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College comparison
Dartmouth vs Yale
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 |  Yale New Haven, CT |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rateYale University is more selective | 5% | 4% |
| SAT (25–75) | 1500–1570 | 1470–1570 |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 4,541 | 6,758 |
| Avg net price | $29,519 | $23,777 |
| Median earnings (10 yr)Yale reports higher median earnings | $97,434 | $100,533 |
| Graduation rate | 96% | 96% |
| Median debt | $17,500 | $12,975 |
| Economic mobility | 1.4% | 2.1% |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Private (nonprofit) | Private (nonprofit) |
Dartmouth vs Yale: how they compare
Two Ivy League institutions offering distinct undergraduate experiences, with Yale holding a slight edge in economic mobility and value, and Dartmouth providing a more cohesive, outdoors-focused campus culture.
By the numbers Yale demonstrates a stronger return on investment, with a higher economic-mobility rate (208% vs. Dartmouth’s 138%) and a better value multiplier (4.2× vs. 3.3× earnings per dollar of net price), partly due to a lower average net price ($24k vs. $30k). Post-graduation, Yale’s 10-year median earnings are slightly higher ($101k vs. $97k), and it produces future science/engineering PhDs at a marginally higher rate (8.4 vs. 7.3). Selectivity is comparable, with Yale’s acceptance rate at 4% versus Dartmouth’s 5%, and virtually identical SAT ranges (Yale 1470–1570, Dartmouth 1500–1570). Both share a 96% graduation rate and a perfect 3.0/3 DOE financial health score.
Where they overlap Both are elite, financially robust universities with exceptional graduation outcomes. They provide Ivy League prestige and are highly selective, attracting high-achieving students. Their academic rigor and access to top-tier resources are well-established.
How they differ The core divergence is in environment and social texture. Dartmouth is defined by its unified, outdoors-oriented culture in a college town, fostering a strong campus-centric community. Yale, situated in a city, offers a more eclectic and intellectually intense atmosphere with greater urban resources and diversity. The social scene at Dartmouth is notably shaped by its campus traditions, while Yale’s is more integrated with its city setting.
Who each suits Dartmouth suits students seeking a tight-knit, collaborative community with a pronounced outdoor lifestyle and a highly traditional undergraduate experience. Yale is ideal for those who thrive in a more diverse, intellectually buzzing, and urban environment, valuing access to a major city alongside a world-class liberal arts education.
Editorial overview — a qualitative summary of culture and fit, reviewed for accuracy. Not a ranking or a guarantee.
Quick answers
- Is Dartmouth College or Yale University harder to get into?
- Yale University is more selective: Dartmouth College's acceptance rate is approximately 5% and Yale University's is approximately 4% (estimates from public and primary sources).
- What SAT score do you need for Dartmouth College vs Yale University?
- The middle-50% SAT range is 1500–1570 at Dartmouth College and 1470–1570 at Yale 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.