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College comparison
Dartmouth vs Duke
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 |  Dartmouth Hanover, NH |  Duke Durham, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rateDartmouth College is more selective | 5% | 6% |
| SAT (25–75) | 1500–1570 | 1500–1570 |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 4,541 | 6,442 |
| Avg net price | $29,519 | $29,612 |
| Median earnings (10 yr)Duke reports higher median earnings | $97,434 | $97,800 |
| Graduation rate | 96% | 97% |
| Median debt | $17,500 | $13,000 |
| Economic mobility | 1.4% | 1.6% |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Private (nonprofit) | Private (nonprofit) |
Dartmouth vs Duke: how they compare
Dartmouth and Duke are two selective universities with similar financial outcomes and net costs, distinguished primarily by campus culture and location.
By the numbers The quantitative profiles are close. Both have near-identical median 10-year earnings (Dartmouth: $97k, Duke: $98k), average net price ($30k), and value metrics (3.3× earnings per dollar). Selectivity is similar, with Dartmouth at a 5% acceptance rate and Duke at 6%, and identical SAT 25–75 percentile ranges (1500–1570). Duke shows stronger economic mobility (160% vs. Dartmouth's 138%) and slightly higher future scholar yield (7.9 vs. 7.3) and graduation rate (97% vs. 96%). Dartmouth demonstrates greater institutional financial health (DOE score 3.0/3 vs. 2.3/3) and higher year-to-year volatility in its admit rate (56% vs. 32%).
Where they overlap Both institutions are known for strong academics paired with vibrant, activity-driven campus cultures where Greek life and athletics play significant roles. They attract a student body with a notable concentration of socioeconomically privileged backgrounds.
How they differ The core differences are environmental and cultural. Dartmouth offers an immersive Ivy League experience in a remote New England college town, fostering a tight-knit, tradition-heavy community. Duke provides a more balanced campus life in a city setting near Raleigh, with a renowned basketball culture and less pervasive fraternity influence.
Who each suits Dartmouth suits students seeking a cohesive, outdoors-oriented residential community where tradition and undergraduate focus are paramount. Duke is ideal for those who want a dynamic environment with more geographic and social variety and a celebrated sports culture. The choice hinges on a preference for an intimate, rural Ivy experience versus a vibrant, university-driven one in a metropolitan region.
Editorial overview — a qualitative summary of culture and fit, reviewed for accuracy. Not a ranking or a guarantee.
Quick answers
- Is Dartmouth College or Duke University harder to get into?
- Dartmouth College is more selective: Dartmouth College's acceptance rate is approximately 5% and Duke University's is approximately 6% (estimates from public and primary sources).
- What SAT score do you need for Dartmouth College vs Duke University?
- The middle-50% SAT range is 1500–1570 at Dartmouth College and 1500–1570 at Duke University. 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.