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