Dartmouth vs Northeastern — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Northeastern is the more selective of the two (5.2% vs 5.4% acceptance). Northeastern 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 $93K). Northeastern has lower sticker-price tuition ($66,162 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 graduate earnings, a higher graduation rate, higher retention.
Choose Northeastern for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, lower tuition.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Northeastern is more selective (5.2% vs 5.4% acceptance); Dartmouth has a higher median SAT (1534 vs 1497).
Dartmouth graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($97K vs $93K); Dartmouth has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.5% vs 90.5%).
Northeastern has lower sticker-price tuition ($66,162 vs $68,268); Dartmouth offers a larger average aid package ($75,301 vs $46,555).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Dartmouth | Northeastern |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #301-400 | #201-300 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 5.4% | 5.2% |
| Yield rate | 70.9% | 53.8% |
| Median SAT | 1534 | 1497 |
| Avg. GPA | — | — |
| Number of applications | 28,230 | 98,425 |
| International students | 17% | 37% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $97K | $93K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $110K | $74K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $189K | $135K |
| Graduation rate | 95.5% | 90.5% |
| Retention rate | 98% | 96.9% |
| Median debt | $17,500 | $24,250 |
| Tuition · year | $68,268 | $66,162 |
| Avg. aid package | $75,301 | $46,555 |
| % of need met | 100% | 86.7% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $24,255 | $32,461 |
| Application fee | — | $75 |
| Enrollment | 7,273 | 39,774 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Dartmouth or Northeastern?
It's harder to get into Northeastern. Dartmouth accepts 5.4% of applicants, while Northeastern accepts 5.2%.
Do Dartmouth or Northeastern graduates earn more?
Dartmouth graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $97K vs $93K.
How much is tuition at Dartmouth vs Northeastern?
Sticker-price tuition is $68,268 per year at Dartmouth and $66,162 per year at Northeastern.
What SAT score do you need for Dartmouth or Northeastern?
The median admitted SAT score is 1534 at Dartmouth and 1497 at Northeastern; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Dartmouth or Northeastern?
Northeastern ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #301-400 for Dartmouth vs #201-300 for Northeastern.
Which university offers more financial aid — Dartmouth or Northeastern?
The average aid package is $75,301 at Dartmouth and $46,555 at Northeastern.
Harvard
Stanford
Massachusetts institute of technology
Princeton
Yale
Cornell
Penn
Johns hopkins
Washington university
Northwestern