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Auburn University vs Dartmouth College

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

75.0% Auburn acceptance
6.2% Dartmouth acceptance
$152,804 Auburn cheaper over 4 years
Updated 2026 · Data: NCES, College Scorecard, IPEDS All figures in USD unless noted

School Overview

Auburn
Auburn, Alabama
Public
Founded
1856
Enrollment
33,015
Setting
Suburban
Dartmouth
Hanover, New Hampshire
Private
Founded
1769
Enrollment
6,806
Setting
Rural

At a Glance

Tuition Auburn saves $32,467
Auburn
$33,044
Dartmouth
$65,511
Acceptance Rate Dartmouth more selective
Auburn
75.0%
Dartmouth
6.2%
Graduation Rate Dartmouth higher
Auburn
78%
Dartmouth
95%
Avg SAT Score Dartmouth higher
Auburn
1270
Dartmouth
1530
Starting Salary Dartmouth higher
Auburn
$60,200
Dartmouth
$82,700

Detailed Comparison

Metric Auburn Dartmouth Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$33,044$65,511Auburn
Tuition (In-State)$12,168$65,511Auburn
Room & Board$13,040$18,774Auburn
Acceptance Rate75.0%6.2%Dartmouth
Graduation Rate78%95%Dartmouth
Average SAT12701530Dartmouth
Student-Faculty Ratio19:17:1Dartmouth
Enrollment33,0156,806-
Avg Financial Aid$11,600$54,640Dartmouth
Starting Salary$60,200$82,700Dartmouth
Endowment$1.1B$8.5BDartmouth
Campus Size1,841 acres269 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

Auburn
$184,336
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
Dartmouth
$337,140
4-year total (private)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Auburn = $137,936 | Dartmouth = $118,580. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

Auburn Top Majors

EngineeringBusinessBiologyNursingAgriculture

Dartmouth Top Majors

EconomicsComputer ScienceGovernmentEngineeringBiology

Campus & Student Life

Setting
AuburnSuburban
DartmouthRural
Campus Size
Auburn1,841 ac
Dartmouth269 ac
Athletics
AuburnNCAA D1
DartmouthNCAA D1
Region
AuburnSouth
DartmouthNortheast
Founded
Auburn1856
Dartmouth1769
Enrollment
Auburn33,015
Dartmouth6,806

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Auburn or Dartmouth harder to get into?+
Dartmouth is more selective with an acceptance rate of 6.2% compared to 75.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Auburn or Dartmouth?+
At sticker price, Auburn costs less over 4 years ($184,336 vs $337,140). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Auburn offers an average of $11,600/year in aid while Dartmouth offers $54,640/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Auburn and Dartmouth?+
The average SAT score at Auburn is 1270 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 Auburn or Dartmouth graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Dartmouth have a higher average starting salary ($82,700 vs $60,200). 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?+
Auburn has a 19:1 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 Auburn and Dartmouth compare for campus life?+
Auburn is located in Auburn, Alabama (suburban setting) with a 1,841-acre campus. Dartmouth is in Hanover, New Hampshire (rural setting) with 269 acres. Auburn competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Dartmouth in NCAA D1.