Loading…
College comparison
Dartmouth vs Penn
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 |  Penn Philadelphia, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rateUniversity of Pennsylvania is more selective | 5% | 5% |
| SAT (25–75) | 1500–1570 | 1510–1570 |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 4,541 | 10,650 |
| Avg net price | $29,519 | $28,699 |
| Median earnings (10 yr)Penn reports higher median earnings | $97,434 | $111,371 |
| Graduation rate | 96% | 97% |
| Median debt | $17,500 | $15,715 |
| Economic mobility | 1.4% | 2.1% |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Private (nonprofit) | Private (nonprofit) |
Dartmouth vs Penn: how they compare
Two Ivy League institutions with near-identical selectivity offer profoundly different environments and outcomes pathways.
By the numbers Both are highly selective with a 5% acceptance rate and similar SAT ranges (Dartmouth 1500–1570, Penn 1510–1570). Financially, they are equally robust, each holding a perfect 3.0/3 DOE financial-health score. The divergence is in outcomes and value. Penn’s 10-year median earnings of $111k significantly outpace Dartmouth’s $97k. Combined with a slightly lower average net price ($29k vs. $30k), Penn delivers a higher value multiplier at 3.9x earnings per dollar of net price versus Dartmouth’s 3.3x. Penn also shows dramatically higher economic mobility (205% vs. 138%). Dartmouth counters with a slightly higher future-scholar yield of 7.3, indicating strength in cultivating academic researchers.
Where they overlap They share the pinnacle of undergraduate prestige, world-class resources, and exceptional graduation rates (96–97%). Each provides a proven, high-return educational investment with nearly identical cost structures for families.
How they differ The core contrast is cultural and geographical. Dartmouth is defined by its immersive, traditional college community in a rural New England town. Social life is heavily centered on campus, with a pronounced Greek life influence and a tight-knit, outdoorsy culture. Penn is an integral part of a major East Coast city, offering a fast-paced, pre-professional environment where academic pursuits are closely linked to urban internships and industries. The social scene is more diverse and diffuse.
Who each suits Dartmouth suits students seeking a classic, communal undergraduate experience centered on campus traditions and a strong cohort identity, often with an affinity for collaborative learning and the outdoors. Penn is the clear choice for driven, career-oriented students who thrive in a dynamic, urban setting and want immediate access to vast professional networks and opportunities, particularly in business, law, and medicine.
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 Pennsylvania harder to get into?
- University of Pennsylvania is more selective: Dartmouth College's acceptance rate is approximately 5% and University of Pennsylvania's is approximately 5% (estimates from public and primary sources).
- What SAT score do you need for Dartmouth College vs University of Pennsylvania?
- The middle-50% SAT range is 1500–1570 at Dartmouth College and 1510–1570 at University of Pennsylvania. 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.