Dartmouth vs Virginia — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Dartmouth is the more selective of the two (5.4% vs 16.8% acceptance). Virginia 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 $87K). Virginia has lower sticker-price tuition ($59,512 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, higher retention.
Choose Virginia for: a higher world ranking, a higher graduation rate, lower tuition.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Dartmouth is more selective (5.4% vs 16.8% acceptance); Dartmouth has a higher median SAT (1534 vs 1480).
Dartmouth graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($97K vs $87K); Virginia has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.6% vs 95.5%).
Virginia has lower sticker-price tuition ($59,512 vs $68,268); Dartmouth offers a larger average aid package ($75,301 vs $37,123).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Dartmouth | Virginia |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #301-400 | #201-300 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 5.4% | 16.8% |
| Yield rate | 70.9% | 40% |
| Median SAT | 1534 | 1480 |
| Avg. GPA | — | — |
| Number of applications | 28,230 | 58,951 |
| International students | 17% | 12% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $97K | $87K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $110K | $79K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $189K | $130K |
| Graduation rate | 95.5% | 95.6% |
| Retention rate | 98% | 97.9% |
| Median debt | $17,500 | $17,500 |
| Tuition · year | $68,268 | $59,512 |
| Avg. aid package | $75,301 | $37,123 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $24,255 | $25,137 |
| Application fee | — | $75 |
| Enrollment | 7,273 | 26,470 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Dartmouth or Virginia?
It's harder to get into Dartmouth. Dartmouth accepts 5.4% of applicants, while Virginia accepts 16.8%.
Do Dartmouth or Virginia graduates earn more?
Dartmouth graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $97K vs $87K.
How much is tuition at Dartmouth vs Virginia?
Sticker-price tuition is $68,268 per year at Dartmouth and $59,512 per year at Virginia.
What SAT score do you need for Dartmouth or Virginia?
The median admitted SAT score is 1534 at Dartmouth and 1480 at Virginia; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Dartmouth or Virginia?
Virginia ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #301-400 for Dartmouth vs #201-300 for Virginia.
Which university offers more financial aid — Dartmouth or Virginia?
The average aid package is $75,301 at Dartmouth and $37,123 at Virginia.
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