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College comparison
Brown vs Dartmouth
A side-by-side of acceptance rate, test scores, and cost — source-cited estimates, not guarantees. Want the number that actually matters for your student? Model your admit odds at each.
| Metric |  Brown Providence, RI |  Dartmouth Hanover, NH |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rateBrown University is more selective | 5% | 5% |
| SAT (25–75) | 1510–1580 | 1500–1570 |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 7,226 | 4,541 |
| Avg net price | $25,184 | $29,519 |
| Median earnings (10 yr)Dartmouth reports higher median earnings | $93,487 | $97,434 |
| Graduation rate | 96% | 96% |
| Median debt | $11,428 | $17,500 |
| Economic mobility | 1.5% | 1.4% |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Private (nonprofit) | Private (nonprofit) |
Brown vs Dartmouth: how they compare
Brown and Dartmouth offer distinct Ivy League models: one is an open, urban campus, the other a tight-knit, traditional college town.
By the numbers Both are equally selective (5% acceptance) with nearly identical SAT ranges (Brown: 1510–1580; Dartmouth: 1500–1570) and graduation rates (96%). Financially, they are equally robust (DOE health score: 3.0/3). Key differences emerge in value and outcomes. Brown provides stronger economic mobility (155% vs. 138%) and a higher future-scholar yield (8.4 vs. 7.3). It also delivers greater financial value, with a lower average net price ($25k vs. $30k) and a higher earnings multiplier (3.7× vs. 3.3×), though Dartmouth’s 10-year median earnings are slightly higher ($97k vs. $93k). Dartmouth shows more volatility in its admit rate (56% vs. 48%).
Where they overlap Both are premier, highly residential Ivy League institutions with exceptional graduation success and financial stability. They attract academically elite students and offer significant resources for undergraduate education and research.
How they differ The core divergence is environmental and cultural. Brown is defined by its open curriculum and liberal, creative ethos in a small-city setting (Providence), offering more urban amenities and a socially relaxed scene. Dartmouth is a self-contained college in a rural New England town, fostering a traditional, communal experience with a more pronounced social scene centered on its campus.
Who each suits Brown suits the independent, interdisciplinary student who values academic flexibility, urban energy, and a progressive campus culture. Dartmouth is ideal for the student seeking an immersive, traditional collegiate community with a strong outdoor and social tradition.
Editorial overview — a qualitative summary of culture and fit, reviewed for accuracy. Not a ranking or a guarantee.
Quick answers
- Is Brown University or Dartmouth College harder to get into?
- Brown University is more selective: Brown University's acceptance rate is approximately 5% and Dartmouth College's is approximately 5% (estimates from public and primary sources).
- What SAT score do you need for Brown University vs Dartmouth College?
- The middle-50% SAT range is 1510–1580 at Brown University and 1500–1570 at Dartmouth College. Scores outside these bands are still admitted, especially with strong applications.
Figures are estimates compiled from public datasets (College Scorecard / IPEDS) and primary sources; verify with each institution before relying on them.
These outputs are estimates from a baseline model — not guarantees of admission, cost, or outcome.