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College comparison
Dartmouth vs Harvard
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 |  Harvard Cambridge, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rateHarvard University is more selective | 5% | 4% |
| SAT (25–75) | 1500–1570 | 1510–1580 |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 4,541 | 7,601 |
| Avg net price | $29,519 | $19,066 |
| Median earnings (10 yr)Harvard reports higher median earnings | $97,434 | $101,817 |
| Graduation rate | 96% | 98% |
| Median debt | $17,500 | $14,000 |
| Economic mobility | 1.4% | 1.8% |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Private (nonprofit) | Private (nonprofit) |
Dartmouth vs Harvard: how they compare
Two distinct Ivy League institutions, where the difference is less about prestige and more about the type of experience and value delivered.
By the numbers Harvard holds a slight edge in selectivity (4% vs. 5% acceptance) and mid-50% SAT range (1510–1580 vs. 1500–1570). For outcomes, Harvard graduates report higher 10-year median earnings ($102k vs. $97k) and a stronger graduation rate (98% vs. 96%). Harvard also demonstrates superior economic mobility (176% vs. 138% mobility rate) and a higher future-scholar yield in science & engineering PhDs (9.5 vs. 7.3). On value, Harvard’s lower average net price ($19k vs. $30k) generates a higher return, at 5.3x earnings per dollar of net price versus Dartmouth’s 3.3x. Dartmouth shows slightly greater admit-rate volatility (56% vs. 48%) and a marginally stronger DOE financial health score (3.0 vs. 2.8 out of 3).
Where they overlap Both are highly selective Ivy League universities with exceptional graduation rates, strong median earnings outcomes, and significant financial resources. They attract top students and produce graduates who pursue advanced degrees at high rates.
How they differ The core distinction is environmental and cultural. Dartmouth offers a tight-knit, residential college experience in a rural New England town, with a strong undergraduate focus. Harvard provides a more vast, research-intensive environment in an urban setting, with a culture often described as intensely driven. The social scenes differ accordingly, with Dartmouth known for a more traditional, communal culture.
Who each suits Dartmouth suits students seeking a cohesive undergraduate community where close student-faculty relationships and outdoor activities are central to the experience. It’s for those who prioritize a defined residential college life over an urban setting. Harvard is ideal for the intensely ambitious, self-directed student who thrives in a fast-paced atmosphere with extensive resources and global opportunities, and who values being in a major metropolitan hub.
Editorial overview — a qualitative summary of culture and fit, reviewed for accuracy. Not a ranking or a guarantee.
Quick answers
- Is Dartmouth College or Harvard University harder to get into?
- Harvard University is more selective: Dartmouth College's acceptance rate is approximately 5% and Harvard University's is approximately 4% (estimates from public and primary sources).
- What SAT score do you need for Dartmouth College vs Harvard University?
- The middle-50% SAT range is 1500–1570 at Dartmouth College and 1510–1580 at Harvard 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.