Dartmouth vs North carolina — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Dartmouth is the more selective of the two (5.4% vs 15.3% acceptance). North carolina ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#301-400 vs #35). Dartmouth graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($97K vs $72K). North carolina has lower sticker-price tuition ($41,203 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 North carolina 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 15.3% acceptance); Dartmouth has a higher median SAT (1534 vs 1439).
Dartmouth graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($97K vs $72K); Dartmouth has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.5% vs 91.2%).
North carolina has lower sticker-price tuition ($41,203 vs $68,268); Dartmouth offers a larger average aid package ($75,301 vs $20,705).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Dartmouth | North carolina |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #301-400 | #35 |
| Rank · THE | — | #70 |
| Acceptance rate | 5.4% | 15.3% |
| Yield rate | 70.9% | 45.5% |
| Median SAT | 1534 | 1439 |
| Avg. GPA | — | 4.50 |
| Number of applications | 28,230 | 66,535 |
| International students | 17% | 9% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $97K | $72K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $110K | $69K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $189K | $112K |
| Graduation rate | 95.5% | 91.2% |
| Retention rate | 98% | 96.6% |
| Median debt | $17,500 | $14,000 |
| Tuition · year | $68,268 | $41,203 |
| Avg. aid package | $75,301 | $20,705 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $24,255 | $20,382 |
| Application fee | — | $85 |
| Enrollment | 7,273 | 32,680 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Dartmouth or North carolina?
It's harder to get into Dartmouth. Dartmouth accepts 5.4% of applicants, while North carolina accepts 15.3%.
Do Dartmouth or North carolina graduates earn more?
Dartmouth graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $97K vs $72K.
How much is tuition at Dartmouth vs North carolina?
Sticker-price tuition is $68,268 per year at Dartmouth and $41,203 per year at North carolina.
What SAT score do you need for Dartmouth or North carolina?
The median admitted SAT score is 1534 at Dartmouth and 1439 at North carolina; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Dartmouth or North carolina?
North carolina ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #301-400 for Dartmouth vs #35 for North carolina.
Which university offers more financial aid — Dartmouth or North carolina?
The average aid package is $75,301 at Dartmouth and $20,705 at North carolina.
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