Dartmouth vs Kansas state — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Dartmouth is the more selective of the two (5.4% vs 81.7% 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 $57K). Kansas state has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,568 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 Kansas 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 81.7% acceptance); Dartmouth has a higher median SAT (1534 vs 1151).
Dartmouth graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($97K vs $57K); Dartmouth has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.5% vs 71.1%).
Kansas state has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,568 vs $68,268); Dartmouth offers a larger average aid package ($75,301 vs $15,968).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Dartmouth | Kansas state |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #301-400 | #501-600 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 5.4% | 81.7% |
| Yield rate | 70.9% | 27.5% |
| Median SAT | 1534 | 1151 |
| Avg. GPA | — | 3.80 |
| Number of applications | 28,230 | 15,432 |
| International students | 17% | 5% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $97K | $57K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $110K | $52K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $189K | $83K |
| Graduation rate | 95.5% | 71.1% |
| Retention rate | 98% | 85.6% |
| Median debt | $17,500 | $21,250 |
| Tuition · year | $68,268 | $28,568 |
| Avg. aid package | $75,301 | $15,968 |
| % of need met | 100% | 77% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $24,255 | $25,179 |
| Application fee | — | $40 |
| Enrollment | 7,273 | 20,295 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Dartmouth or Kansas state?
It's harder to get into Dartmouth. Dartmouth accepts 5.4% of applicants, while Kansas state accepts 81.7%.
Do Dartmouth or Kansas state graduates earn more?
Dartmouth graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $97K vs $57K.
How much is tuition at Dartmouth vs Kansas state?
Sticker-price tuition is $68,268 per year at Dartmouth and $28,568 per year at Kansas state.
What SAT score do you need for Dartmouth or Kansas state?
The median admitted SAT score is 1534 at Dartmouth and 1151 at Kansas state; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Dartmouth or Kansas state?
Dartmouth ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #301-400 for Dartmouth vs #501-600 for Kansas state.
Which university offers more financial aid — Dartmouth or Kansas state?
The average aid package is $75,301 at Dartmouth and $15,968 at Kansas state.
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