On This Page 

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 StatementsNondiscrimination Statement | Information Dissemination | Textbook Information | Constitution Day | Misrepresentation

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 | School of Continuing Studies

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 | Code of Conduct for Student Loans | Terms of Student Employment | Financial Aid for Study Abroad | Scholarship Fraud | Information published by the U.S. Department of Education | Student Complaint Process | Satisfactory Academic Progress | Entrance and Exit Loan Counseling | CARES Act InformationLoan 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
3 Burlington Woods Drive
Suite 100
Burlington, MA 01803-4514

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 is committed to the principles of affirmative action and equal opportunity for employers. The College does not discriminate against individuals on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, genetic information or any other protected status.  Dean College is dedicated to providing an environment that is free of discrimination and all forms of harassment or coercion that impedes the academic freedom, security or well-being of any member of the community.

Textbook Information

Specific information about our required and recommended readings can be found on Dean Advisor – Search for Sections. 

Once in Dean Advisor, the link to Search for Sections is at the bottom right-hand corner of the page. Select a term and subject, click submit, and then select a Section Name and Title. The link for the textbook information is at the bottom of the page.

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 and Associate degrees in 31 majors. Certificates are offered through the School of Continuing and Professional Studies.

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.

Dean College also offers Paramedic and EMT training programs. Read our Notice of Participating and Non-participating States for EMT Paramedic Professional Licensure.

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 Articulation Agreements web page.

Faculty

Click on the name of the School below for faculty and staff listings.

School of the Arts

Dean R. Sanders '47 School of Business

Joan Phelps Palladino School of Dance 

School of Liberal Arts

School of Continuing Studies

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: 

  1. Tuition & Fees (charged by the institution) 
  2. Room & Board (charged by the institution) 
  3. 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.

Code of Conduct for Student Loans 

View Dean’s code of conduct regarding private lending and student choice.

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