Dartmouth vs Penn — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Penn ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#301-400 vs #14). Penn graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($111K vs $97K). Dartmouth has lower sticker-price tuition ($68,268 vs $68,686 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: lower tuition, a larger aid package, lower graduate debt.
Choose Penn for: a higher world ranking, higher graduate earnings, a higher graduation rate.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Penn has a higher median SAT (1553 vs 1534).
Penn graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($111K vs $97K); Penn has a higher 6-year graduation rate (96.5% vs 95.5%).
Dartmouth has lower sticker-price tuition ($68,268 vs $68,686); Dartmouth offers a larger average aid package ($75,301 vs $70,971).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Dartmouth | Penn |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #301-400 | #14 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 5.4% | 5.4% |
| Yield rate | 70.9% | 68% |
| Median SAT | 1534 | 1553 |
| Avg. GPA | — | 3.90 |
| Number of applications | 28,230 | 65,236 |
| International students | 17% | 24% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $97K | $111K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $110K | $132K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $189K | $183K |
| Graduation rate | 95.5% | 96.5% |
| Retention rate | 98% | 98.8% |
| Median debt | $17,500 | $15,715 |
| Tuition · year | $68,268 | $68,686 |
| Avg. aid package | $75,301 | $70,971 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $24,255 | $32,558 |
| Application fee | — | $75 |
| Enrollment | 7,273 | 24,023 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Dartmouth or Penn?
It's harder to get into Penn. Dartmouth accepts 5.4% of applicants, while Penn accepts 5.4%.
Do Dartmouth or Penn graduates earn more?
Penn graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $111K vs $97K.
How much is tuition at Dartmouth vs Penn?
Sticker-price tuition is $68,268 per year at Dartmouth and $68,686 per year at Penn.
What SAT score do you need for Dartmouth or Penn?
The median admitted SAT score is 1534 at Dartmouth and 1553 at Penn; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Dartmouth or Penn?
Penn ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #301-400 for Dartmouth vs #14 for Penn.
Which university offers more financial aid — Dartmouth or Penn?
The average aid package is $75,301 at Dartmouth and $70,971 at Penn.
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