Dartmouth vs Northeastern - US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
The verdict, from the data
Real money goes to international students at Dartmouth ($87,562 on average), while Northeastern stops at $24,539.
The one that looks dearer ends up cheaper: Dartmouth lists $96,098 against $92,337 (Northeastern), but after average aid what remains is $20,797 against $45,782.
At 5.2% and 6%, both admissions processes remain a lottery for any candidate; the difference between them is not an argument here.
30 points separate the SAT profiles: 1520 (Dartmouth) against 1490.
These numbers describe the cohorts already enrolled, not your chances; treat them as a starting point rather than a forecast.
Every sentence above comes from a field we hold in canonical. Where the data is missing, or the gap is small enough to be noise, the sentence simply does not appear.
EXPERT TAKE
Northeastern is the more selective of the two (5.2% vs 6.02% 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 ($69,289 vs $71,525 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 6.02% acceptance); Dartmouth has a higher median SAT (1520 vs 1490).
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 ($69,289 vs $71,525); 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 | 6.02% | 5.2% |
| Yield rate | 70.9% | 53.8% |
| Median SAT | 1520 | 1490 |
| Avg. GPA | - | - |
| Number of applications | 28,230 | 98,425 |
| International students | 14.5% | 13.1% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $97K | $93K |
| Bottom 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $65K | $62K |
| 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 | $71,525 | $69,289 |
| 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 6.02% 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 $71,525 per year at Dartmouth and $69,289 per year at Northeastern.
What SAT score do you need for Dartmouth or Northeastern?
The median admitted SAT score is 1520 at Dartmouth and 1490 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.
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