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College comparison
Dartmouth vs Princeton
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 |  Princeton Princeton, NJ |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance ratePrinceton University is more selective | 5% | 5% |
| SAT (25–75) | 1500–1570 | 1510–1580 |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 4,541 | 5,709 |
| Avg net price | $29,519 | $6,128 |
| Median earnings (10 yr)Princeton reports higher median earnings | $97,434 | $110,066 |
| Graduation rate | 96% | 98% |
| Median debt | $17,500 | $10,320 |
| Economic mobility | 1.4% | 1.3% |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Private (nonprofit) | Private (nonprofit) |
Dartmouth vs Princeton: how they compare
Both are premier Ivy League institutions, but their distinct personalities and quantitative profiles offer a clear choice for different students.
By the numbers Princeton’s financial aid is exceptionally strong, with an average net price of $6k versus Dartmouth’s $30k, creating a dramatic difference in calculated value (18.0× vs. 3.3× earnings per dollar of net price). Princeton graduates also report higher 10-year median earnings ($110k vs. $97k). In selectivity, both have a 5% acceptance rate, with Princeton’s SAT 25-75th percentile (1510–1580) slightly higher than Dartmouth’s (1500–1570). Princeton shows greater stability in admissions (30% admit-rate volatility vs. 56%) and a higher yield of future Science & Engineering PhDs (10.8 vs. 7.3). Dartmouth, however, edges out Princeton in economic mobility (138% vs. 135%) and DOE financial health (3.0/3 vs. 2.2/3). Both have stellar graduation rates (98% at Princeton, 96% at Dartmouth).
Where they overlap They share elite selectivity, robust alumni networks, and a commitment to undergraduate education within the Ivy League framework. Both are residential colleges with strong traditions, not large urban universities.
How they differ The core distinction is environment and academic structure. Dartmouth offers a rural, outdoorsy New England experience in Hanover, fostering a tight-knit, residential community. Its flexible D-Plan academic calendar allows for significant scheduling freedom. Princeton provides a more traditional, structured collegiate experience in a suburban setting with easier access to major cities.
Quick answers
- Is Dartmouth College or Princeton University harder to get into?
- Princeton University is more selective: Dartmouth College's acceptance rate is approximately 5% and Princeton University's is approximately 5% (estimates from public and primary sources).
- What SAT score do you need for Dartmouth College vs Princeton University?
- The middle-50% SAT range is 1500–1570 at Dartmouth College and 1510–1580 at Princeton 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.