Rhode island vs Dartmouth — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Dartmouth is the more selective of the two (5.4% vs 72.2% acceptance). Dartmouth ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#801-900 vs #301-400). Dartmouth graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($97K vs $70K). Rhode island has lower sticker-price tuition ($37,146 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 Rhode island for: lower tuition.
Choose Dartmouth for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Dartmouth is more selective (5.4% vs 72.2% acceptance); Dartmouth has a higher median SAT (1534 vs 1160).
Dartmouth graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($97K vs $70K); Dartmouth has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.5% vs 73.3%).
Rhode island has lower sticker-price tuition ($37,146 vs $68,268); Dartmouth offers a larger average aid package ($75,301 vs $17,388).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Rhode island | Dartmouth |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #801-900 | #301-400 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 72.2% | 5.4% |
| Yield rate | 15.4% | 70.9% |
| Median SAT | 1160 | 1534 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.60 | — |
| Number of applications | 26,987 | 28,230 |
| International students | 3% | 17% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $70K | $97K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $58K | $110K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $102K | $189K |
| Graduation rate | 73.3% | 95.5% |
| Retention rate | 83.6% | 98% |
| Median debt | $22,250 | $17,500 |
| Tuition · year | $37,146 | $68,268 |
| Avg. aid package | $17,388 | $75,301 |
| % of need met | 60% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $40,247 | $24,255 |
| Application fee | $65 | — |
| Enrollment | 17,649 | 7,273 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Rhode island or Dartmouth?
It's harder to get into Dartmouth. Rhode island accepts 72.2% of applicants, while Dartmouth accepts 5.4%.
Do Rhode island or Dartmouth graduates earn more?
Dartmouth graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $97K vs $70K.
How much is tuition at Rhode island vs Dartmouth?
Sticker-price tuition is $37,146 per year at Rhode island and $68,268 per year at Dartmouth.
What SAT score do you need for Rhode island or Dartmouth?
The median admitted SAT score is 1160 at Rhode island and 1534 at Dartmouth; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Rhode island or Dartmouth?
Dartmouth ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #801-900 for Rhode island vs #301-400 for Dartmouth.
Which university offers more financial aid — Rhode island or Dartmouth?
The average aid package is $17,388 at Rhode island and $75,301 at Dartmouth.
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