North carolina vs Dartmouth — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Dartmouth is the more selective of the two (5.4% vs 15.3% acceptance). North carolina ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#35 vs #301-400). Dartmouth graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($97K vs $72K). North carolina has lower sticker-price tuition ($41,203 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 North carolina for: a higher world ranking, lower tuition, lower graduate debt.
Choose Dartmouth for: higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings, a higher graduation rate.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Dartmouth is more selective (5.4% vs 15.3% acceptance); Dartmouth has a higher median SAT (1534 vs 1439).
Dartmouth graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($97K vs $72K); Dartmouth has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.5% vs 91.2%).
North carolina has lower sticker-price tuition ($41,203 vs $68,268); Dartmouth offers a larger average aid package ($75,301 vs $20,705).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | North carolina | Dartmouth |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #35 | #301-400 |
| Rank · THE | #70 | — |
| Acceptance rate | 15.3% | 5.4% |
| Yield rate | 45.5% | 70.9% |
| Median SAT | 1439 | 1534 |
| Avg. GPA | 4.50 | — |
| Number of applications | 66,535 | 28,230 |
| International students | 9% | 17% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $72K | $97K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $69K | $110K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $112K | $189K |
| Graduation rate | 91.2% | 95.5% |
| Retention rate | 96.6% | 98% |
| Median debt | $14,000 | $17,500 |
| Tuition · year | $41,203 | $68,268 |
| Avg. aid package | $20,705 | $75,301 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $20,382 | $24,255 |
| Application fee | $85 | — |
| Enrollment | 32,680 | 7,273 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into North carolina or Dartmouth?
It's harder to get into Dartmouth. North carolina accepts 15.3% of applicants, while Dartmouth accepts 5.4%.
Do North carolina or Dartmouth graduates earn more?
Dartmouth graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $97K vs $72K.
How much is tuition at North carolina vs Dartmouth?
Sticker-price tuition is $41,203 per year at North carolina and $68,268 per year at Dartmouth.
What SAT score do you need for North carolina or Dartmouth?
The median admitted SAT score is 1439 at North carolina and 1534 at Dartmouth; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — North carolina or Dartmouth?
North carolina ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #35 for North carolina vs #301-400 for Dartmouth.
Which university offers more financial aid — North carolina or Dartmouth?
The average aid package is $20,705 at North carolina and $75,301 at Dartmouth.
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