the:
- Nature of the education program
- Nature of financial charges
- Employability of graduates
Dean College provides information to faculty, staff and students about the educational program, financial charges and employability of graduates through the College’s website, the Academic Catalog and in-person trainings to guard against the release of false, erroneous or misleading information about the College.
Employees who fail to adhere to this policy will receive disciplinary action appropriate to the nature and extent of the violation, up to and including termination to ensure that violations are not repeated.
Academics
Educational Programs – Undergraduate Degrees & Certificate Programs
Dean College offers bachelor's and associate degrees as well as certificates
View a full list of Dean’s Academic Programs.
The Academic Catalog of Dean College provides current information on college policies, organization, curriculum and academic courses.
Transfer of Credit Policies and Articulation Agreements
The number of credits granted for prior college-level work is determined by the Registrar’s Office.
Review the Transfer Credit Policy found in the Dean College Academic Catalog.
Dean College has established transfer agreements with select four-year institutions to enhance options for students as well as transfer agreements that pave the way for easy transfer to Dean College. For more information please see the Graduate Degree Affiliation Programs web page.
Faculty
Click on the name of the School below for faculty and staff listings.
Dean R. Sanders '47 School of Business
Joan Phelps Palladino School of Dance
Campus Life
Student Activities
Dean College offers a variety of activities for students to become involved on campus. For more information visit the Campus Life webpage.
Instructional Facilities
Dean College has classrooms with state-of-the-art technology, laboratories and performance space. For more information, view the Dean College Campus Map.
Facilities and Services for Students with Disabilities
Dean has a variety of resources and facilities for students with disabilities, including the Morton Family Learning Center. In accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Dean is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to students with documented disabilities.
Learn more on Accessibility Services and the Arch Learning Community.
Student Diversity
For the fall 2021 semester, Dean College enrolled 1,200 students. Of this, 49% were female, and 51% were male.
The students identified themselves according to the following racial/ethnic classifications:
- 1% American Indian/Native Alaskan
- 3% Asian American
- 16% Black/African American (non-hispanic)
- 0% Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
- 11% Hispanic/Latino
- 3% International Students
- 5% Two or more races
- 8% Undisclosed
- 66% White/Caucasian
For the fall 2021 semester, 33% of full-time students were Pell recipients.
Intercollegiate Athletic Program Participation and Financial Support Data (Equity in Athletics Disclosure Act)
Dean College has a total of 16 men's and women's varsity teams, including baseball, basketball, cross country, field hockey, football, golf, lacrosse, soccer, softball and volleyball. The Equity in Athletics Disclosure Act (EADA) requires disclosure of athletic program participation rates and financial support data, demonstrating the school’s commitment to providing equitable athletic opportunities for male and female students.
Dean’s most recent EADA report may be found at the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Postsecondary Education website.
Voter Registration
In compliance with Massachusetts state law, Chapter 475 of the Acts of 1993, effective April 1995, affidavits of voter registration for registrants who reside in any city or town of the Commonwealth are available in the Registrar's Office.
Financial Aid Information
Price of Attendance
Learn more about the price of attendance, including the estimated total, including tuition, fees, room and board, books and supplies, and personal expenses.
Net Price Calculator
Dean College’s Net Price Calculator is available to help current and prospective students, families and other consumers estimate the cost of a Dean education. The calculator includes estimates of the types of financial aid students may be awarded.
Refund Policy
Dean College publishes its policies for any students officially withdrawing from its Undergraduate programs. The federal government mandates that students who withdraw from all classes may only keep the Title IV (federal) grant and loan assistance they have earned up to the time of withdrawal. View The Dean College Refund Policies.
Overview of Financial Aid
Helpful information regarding Dean College financial aid can be found at the Financial Aid page.
How to Apply for Aid and Aid Eligibility
All students who apply for admission will be considered for merit-based scholarships. Students apply for need-based financial aid from Dean College by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) using the FAFSA School Code for Dean College: 002144. If the student has financial need, Dean College may award a combination of need-based grants and federal loans. The priority deadline to apply is March 15.
To be eligible for federal financial aid, students must be:
- Be a United States citizen or eligible non-citizen
- Be admitted and enrolled in a program leading to a degree
- Be making satisfactory academic progress
- Not be in default on a federal educational loan and not owe a refund on a federal grant
Learn more about applying for financial aid at Dean.
How Aid is Awarded
Dean College awards federal grants and loans based on financial need as determined by the FAFSA. Institutional scholarships and grants are awarded based both on merit and financial need. Dean College uses the “Federal Methodology” to determine a student’s eligibility for funding, which is the calculation used by the federal government to determine a student’s need through the FAFSA.
Each academic year a student’s cost of attendance (COA) is calculated. A student’s COA consists of:
- Tuition & Fees (charged by the institution)
- Room & Board (charged by the institution)
- Allowances for Educational Expenses (Books, Transportation, Personal and Fees)
COA Formula:
Cost of Attendance - Expected Family Contribution (determined by the FAFSA) = Financial Need
For more detail, visit Dean College's Types of Aid.
How Aid is Disbursed
The Financial Aid Office awards aid and authorizes payment to students, the Bursar's office disburses the funds to the student's account. At Dean College, Federal and State financial aid will not be disbursed to students until after the add/drop period has ended.
Dean College delays the disbursement of Direct Stafford loan funds until 30 calendar days after the student’s program of study begins if the student is in the first year of an undergraduate program and is a first-time Federal Direct Loan borrower.
The Financial Aid Office confirms that the student is enrolled at least half time and has not withdrawn from classes prior to disbursement. If a student ceases to meet minimum eligibility requirements to receive State and Title IV funds, the program funds are then canceled and not disbursed to the student's account.
Terms of Student Loans
Dean College students and their families may find information regarding available educational loan programs, along with terms and conditions by visiting our Types of Financial Aid webpage.
Title IV Code of Conduct
Federal law requires that an institution participating in a Title IV loan program must develop, publish, administer, and enforce a code of conduct. The following code of conduct applies to all officers, employees, and agents of the College.
- Officers, employees, and agents of the College will not participate in revenue-sharing arrangements with any lender. “Revenue-sharing arrangement” is any arrangement between an institution and a lender under which the lender makes Title IV loans to students attending the institution (or to the families of those students), the institution recommends the lender or the loan products of the lender and, in exchange, the lender pays a fee or provides other material benefits, including revenue or profit-sharing, to the institution or to its officers, employees, or agents;
- Employees of the College’s Student Financial Planning office, Admissions/Enrollment Management staff, Campus Life staff, (or employee who otherwise has responsibilities with respect to education loans or financial aid) may not receive gifts from a lender, guaranty agency, loan servicers, students, families of students or other potential organizations that may cause a conflict of interest. No officer or employee of an institution’s financial aid office (or an employee or agent who otherwise has responsibilities with respect to educational loans) may solicit or accept any gift from a lender, guarantor, or servicer of education loans. A “gift” is defined as any gratuity, favor, discount, entertainment, hospitality, loan, or other item having monetary value of more than $50.00. However, a gift does not include (1) a brochure, workshop, or training using standard materials relating to a loan, default aversion, or financial literacy, such as a brochure, workshop or training; (2) food or gifts to the College or department within the College: (3) training, or informational material provided as part of a training session designed to improve the service of a lender, guarantor, or servicer if the training contributes to the professional development of the institution’s officer, employee or agent; (4) favorable terms and benefits on an education loan provided to a student employed by the institution if those terms and benefits are comparable to those provided to all students at the institution; (5) entrance and exit counseling as long as the institution’s staff are in control of the counseling and the counseling does not promote the services of a specific lender; (6) philanthropic contributions from a lender, guarantor, or servicer that are unrelated to education loans or any contribution that is not made in exchange for advantage related to education loans, and; (7) State education grants, scholarships, or financial aid funds administered by or on behalf of a State;
- No officer or employee of the College’s Student Financial Planning office, Admissions/Enrollment Management staff, Campus Life staff (or employee or agent who otherwise has responsibilities with respect to education loans) may accept from a lender, or an affiliate of any lender, any fee, payment, or other financial benefit as compensation for any type of consulting arrangement or contract to provide services to or on behalf of a lender relating to education loans;
- The College may not steer borrowers to lenders or delay loan certifications. For any first-time borrower, an institution may not assign, through the award packaging or other methods, the borrower’s loan to a lender. In addition, the institution may not refuse to certify, or delay the certification, of any loan based on the borrower’s selection of a lender or guaranty agency.
- The College will not request or accept from any lender any offer of funds for private loans, including funds for an opportunity pool loan, to students in exchange for providing concessions or promises to the lender for a specific number of Title IV loans made, insured, or guaranteed, a specified loan volume, or a preferred lender arrangement. An “opportunity pool loan” is defined as a private education loan made by a lender to a student (or the student’s family) that involves a payment by the institution to the lender for extending credit to the student.
- The College will not request or accept from any lender any assistance with call center staffing or financial aid office staffing, except that a lender may provide professional development training, educational counseling materials (as long as the materials identify the lender that assisted in preparing the materials), or staffing services on a short-term, nonrecurring basis during emergencies or disasters;
- An employee of the College’s Student Financial Planning office, Admissions/Enrollment Management staff, Campus Life staff (or employee who otherwise has responsibilities with respect to education loans or financial aid) who serves on an advisory board, commission, or group established by a lender or guarantor (or a group of lenders or guarantors) is prohibited from receiving anything of value over $50.00 from the lender, guarantor, or group, except for reimbursement for reasonable expenses incurred by the employee for serving on the board.
Terms of Student Employment
Student employment includes a wide variety of opportunities within various departments of the College, along with approved off-campus employment. Currently enrolled or newly deposited students may use their Dean College login credentials to access employment opportunities online through Handshake.
Students are required to find employment on their own and be paid based on hours worked and an hourly wage. Student employment and federal work-study are not deducted from the bill.
For more information about federal work-study, please contact Student Financial Planning at 508-541-1518 or by email at sfp@dean.edu.
Financial Aid for Study Abroad
Students interested in a study abroad program should contact Melissa Read, director of the Study Away Program, to assist with any questions about the process or potential locations. Melissa can be reached at 508-541-1654 or via email at mread@dean.edu
Depending on the cost of the study abroad program, financial aid received may or may not cover all the costs. It is vital to contact the Center for Student Financial Planning and Services in order to make sure all the proper forms and agreements are completed. You may visit the Center on the first floor of Dean Hall or contact the Center at 508-541-1574 or via email at sfp@dean.edu.
Scholarship Fraud
The College Scholarship Fraud Prevention Act of 2000 was passed to protect against fraud in student financial aid by establishing stricter sentencing guidelines for criminal financial aid fraud.
Information published by the U.S. Department of Education
Information regarding applying for and receiving Federal Student Aid please visit: https://studentaid.gov/
Students may access information regarding the Federal Student Loans they have borrowed by logging into the National Student Loan Data System. You must use your FAFSA FSA ID and password to log into your account.
Student Complaint Process
Dean College strives to resolve student concerns and complaints in an expeditious, fair and professional manner. If there is a problem that you have encountered, we encourage you to attempt to resolve the matter diplomatically through the avenues described in the Student Complaint and Grievance Procedures.
Satisfactory Academic Progress
For detailed information on the Dean College Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy for students receiving student financial assistance, visit our Financial Aid Policies webpage.
Entrance and Exit Loan Counseling
Each student receiving a loan from the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan (Direct Loan) Program at Dean must complete entrance counseling. This requirement also applies to students who have previously borrowed at another institution. Loans funds cannot be released until this requirement has been met.
When students graduate, withdraw or drop below half-time enrollment from the College they must also complete Exit Counseling.
CARES Act Information
The Federal Government passed the CARES Act: Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund in March 2020. Learn more about how we are distributing the student share of the CARES Act.
Loan Repayment
All federal direct loans (federal student loans and federal parent PLUS loans) require repayment. These loans may be deferred until graduation, withdrawal or enrollment drops below half-time. Depending on the amount borrowed, students may have up to 10 years to repay loan funds.
Students who borrowed student loans and are unable to meet their repayment obligations may be eligible for a deferment or forbearance, allowing them more time to repay the loan and/or lower monthly payments. Borrowers should consult their loan servicers.
For additional information, we recommend you read Federal Student Aid’s “Repaying Your Student Loans” and Federal Student Aid’s FAQ on Parent PLUS Loans.
Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA)
The Federal Government passed the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA) in late December 2020. Learn more about how we are using this funding.
Health and Safety
Campus Safety and Security (Clery Reports)
In compliance with the Federal Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security and Campus Statistics Act of 1998 (formerly the Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act of 1990), the Dean Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available as a PDF for you to download. You may also request a paper copy from the Campus Safety Department.
Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Program
Dean College is committed to creating and maintaining a campus environment that is free of illicit drug use and where all laws relating to alcohol are observed. In compliance with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989 and other relevant state and federal laws, the College has developed a Drug and Alcohol Awareness Policy and Program.
For more information, please see our Substance Awareness Policy Program in the Code of Student Conduct.
Emergency Preparedness
Dean College provides a wide range of assistance that ensures compliance with the policies and regulations of the College and the bylaws of the Town of Franklin. Campus Safety provides a regular security activity report and security alerts to members of the Dean community to increase awareness of potential hazards on and off-campus. More information can be found on our Campus Safety page.
Fire Safety Procedures
Dean College enforces the Town of Franklin fire codes. Our Code of Student Conduct provides information regarding our rules and regulations. Please see page 11 of our Code of Student Conduct for more information.
Missing Person Notification Policy
The missing student policy has been developed for students who live in residence halls or other housing operated by the college.
See pages 33-34 of the Dean College Annual Security and Fire Safety Report.
Hazing
Dean College and Massachusetts law strictly prohibit hazing. Dean College policy defines hazing as “any activity expected of someone joining a group that humiliates, degrades, abuses or endangers regardless of the person’s willingness to participate."
Students and organizations found in violation of our hazing policy will be subject to disciplinary action.
Please review page 11 of our Code of Student Conduct.
Vaccination Policies
Massachusetts law requires all new students to submit documentation of immunity to certain infectious diseases. For more information please visit our Health Services Forms and Information page.
Student Outcomes
Career and Job Placement Services and Rates
Dean College has compiled a list of internships, employers and graduate school placements from our recent graduates. Upon graduation, 74% of our 2023 graduates were employed or attending graduate school. 7% percent of our 2023 graduates reported being accepted into and planning to attend graduate school. Six months after graduating, 84% of our 2023 graduates were either employed or attending graduate school. 7% percent of our 2023 graduates reported being accepted into and planning to attend graduate school. One year after graduation, 94% of our 2022 bachelor's degree recipients were employed or enrolled in graduate school. 18% percent of our 2023 graduates reported being accepted into and planning to attend graduate school. 86% of our 2021 graduates are working or enrolled in a graduate program. 6% of our 2021 graduates are enrolled in a graduate program. Employment is self-reported by graduates and collected according to the NACE (National Association of Colleges and Employers) recommendations and guidelines. Employment data is collected by surveys, calling campaigns, LinkedIn and Facebook for up to one year after graduation.
Learn more about the Office of Career Planning & Internships and recent career placements.
Retention & Graduation Rates
Dean College offers associate and baccalaureate degrees consistent with its mission that a student’s academic and personal success can be achieved through multiple pathways. Graduation and/or transfer are options for all Dean students. At Dean, our primary goal is to always meet students where they are and help them get to where they want to go.
Our most recent first-time, full-time student retention rate is 77%.
Our most recent six-year graduation rate is 52%, and our transfer-out rate is 38%.
College Navigator (National Center for Education Statistics – NCES)
Learn more: College Navigator