Dartmouth vs Rice — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Dartmouth is the more selective of the two (5.4% vs 8% acceptance). Rice ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#301-400 vs #101-150). Dartmouth graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($97K vs $90K). Rice has lower sticker-price tuition ($64,144 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 Rice for: a higher world ranking, lower tuition.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Dartmouth is more selective (5.4% vs 8% acceptance); Rice has a higher median SAT (1553 vs 1534).
Dartmouth graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($97K vs $90K); Dartmouth has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.5% vs 94.6%).
Rice has lower sticker-price tuition ($64,144 vs $68,268); Dartmouth offers a larger average aid package ($75,301 vs $69,040).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Dartmouth | Rice |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #301-400 | #101-150 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 5.4% | 8% |
| Yield rate | 70.9% | 44.2% |
| Median SAT | 1534 | 1553 |
| Avg. GPA | — | — |
| Number of applications | 28,230 | 32,473 |
| International students | 17% | 30% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $97K | $90K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $110K | $92K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $189K | $144K |
| Graduation rate | 95.5% | 94.6% |
| Retention rate | 98% | 97.4% |
| Median debt | $17,500 | $11,000 |
| Tuition · year | $68,268 | $64,144 |
| Avg. aid package | $75,301 | $69,040 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $24,255 | $28,418 |
| Application fee | — | $75 |
| Enrollment | 7,273 | 8,961 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Dartmouth or Rice?
It's harder to get into Dartmouth. Dartmouth accepts 5.4% of applicants, while Rice accepts 8%.
Do Dartmouth or Rice graduates earn more?
Dartmouth graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $97K vs $90K.
How much is tuition at Dartmouth vs Rice?
Sticker-price tuition is $68,268 per year at Dartmouth and $64,144 per year at Rice.
What SAT score do you need for Dartmouth or Rice?
The median admitted SAT score is 1534 at Dartmouth and 1553 at Rice; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Dartmouth or Rice?
Rice ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #301-400 for Dartmouth vs #101-150 for Rice.
Which university offers more financial aid — Dartmouth or Rice?
The average aid package is $75,301 at Dartmouth and $69,040 at Rice.
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