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