Dartmouth vs Rochester — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Dartmouth is the more selective of the two (5.4% vs 40.1% acceptance). Rochester ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#301-400 vs #151-200). Dartmouth graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($97K vs $79K). Rochester has lower sticker-price tuition ($67,080 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 Rochester 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 40.1% acceptance); Dartmouth has a higher median SAT (1534 vs 1488).
Dartmouth graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($97K vs $79K); Dartmouth has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.5% vs 85.4%).
Rochester has lower sticker-price tuition ($67,080 vs $68,268); Dartmouth offers a larger average aid package ($75,301 vs $60,879).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Dartmouth | Rochester |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #301-400 | #151-200 |
| Rank · THE | — | #127 |
| Acceptance rate | 5.4% | 40.1% |
| Yield rate | 70.9% | 15.4% |
| Median SAT | 1534 | 1488 |
| Avg. GPA | — | 3.70 |
| Number of applications | 28,230 | 21,384 |
| International students | 17% | 37% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $97K | $79K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $110K | $74K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $189K | $117K |
| Graduation rate | 95.5% | 85.4% |
| Retention rate | 98% | 90.7% |
| Median debt | $17,500 | $21,000 |
| Tuition · year | $68,268 | $67,080 |
| Avg. aid package | $75,301 | $60,879 |
| % of need met | 100% | 96.1% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $24,255 | $32,304 |
| Application fee | — | $50 |
| Enrollment | 7,273 | 11,946 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Dartmouth or Rochester?
It's harder to get into Dartmouth. Dartmouth accepts 5.4% of applicants, while Rochester accepts 40.1%.
Do Dartmouth or Rochester graduates earn more?
Dartmouth graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $97K vs $79K.
How much is tuition at Dartmouth vs Rochester?
Sticker-price tuition is $68,268 per year at Dartmouth and $67,080 per year at Rochester.
What SAT score do you need for Dartmouth or Rochester?
The median admitted SAT score is 1534 at Dartmouth and 1488 at Rochester; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Dartmouth or Rochester?
Rochester ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #301-400 for Dartmouth vs #151-200 for Rochester.
Which university offers more financial aid — Dartmouth or Rochester?
The average aid package is $75,301 at Dartmouth and $60,879 at Rochester.
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