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College comparison
Dartmouth vs UChicago
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 |  UChicago Chicago, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rateUniversity of Chicago is more selective | 5% | 4% |
| SAT (25–75) | 1500–1570 | 1510–1580 |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 4,541 | 7,569 |
| Avg net price | $29,519 | $14,860 |
| Median earnings (10 yr)Dartmouth reports higher median earnings | $97,434 | $91,885 |
| Graduation rate | 96% | 96% |
| Median debt | $17,500 | $15,000 |
| Economic mobility | 1.4% | 1.9% |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Private (nonprofit) | Private (nonprofit) |
Dartmouth vs UChicago: how they compare
Two universities with distinct identities: one a classic Ivy in a rural setting, the other a rigorous urban powerhouse.
By the numbers The quantitative profiles reveal different strengths. Selectivity is nearly identical (Dartmouth 5% vs. UChicago 4%), with UChicago's SAT 25-75 range slightly higher (1510–1580 vs. 1500–1570). Value and mobility strongly favor UChicago: its average net price is $15k versus Dartmouth's $30k, yielding a much higher value multiplier (6.2× vs. 3.3× earnings per dollar of net price) and a significantly higher economic-mobility rate (194% vs. 138%). Outcomes show Dartmouth with higher 10-year median earnings ($97k vs. $92k), but UChicago excels at producing future scholars, with a future-scholar (S&E PhD) yield of 12 compared to Dartmouth's 7.3. Both have a 96% graduation rate and identical admit-rate volatility (56%). Dartmouth has a DOE financial-health score of 3.0/3, while UChicago's is not provided in this dataset.
Where they overlap Both are highly selective institutions with strong graduation rates and a shared reputation for academic rigor. They serve as launchpads for high-earning careers and advanced scholarly work.
How they differ The cultures and settings are distinct. Dartmouth is defined by its tight-knit, undergraduate-focused community in a classic New England college town. The University of Chicago, located in a major city, cultivates a reputation for intense, theory-driven scholarship and attracts students who are intellectually voracious.
Who each suits Dartmouth suits a student seeking a communal Ivy League experience with a balance of rigorous study and an active campus life. The University of Chicago is a match for the independent, intellectually curious student who prioritizes academic depth and a stimulating urban environment.
Editorial overview — a qualitative summary of culture and fit, reviewed for accuracy. Not a ranking or a guarantee.
Quick answers
- Is Dartmouth College or University of Chicago harder to get into?
- University of Chicago is more selective: Dartmouth College's acceptance rate is approximately 5% and University of Chicago's is approximately 4% (estimates from public and primary sources).
- What SAT score do you need for Dartmouth College vs University of Chicago?
- The middle-50% SAT range is 1500–1570 at Dartmouth College and 1510–1580 at University of Chicago. 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.