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College comparison
Dartmouth vs Northeastern
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 |  Northeastern Boston, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rateNortheastern University is more selective | 5% | 5% |
| SAT (25–75) | 1500–1570 | 1440–1540 |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 4,541 | 17,326 |
| Avg net price | $29,519 | $30,915 |
| Median earnings (10 yr)Dartmouth reports higher median earnings | $97,434 | $92,538 |
| Graduation rate | 96% | 91% |
| Median debt | $17,500 | $24,250 |
| Economic mobility | 1.4% | 2.4% |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Private (nonprofit) | Private (nonprofit) |
Dartmouth vs Northeastern: how they compare
Two elite Northeastern schools with identical 5% acceptance rates offer different paths to a high-earning career.
By the numbers Both are highly selective, with Dartmouth's SAT 25-75 range (1500–1570) slightly higher than Northeastern's (1440–1540). Post-graduate financial outcomes are strong and close: Dartmouth’s 10-year median earnings are $97k versus Northeastern’s $93k, with comparable average net prices ($30k vs. $31k). This yields a slightly higher value score for Dartmouth (3.3x earnings per dollar of net price vs. 3.0x). The schools diverge sharply in economic mobility and stability: Northeastern's economic-mobility rate is 244%, far exceeding Dartmouth's 138%, but its admit-rate volatility is dramatically higher (284% vs. 56%). Both share a perfect 3.0/3 DOE financial-health score. Dartmouth has a higher graduation rate (96% vs. 91%) and a future-scholar yield of 7.3.
Where they overlap They are peer institutions in selectivity and lead to similarly strong early-career earnings. Both are financially robust and demand a significant investment.
How they differ The core distinction is experiential. Dartmouth offers a close-knit Ivy League liberal arts experience in a college town, defined by a strong residential community and traditional campus life. Northeastern is defined by its integrated co-op program in a major city, offering a professionally focused, urban education where the campus experience is more intertwined with Boston.
Who each suits Dartmouth suits students seeking an immersive Ivy League education with a tight community and a focus on broad scholarship within a traditional setting. Northeastern is a fit for independent students who want to alternate classroom learning with professional co-op work in a dynamic city, prioritizing career immersion and urban energy over a conventional campus-centric life.
Editorial overview — a qualitative summary of culture and fit, reviewed for accuracy. Not a ranking or a guarantee.
Quick answers
- Is Dartmouth College or Northeastern University harder to get into?
- Northeastern University is more selective: Dartmouth College's acceptance rate is approximately 5% and Northeastern University's is approximately 5% (estimates from public and primary sources).
- What SAT score do you need for Dartmouth College vs Northeastern University?
- The middle-50% SAT range is 1500–1570 at Dartmouth College and 1440–1540 at Northeastern 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.