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College comparison
Columbia 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 |  Columbia New York, NY |  Dartmouth Hanover, NH |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rateColumbia University in the City of New York is more selective | 4% | 5% |
| SAT (25–75) | 1510–1580 | 1500–1570 |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 8,973 | 4,541 |
| Avg net price | $21,590 | $29,519 |
| Median earnings (10 yr)Columbia reports higher median earnings | $102,491 | $97,434 |
| Graduation rate | 96% | 96% |
| Median debt | $21,500 | $17,500 |
| Economic mobility | 3.1% | 1.4% |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Private (nonprofit) | Private (nonprofit) |
Columbia vs Dartmouth: how they compare
Both are elite Ivy League institutions, but the choice hinges on whether you prioritize the dense energy of a global city or the immersive, community-focused tradition of a rural campus.
By the numbers Columbia holds a slight edge in selectivity (4% vs. 5% acceptance) and post-graduate earnings (10-year median of $102k vs. $97k). It demonstrates a significantly higher economic-mobility rate (307% vs. 138%) and a stronger calculated financial value (4.7x vs. 3.3x earnings per dollar of net price), despite a lower average net price ($22k vs. $30k). Dartmouth counters with a marginally higher future-scholar yield in science & engineering PhDs (7.3 vs. 6.4) and a perfect DOE financial-health score (3.0/3 vs. 2.7/3). Both share a 96% graduation rate and similarly high standardized test ranges (Columbia SAT 1510–1580, Dartmouth 1500–1570).
Where they overlap As Ivies, both provide a world-class undergraduate education with powerful alumni networks, leading to strong outcomes in fields like finance, consulting, law, and academia. Their graduation rates confirm robust student support.
How they differ The core difference is environmental and cultural. Columbia is an integral part of New York City, offering an urban, professionally-oriented student life with access to internships and cultural institutions. Dartmouth is defined by its tight-knit, residential community in a rural New England college town, fostering a campus-centric social scene with deep-rooted traditions.
Who each suits Columbia suits the independent student who thrives in an urban setting and wants their education integrated with professional opportunities and city life. Dartmouth is ideal for the student seeking an immersive collegiate experience, valuing close relationships with peers and faculty within a defined campus community.
Editorial overview — a qualitative summary of culture and fit, reviewed for accuracy. Not a ranking or a guarantee.
Quick answers
- Is Columbia University in the City of New York or Dartmouth College harder to get into?
- Columbia University in the City of New York is more selective: Columbia University in the City of New York's acceptance rate is approximately 4% and Dartmouth College's is approximately 5% (estimates from public and primary sources).
- What SAT score do you need for Columbia University in the City of New York vs Dartmouth College?
- The middle-50% SAT range is 1510–1580 at Columbia University in the City of New York 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.