Dartmouth vs Iowa state — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Dartmouth is the more selective of the two (5.4% vs 88.7% acceptance). Dartmouth ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#301-400 vs #501-600). Dartmouth graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($97K vs $63K). Iowa state has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,881 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: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings.
Choose Iowa state for: lower tuition.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Dartmouth is more selective (5.4% vs 88.7% acceptance); Dartmouth has a higher median SAT (1534 vs 1204).
Dartmouth graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($97K vs $63K); Dartmouth has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.5% vs 75.3%).
Iowa state has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,881 vs $68,268); Dartmouth offers a larger average aid package ($75,301 vs $15,665).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Dartmouth | Iowa state |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #301-400 | #501-600 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 5.4% | 88.7% |
| Yield rate | 70.9% | 28.8% |
| Median SAT | 1534 | 1204 |
| Avg. GPA | — | 3.80 |
| Number of applications | 28,230 | 23,095 |
| International students | 17% | 8% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $97K | $63K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $110K | $56K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $189K | $90K |
| Graduation rate | 95.5% | 75.3% |
| Retention rate | 98% | 87.6% |
| Median debt | $17,500 | $22,869 |
| Tuition · year | $68,268 | $28,881 |
| Avg. aid package | $75,301 | $15,665 |
| % of need met | 100% | 78% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $24,255 | $29,475 |
| Application fee | — | $40 |
| Enrollment | 7,273 | 30,432 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Dartmouth or Iowa state?
It's harder to get into Dartmouth. Dartmouth accepts 5.4% of applicants, while Iowa state accepts 88.7%.
Do Dartmouth or Iowa state graduates earn more?
Dartmouth graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $97K vs $63K.
How much is tuition at Dartmouth vs Iowa state?
Sticker-price tuition is $68,268 per year at Dartmouth and $28,881 per year at Iowa state.
What SAT score do you need for Dartmouth or Iowa state?
The median admitted SAT score is 1534 at Dartmouth and 1204 at Iowa state; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Dartmouth or Iowa state?
Dartmouth ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #301-400 for Dartmouth vs #501-600 for Iowa state.
Which university offers more financial aid — Dartmouth or Iowa state?
The average aid package is $75,301 at Dartmouth and $15,665 at Iowa state.
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