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Brown University vs Dartmouth College

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

5.0% Brown acceptance
6.2% Dartmouth acceptance
$3,796 Brown cheaper over 4 years
Updated 2026 · Data: NCES, College Scorecard, IPEDS All figures in USD unless noted

School Overview

Brown
Providence, Rhode Island
Private
Founded
1764
Enrollment
10,696
Setting
Urban
Dartmouth
Hanover, New Hampshire
Private
Founded
1769
Enrollment
6,806
Setting
Rural

At a Glance

Tuition Dartmouth saves $145
Brown
$65,656
Dartmouth
$65,511
Acceptance Rate Brown more selective
Brown
5.0%
Dartmouth
6.2%
Graduation Rate Brown higher
Brown
96%
Dartmouth
95%
Avg SAT Score Same
Brown
1530
Dartmouth
1530
Starting Salary Dartmouth higher
Brown
$77,400
Dartmouth
$82,700

Detailed Comparison

Metric Brown Dartmouth Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$65,656$65,511Dartmouth
Tuition (In-State)$65,656$65,511Dartmouth
Room & Board$17,680$18,774Brown
Acceptance Rate5.0%6.2%Brown
Graduation Rate96%95%Brown
Average SAT15301530Tie
Student-Faculty Ratio6:17:1Brown
Enrollment10,6966,806-
Avg Financial Aid$52,820$54,640Dartmouth
Starting Salary$77,400$82,700Dartmouth
Endowment$6.6B$8.5BDartmouth
Campus Size146 acres269 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

Brown
$333,344
4-year total (private)
VS
Dartmouth
$337,140
4-year total (private)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Brown = $122,064 | Dartmouth = $118,580. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

Brown Top Majors

Computer ScienceEconomicsBiologyApplied MathematicsHistory

Dartmouth Top Majors

EconomicsComputer ScienceGovernmentEngineeringBiology

Campus & Student Life

Setting
BrownUrban
DartmouthRural
Campus Size
Brown146 ac
Dartmouth269 ac
Athletics
BrownNCAA D1
DartmouthNCAA D1
Region
BrownNortheast
DartmouthNortheast
Founded
Brown1764
Dartmouth1769
Enrollment
Brown10,696
Dartmouth6,806

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Brown or Dartmouth harder to get into?+
Brown is more selective with an acceptance rate of 5.0% compared to 6.2%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Brown or Dartmouth?+
At sticker price, Brown costs less over 4 years ($333,344 vs $337,140). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Brown offers an average of $52,820/year in aid while Dartmouth offers $54,640/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Brown and Dartmouth?+
The average SAT score at Brown is 1530 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 Brown or Dartmouth graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Dartmouth have a higher average starting salary ($82,700 vs $77,400). 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?+
Brown has a 6:1 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 Brown and Dartmouth compare for campus life?+
Brown is located in Providence, Rhode Island (urban setting) with a 146-acre campus. Dartmouth is in Hanover, New Hampshire (rural setting) with 269 acres. Brown competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Dartmouth in NCAA D1.