Washington university vs Dartmouth — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Dartmouth is the more selective of the two (5.4% 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 ($65,790 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 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 (5.4% vs 12.1% acceptance); Dartmouth has a higher median SAT (1534 vs 1530).
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 ($65,790 vs $68,268); 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% | 5.4% |
| Yield rate | 46.7% | 70.9% |
| Median SAT | 1530 | 1534 |
| Avg. GPA | 4.20 | — |
| Number of applications | 32,754 | 28,230 |
| International students | 27% | 17% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $86K | $97K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $88K | $110K |
| 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 | $65,790 | $68,268 |
| 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 5.4%.
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 $65,790 per year at Washington university and $68,268 per year at Dartmouth.
What SAT score do you need for Washington university or Dartmouth?
The median admitted SAT score is 1530 at Washington university and 1534 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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