Dartmouth vs Houston — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Dartmouth is the more selective of the two (5.4% vs 73.9% acceptance). Houston ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#301-400 vs #201-300). Dartmouth graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($97K vs $62K). Houston has lower sticker-price tuition ($22,547 vs $68,268 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 Houston for: a higher world ranking, lower tuition, lower graduate debt.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Dartmouth is more selective (5.4% vs 73.9% acceptance); Dartmouth has a higher median SAT (1534 vs 1250).
Dartmouth graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($97K vs $62K); Dartmouth has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.5% vs 64.6%).
Houston has lower sticker-price tuition ($22,547 vs $68,268); Dartmouth offers a larger average aid package ($75,301 vs $16,450).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Dartmouth | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #301-400 | #201-300 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 5.4% | 73.9% |
| Yield rate | 70.9% | 26.5% |
| Median SAT | 1534 | 1250 |
| Avg. GPA | — | 3.50 |
| Number of applications | 28,230 | 31,716 |
| International students | 17% | 16% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $97K | $62K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $110K | $61K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $189K | $93K |
| Graduation rate | 95.5% | 64.6% |
| Retention rate | 98% | 87% |
| Median debt | $17,500 | $18,194 |
| Tuition · year | $68,268 | $22,547 |
| Avg. aid package | $75,301 | $16,450 |
| % of need met | 100% | 55.1% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $24,255 | $21,819 |
| Application fee | — | $75 |
| Enrollment | 7,273 | 47,980 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Dartmouth or Houston?
It's harder to get into Dartmouth. Dartmouth accepts 5.4% of applicants, while Houston accepts 73.9%.
Do Dartmouth or Houston graduates earn more?
Dartmouth graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $97K vs $62K.
How much is tuition at Dartmouth vs Houston?
Sticker-price tuition is $68,268 per year at Dartmouth and $22,547 per year at Houston.
What SAT score do you need for Dartmouth or Houston?
The median admitted SAT score is 1534 at Dartmouth and 1250 at Houston; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Dartmouth or Houston?
Houston ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #301-400 for Dartmouth vs #201-300 for Houston.
Which university offers more financial aid — Dartmouth or Houston?
The average aid package is $75,301 at Dartmouth and $16,450 at Houston.
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