Dartmouth vs Kansas — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Dartmouth is the more selective of the two (5.4% vs 93.5% acceptance). Dartmouth graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($97K vs $62K). Kansas has lower sticker-price tuition ($30,432 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 Kansas 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 93.5% acceptance); Dartmouth has a higher median SAT (1534 vs 1190).
Dartmouth graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($97K vs $62K); Dartmouth has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.5% vs 68.8%).
Kansas has lower sticker-price tuition ($30,432 vs $68,268); Dartmouth offers a larger average aid package ($75,301 vs $19,700).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Dartmouth | Kansas |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #301-400 | #301-400 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 5.4% | 93.5% |
| Yield rate | 70.9% | 25.5% |
| Median SAT | 1534 | 1190 |
| Avg. GPA | — | 3.70 |
| Number of applications | 28,230 | 22,363 |
| International students | 17% | 7% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $97K | $62K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $110K | $59K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $189K | $88K |
| Graduation rate | 95.5% | 68.8% |
| Retention rate | 98% | 86% |
| Median debt | $17,500 | $21,000 |
| Tuition · year | $68,268 | $30,432 |
| Avg. aid package | $75,301 | $19,700 |
| % of need met | 100% | 78.6% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $24,255 | $27,212 |
| Application fee | — | $40 |
| Enrollment | 7,273 | 29,792 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Dartmouth or Kansas?
It's harder to get into Dartmouth. Dartmouth accepts 5.4% of applicants, while Kansas accepts 93.5%.
Do Dartmouth or Kansas graduates earn more?
Dartmouth graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $97K vs $62K.
How much is tuition at Dartmouth vs Kansas?
Sticker-price tuition is $68,268 per year at Dartmouth and $30,432 per year at Kansas.
What SAT score do you need for Dartmouth or Kansas?
The median admitted SAT score is 1534 at Dartmouth and 1190 at Kansas; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university offers more financial aid — Dartmouth or Kansas?
The average aid package is $75,301 at Dartmouth and $19,700 at Kansas.
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