Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)
Estimated sticker price before financial aid.
Dartmouth
$337,140
4-year total (private)
VS
FSU
$134,892
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Dartmouth = $118,580 | FSU = $85,292. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.
Dartmouth Top Majors
EconomicsComputer ScienceGovernmentEngineeringBiologyFSU Top Majors
BusinessPsychologyBiologyCriminologyEngineering
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dartmouth or FSU harder to get into?+
Dartmouth is more selective with an acceptance rate of 6.2% compared to 25.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Dartmouth or FSU?+
At sticker price, FSU costs less over 4 years ($134,892 vs $337,140). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Dartmouth offers an average of $54,640/year in aid while FSU offers $12,400/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Dartmouth and FSU?+
The average SAT score at Dartmouth is 1530 and at FSU it is 1310. 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 Dartmouth or FSU graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Dartmouth have a higher average starting salary ($82,700 vs $59,800). 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?+
Dartmouth has a 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio while FSU has 21:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do Dartmouth and FSU compare for campus life?+
Dartmouth is located in Hanover, New Hampshire (rural setting) with a 269-acre campus. FSU is in Tallahassee, Florida (urban setting) with 1,427 acres. Dartmouth competes in NCAA D1 athletics and FSU in NCAA D1.