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