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Arizona State University vs Dartmouth College

A comprehensive side-by-side comparison of academics, cost, admissions, campus life and career outcomes to help you choose.

88.0% ASU acceptance
6.2% Dartmouth acceptance
$156,340 ASU cheaper over 4 years
Updated 2026 · Data: NCES, College Scorecard, IPEDS All figures in USD unless noted

School Overview

ASU
Tempe, Arizona
Public
Founded
1885
Enrollment
83,446
Setting
Urban
Dartmouth
Hanover, New Hampshire
Private
Founded
1769
Enrollment
6,806
Setting
Rural

At a Glance

Tuition ASU saves $34,311
ASU
$31,200
Dartmouth
$65,511
Acceptance Rate Dartmouth more selective
ASU
88.0%
Dartmouth
6.2%
Graduation Rate Dartmouth higher
ASU
69%
Dartmouth
95%
Avg SAT Score Dartmouth higher
ASU
1230
Dartmouth
1530
Starting Salary Dartmouth higher
ASU
$60,100
Dartmouth
$82,700

Detailed Comparison

Metric ASU Dartmouth Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$31,200$65,511ASU
Tuition (In-State)$12,479$65,511ASU
Room & Board$14,000$18,774ASU
Acceptance Rate88.0%6.2%Dartmouth
Graduation Rate69%95%Dartmouth
Average SAT12301530Dartmouth
Student-Faculty Ratio18:17:1Dartmouth
Enrollment83,4466,806-
Avg Financial Aid$12,400$54,640Dartmouth
Starting Salary$60,100$82,700Dartmouth
Endowment$1.5B$8.5BDartmouth
Campus Size1,695 acres269 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

ASU
$180,800
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
Dartmouth
$337,140
4-year total (private)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: ASU = $131,200 | Dartmouth = $118,580. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

ASU Top Majors

BusinessEngineeringPsychologyBiologySupply Chain

Dartmouth Top Majors

EconomicsComputer ScienceGovernmentEngineeringBiology

Campus & Student Life

Setting
ASUUrban
DartmouthRural
Campus Size
ASU1,695 ac
Dartmouth269 ac
Athletics
ASUNCAA D1
DartmouthNCAA D1
Region
ASUWest
DartmouthNortheast
Founded
ASU1885
Dartmouth1769
Enrollment
ASU83,446
Dartmouth6,806

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is ASU or Dartmouth harder to get into?+
Dartmouth is more selective with an acceptance rate of 6.2% compared to 88.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, ASU or Dartmouth?+
At sticker price, ASU costs less over 4 years ($180,800 vs $337,140). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. ASU offers an average of $12,400/year in aid while Dartmouth offers $54,640/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for ASU and Dartmouth?+
The average SAT score at ASU is 1230 and at Dartmouth it is 1530. Keep in mind that admitted students often score across a range, and many schools practice holistic admissions where test scores are just one factor.
Do ASU or Dartmouth graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Dartmouth have a higher average starting salary ($82,700 vs $60,100). Salary outcomes vary significantly by major, industry, and location — so this is a general average across all graduates.
What is the student-to-faculty ratio at each school?+
ASU has a 18:1 student-to-faculty ratio while Dartmouth has 7:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do ASU and Dartmouth compare for campus life?+
ASU is located in Tempe, Arizona (urban setting) with a 1,695-acre campus. Dartmouth is in Hanover, New Hampshire (rural setting) with 269 acres. ASU competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Dartmouth in NCAA D1.