Dartmouth vs Boston University - US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
The verdict, from the data
The lower acceptance rate belongs to Dartmouth: 6% against 12.8% (Boston University).
The share of international students differs sharply: 20.1% (Boston University) against 14.5% (Dartmouth).
For an applicant from outside the US the difference is financial: Dartmouth awards international students $87,562 on average, Boston University awards $56,639.
The order of prices reverses once aid is counted: Dartmouth starts at $96,098 against $94,427 and ends at $20,797 against $25,031 (Boston University).
These numbers describe the cohorts already enrolled, not your chances; treat them as a starting point rather than a forecast.
Every sentence above comes from a field we hold in canonical. Where the data is missing, or the gap is small enough to be noise, the sentence simply does not appear.
EXPERT TAKE
Dartmouth is the more selective of the two (6.02% vs 12.83% acceptance). Boston University ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#301-400 vs #101-150). Dartmouth graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($97K vs $83K). Boston University has lower sticker-price tuition ($71,372 vs $71,525 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 Dartmouth for: higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings, a higher graduation rate.
Choose Boston University for: a higher world ranking, lower tuition.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Dartmouth is more selective (6.02% vs 12.83% acceptance); Dartmouth has a higher median SAT (1520 vs 1470).
Dartmouth graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($97K vs $83K); Dartmouth has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.5% vs 88.7%).
Boston University has lower sticker-price tuition ($71,372 vs $71,525); Dartmouth offers a larger average aid package ($75,301 vs $69,396).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Dartmouth | Boston University |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #301-400 | #101-150 |
| Rank · THE | - | #75 |
| Acceptance rate | 6.02% | 12.83% |
| Yield rate | 70.9% | 35% |
| Median SAT | 1520 | 1470 |
| Avg. GPA | - | 3.86 |
| Number of applications | 28,230 | 76,776 |
| International students | 14.5% | 20.1% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $97K | $83K |
| Bottom 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $65K | $57K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $189K | $122K |
| Graduation rate | 95.5% | 88.7% |
| Retention rate | 98% | 94.2% |
| Median debt | $17,500 | $23,250 |
| Tuition · year | $71,525 | $71,372 |
| Avg. aid package | $75,301 | $69,396 |
| % of need met | 100% | 92% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $24,255 | $36,774 |
| Application fee | - | $80 |
| Enrollment | 7,273 | 36,977 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Dartmouth or Boston University?
It's harder to get into Dartmouth. Dartmouth accepts 6.02% of applicants, while Boston University accepts 12.83%.
Do Dartmouth or Boston University graduates earn more?
Dartmouth graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $97K vs $83K.
How much is tuition at Dartmouth vs Boston University?
Sticker-price tuition is $71,525 per year at Dartmouth and $71,372 per year at Boston University.
What SAT score do you need for Dartmouth or Boston University?
The median admitted SAT score is 1520 at Dartmouth and 1470 at Boston University; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher - Dartmouth or Boston University?
Boston University ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #301-400 for Dartmouth vs #101-150 for Boston University.
Which university offers more financial aid - Dartmouth or Boston University?
The average aid package is $75,301 at Dartmouth and $69,396 at Boston University.
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