Boston college vs Dartmouth — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Dartmouth is the more selective of the two (5.4% vs 16.4% acceptance). Dartmouth ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#501-600 vs #301-400). Boston college graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($104K vs $97K). Dartmouth has lower sticker-price tuition ($68,268 vs $70,702 per year).
Both universities have complete, comparable data in canonical — the choice should come down to fit (campus culture, major, aid package) alongside the differences visible in the numbers below.
Choose Boston college for: higher graduate earnings.
Choose Dartmouth for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, a higher graduation rate.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Dartmouth is more selective (5.4% vs 16.4% acceptance); Dartmouth has a higher median SAT (1534 vs 1507).
Boston college graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($104K vs $97K); Dartmouth has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.5% vs 90.8%).
Dartmouth has lower sticker-price tuition ($68,268 vs $70,702); Dartmouth offers a larger average aid package ($75,301 vs $61,753).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Boston college | Dartmouth |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #501-600 | #301-400 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 16.4% | 5.4% |
| Yield rate | 42.5% | 70.9% |
| Median SAT | 1507 | 1534 |
| Avg. GPA | — | — |
| Number of applications | 34,779 | 28,230 |
| International students | 12% | 17% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $104K | $97K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $93K | $110K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $162K | $189K |
| Graduation rate | 90.8% | 95.5% |
| Retention rate | 96% | 98% |
| Median debt | $19,000 | $17,500 |
| Tuition · year | $70,702 | $68,268 |
| Avg. aid package | $61,753 | $75,301 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $24,892 | $24,255 |
| Application fee | — | — |
| Enrollment | 14,726 | 7,273 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Boston college or Dartmouth?
It's harder to get into Dartmouth. Boston college accepts 16.4% of applicants, while Dartmouth accepts 5.4%.
Do Boston college or Dartmouth graduates earn more?
Boston college graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $104K vs $97K.
How much is tuition at Boston college vs Dartmouth?
Sticker-price tuition is $70,702 per year at Boston college and $68,268 per year at Dartmouth.
What SAT score do you need for Boston college or Dartmouth?
The median admitted SAT score is 1507 at Boston college and 1534 at Dartmouth; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Boston college or Dartmouth?
Dartmouth ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #501-600 for Boston college vs #301-400 for Dartmouth.
Which university offers more financial aid — Boston college or Dartmouth?
The average aid package is $61,753 at Boston college and $75,301 at Dartmouth.
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