Dartmouth vs Cornell — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Dartmouth is the more selective of the two (5.4% vs 8.8% acceptance). Cornell ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#301-400 vs #12). Cornell graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($104K vs $97K). Dartmouth has lower sticker-price tuition ($68,268 vs $69,314 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, a higher graduation rate, higher retention.
Choose Cornell for: a higher world ranking, higher graduate earnings.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Dartmouth is more selective (5.4% vs 8.8% acceptance); Cornell has a higher median SAT (1535 vs 1534).
Cornell graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($104K vs $97K); Dartmouth has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.5% vs 95.4%).
Dartmouth has lower sticker-price tuition ($68,268 vs $69,314); Dartmouth offers a larger average aid package ($75,301 vs $62,257).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Dartmouth | Cornell |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #301-400 | #12 |
| Rank · THE | — | #20 |
| Acceptance rate | 5.4% | 8.8% |
| Yield rate | 70.9% | 66% |
| Median SAT | 1534 | 1535 |
| Avg. GPA | — | — |
| Number of applications | 28,230 | 67,846 |
| International students | 17% | 26% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $97K | $104K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $110K | $101K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $189K | $166K |
| Graduation rate | 95.5% | 95.4% |
| Retention rate | 98% | 97.8% |
| Median debt | $17,500 | $14,000 |
| Tuition · year | $68,268 | $69,314 |
| Avg. aid package | $75,301 | $62,257 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $24,255 | $27,244 |
| Application fee | — | — |
| Enrollment | 7,273 | 19,027 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Dartmouth or Cornell?
It's harder to get into Dartmouth. Dartmouth accepts 5.4% of applicants, while Cornell accepts 8.8%.
Do Dartmouth or Cornell graduates earn more?
Cornell graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $104K vs $97K.
How much is tuition at Dartmouth vs Cornell?
Sticker-price tuition is $68,268 per year at Dartmouth and $69,314 per year at Cornell.
What SAT score do you need for Dartmouth or Cornell?
The median admitted SAT score is 1534 at Dartmouth and 1535 at Cornell; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Dartmouth or Cornell?
Cornell ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #301-400 for Dartmouth vs #12 for Cornell.
Which university offers more financial aid — Dartmouth or Cornell?
The average aid package is $75,301 at Dartmouth and $62,257 at Cornell.
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