HomeCompare › Dartmouth vs NYU

Dartmouth College vs NYU

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

6.2% Dartmouth acceptance
12.2% NYU acceptance
$9,076 NYU 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
NYU
New York, New York
Private
Founded
1831
Enrollment
59,144
Setting
Urban

At a Glance

Tuition NYU saves $5,073
Dartmouth
$65,511
NYU
$60,438
Acceptance Rate Dartmouth more selective
Dartmouth
6.2%
NYU
12.2%
Graduation Rate Dartmouth higher
Dartmouth
95%
NYU
87%
Avg SAT Score Dartmouth higher
Dartmouth
1530
NYU
1480
Starting Salary Dartmouth higher
Dartmouth
$82,700
NYU
$74,100

Detailed Comparison

Metric Dartmouth NYU Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$65,511$60,438NYU
Tuition (In-State)$65,511$60,438NYU
Room & Board$18,774$21,578Dartmouth
Acceptance Rate6.2%12.2%Dartmouth
Graduation Rate95%87%Dartmouth
Average SAT15301480Dartmouth
Student-Faculty Ratio7:18:1Dartmouth
Enrollment6,80659,144-
Avg Financial Aid$54,640$38,960Dartmouth
Starting Salary$82,700$74,100Dartmouth
Endowment$8.5B$6.2BDartmouth
Campus Size269 acres230 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

Dartmouth
$337,140
4-year total (private)
VS
NYU
$328,064
4-year total (private)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Dartmouth = $118,580 | NYU = $172,224. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

Dartmouth Top Majors

EconomicsComputer ScienceGovernmentEngineeringBiology

NYU Top Majors

BusinessLiberal StudiesFilmEconomicsComputer Science

Campus & Student Life

Setting
DartmouthRural
NYUUrban
Campus Size
Dartmouth269 ac
NYU230 ac
Athletics
DartmouthNCAA D1
NYUNCAA D3
Region
DartmouthNortheast
NYUNortheast
Founded
Dartmouth1769
NYU1831
Enrollment
Dartmouth6,806
NYU59,144

Need Help Choosing Between Dartmouth & NYU?

Get free personalized guidance from college admissions experts. Application strategy, essay reviews, and financial aid help.

Get Free College Guidance →
✓ 100% free consultation ✓ Expert admissions advisors ✓ No obligation

Helpful Resources

Tools and services to help with your college journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Dartmouth or NYU harder to get into?+
Dartmouth is more selective with an acceptance rate of 6.2% compared to 12.2%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Dartmouth or NYU?+
At sticker price, NYU costs less over 4 years ($328,064 vs $337,140). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Dartmouth offers an average of $54,640/year in aid while NYU offers $38,960/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Dartmouth and NYU?+
The average SAT score at Dartmouth is 1530 and at NYU it is 1480. 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 NYU graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Dartmouth have a higher average starting salary ($82,700 vs $74,100). 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?+
Dartmouth has a 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio while NYU has 8:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do Dartmouth and NYU compare for campus life?+
Dartmouth is located in Hanover, New Hampshire (rural setting) with a 269-acre campus. NYU is in New York, New York (urban setting) with 230 acres. Dartmouth competes in NCAA D1 athletics and NYU in NCAA D3.