Dartmouth vs Northwestern — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Dartmouth is the more selective of the two (5.4% vs 7.7% acceptance). Northwestern ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#301-400 vs #33). Dartmouth graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($97K vs $89K). Dartmouth has lower sticker-price tuition ($68,268 vs $68,322 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 Northwestern for: a higher world ranking.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Dartmouth is more selective (5.4% vs 7.7% acceptance); Dartmouth has a higher median SAT (1534 vs 1533).
Dartmouth graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($97K vs $89K); Dartmouth has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.5% vs 95.1%).
Dartmouth has lower sticker-price tuition ($68,268 vs $68,322); Dartmouth offers a larger average aid package ($75,301 vs $68,110).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Dartmouth | Northwestern |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #301-400 | #33 |
| Rank · THE | — | #31 |
| Acceptance rate | 5.4% | 7.7% |
| Yield rate | 70.9% | 55.3% |
| Median SAT | 1534 | 1533 |
| Avg. GPA | — | — |
| Number of applications | 28,230 | 49,474 |
| International students | 17% | 20% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $97K | $89K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $110K | $93K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $189K | $139K |
| Graduation rate | 95.5% | 95.1% |
| Retention rate | 98% | 98% |
| Median debt | $17,500 | $15,000 |
| Tuition · year | $68,268 | $68,322 |
| Avg. aid package | $75,301 | $68,110 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $24,255 | $32,540 |
| Application fee | — | $75 |
| Enrollment | 7,273 | 23,431 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Dartmouth or Northwestern?
It's harder to get into Dartmouth. Dartmouth accepts 5.4% of applicants, while Northwestern accepts 7.7%.
Do Dartmouth or Northwestern graduates earn more?
Dartmouth graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $97K vs $89K.
How much is tuition at Dartmouth vs Northwestern?
Sticker-price tuition is $68,268 per year at Dartmouth and $68,322 per year at Northwestern.
What SAT score do you need for Dartmouth or Northwestern?
The median admitted SAT score is 1534 at Dartmouth and 1533 at Northwestern; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Dartmouth or Northwestern?
Northwestern ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #301-400 for Dartmouth vs #33 for Northwestern.
Which university offers more financial aid — Dartmouth or Northwestern?
The average aid package is $75,301 at Dartmouth and $68,110 at Northwestern.
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