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Dartmouth College vs Indiana University Bloomington

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

6.2% Dartmouth acceptance
80.0% IU acceptance
$130,412 IU cheaper over 4 years
Updated 2026 · Data: NCES, College Scorecard, IPEDS All figures in USD unless noted

School Overview

Dartmouth
Hanover, New Hampshire
Private
Founded
1769
Enrollment
6,806
Setting
Rural
IU
Bloomington, Indiana
Public
Founded
1820
Enrollment
47,527
Setting
Suburban

At a Glance

Tuition IU saves $26,327
Dartmouth
$65,511
IU
$39,184
Acceptance Rate Dartmouth more selective
Dartmouth
6.2%
IU
80.0%
Graduation Rate Dartmouth higher
Dartmouth
95%
IU
80%
Avg SAT Score Dartmouth higher
Dartmouth
1530
IU
1240
Starting Salary Dartmouth higher
Dartmouth
$82,700
IU
$58,900

Detailed Comparison

Metric Dartmouth IU Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$65,511$39,184IU
Tuition (In-State)$65,511$11,614IU
Room & Board$18,774$12,498IU
Acceptance Rate6.2%80.0%Dartmouth
Graduation Rate95%80%Dartmouth
Average SAT15301240Dartmouth
Student-Faculty Ratio7:115:1Dartmouth
Enrollment6,80647,527-
Avg Financial Aid$54,640$13,900Dartmouth
Starting Salary$82,700$58,900Dartmouth
Endowment$8.5B$3.6BDartmouth
Campus Size269 acres1,940 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

Dartmouth
$337,140
4-year total (private)
VS
IU
$206,728
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Dartmouth = $118,580 | IU = $151,128. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

Dartmouth Top Majors

EconomicsComputer ScienceGovernmentEngineeringBiology

IU Top Majors

BusinessBiologyPublic HealthInformaticsMedia

Campus & Student Life

Setting
DartmouthRural
IUSuburban
Campus Size
Dartmouth269 ac
IU1,940 ac
Athletics
DartmouthNCAA D1
IUNCAA D1
Region
DartmouthNortheast
IUMidwest
Founded
Dartmouth1769
IU1820
Enrollment
Dartmouth6,806
IU47,527

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Dartmouth or IU harder to get into?+
Dartmouth is more selective with an acceptance rate of 6.2% compared to 80.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Dartmouth or IU?+
At sticker price, IU costs less over 4 years ($206,728 vs $337,140). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Dartmouth offers an average of $54,640/year in aid while IU offers $13,900/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Dartmouth and IU?+
The average SAT score at Dartmouth is 1530 and at IU it is 1240. 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 IU graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Dartmouth have a higher average starting salary ($82,700 vs $58,900). 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 IU has 15:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do Dartmouth and IU compare for campus life?+
Dartmouth is located in Hanover, New Hampshire (rural setting) with a 269-acre campus. IU is in Bloomington, Indiana (suburban setting) with 1,940 acres. Dartmouth competes in NCAA D1 athletics and IU in NCAA D1.