Washington University vs Dartmouth - US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
The verdict, from the data
The lower acceptance rate belongs to Dartmouth: 6% against 12.1% (Washington University).
The share of international students differs sharply: 14.5% (Dartmouth) against 9.4% (Washington University).
Real money goes to international students at Dartmouth ($87,562 on average), while Washington University stops at $68,438.
The gap in median earnings after a decade favours Dartmouth: $97K against $86K.
These numbers describe the cohorts already enrolled, not your chances; treat them as a starting point rather than a forecast.
Every sentence above comes from a field we hold in canonical. Where the data is missing, or the gap is small enough to be noise, the sentence simply does not appear.
EXPERT TAKE
Dartmouth is the more selective of the two (6.02% vs 12.1% acceptance). Washington University ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#23 vs #301-400). Dartmouth graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($97K vs $86K). Washington University has lower sticker-price tuition ($69,594 vs $71,525 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 Washington University for: a higher world ranking, lower tuition, a larger aid package.
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 (6.02% vs 12.1% acceptance); Washington University has a higher median SAT (1540 vs 1520).
Dartmouth graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($97K vs $86K); Dartmouth has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.5% vs 94.3%).
Washington University has lower sticker-price tuition ($69,594 vs $71,525); Washington University offers a larger average aid package ($75,604 vs $75,301).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Washington University | Dartmouth |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #23 | #301-400 |
| Rank · THE | #69 | - |
| Acceptance rate | 12.1% | 6.02% |
| Yield rate | 46.7% | 70.9% |
| Median SAT | 1540 | 1520 |
| Avg. GPA | 4.19 | - |
| Number of applications | 32,754 | 28,230 |
| International students | 9.4% | 14.5% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $86K | $97K |
| Bottom 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $61K | $65K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $137K | $189K |
| Graduation rate | 94.3% | 95.5% |
| Retention rate | 95% | 98% |
| Median debt | $17,500 | $17,500 |
| Tuition · year | $69,594 | $71,525 |
| Avg. aid package | $75,604 | $75,301 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $26,666 | $24,255 |
| Application fee | $75 | - |
| Enrollment | 16,357 | 7,273 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Washington University or Dartmouth?
It's harder to get into Dartmouth. Washington University accepts 12.1% of applicants, while Dartmouth accepts 6.02%.
Do Washington University or Dartmouth graduates earn more?
Dartmouth graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $97K vs $86K.
How much is tuition at Washington University vs Dartmouth?
Sticker-price tuition is $69,594 per year at Washington University and $71,525 per year at Dartmouth.
What SAT score do you need for Washington University or Dartmouth?
The median admitted SAT score is 1540 at Washington University and 1520 at Dartmouth; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher - Washington University or Dartmouth?
Washington University ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #23 for Washington University vs #301-400 for Dartmouth.
Which university offers more financial aid - Washington University or Dartmouth?
The average aid package is $75,604 at Washington University and $75,301 at Dartmouth.
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