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Dartmouth College vs University of Alabama

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% Alabama acceptance
$159,140 Alabama 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
Alabama
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Public
Founded
1831
Enrollment
39,975
Setting
Suburban

At a Glance

Tuition Alabama saves $33,111
Dartmouth
$65,511
Alabama
$32,400
Acceptance Rate Dartmouth more selective
Dartmouth
6.2%
Alabama
80.0%
Graduation Rate Dartmouth higher
Dartmouth
95%
Alabama
73%
Avg SAT Score Dartmouth higher
Dartmouth
1530
Alabama
1260
Starting Salary Dartmouth higher
Dartmouth
$82,700
Alabama
$58,400

Detailed Comparison

Metric Dartmouth Alabama Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$65,511$32,400Alabama
Tuition (In-State)$65,511$11,580Alabama
Room & Board$18,774$12,100Alabama
Acceptance Rate6.2%80.0%Dartmouth
Graduation Rate95%73%Dartmouth
Average SAT15301260Dartmouth
Student-Faculty Ratio7:119:1Dartmouth
Enrollment6,80639,975-
Avg Financial Aid$54,640$13,100Dartmouth
Starting Salary$82,700$58,400Dartmouth
Endowment$8.5B$2.2BDartmouth
Campus Size269 acres1,168 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

Dartmouth
$337,140
4-year total (private)
VS
Alabama
$178,000
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Dartmouth = $118,580 | Alabama = $125,600. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

Dartmouth Top Majors

EconomicsComputer ScienceGovernmentEngineeringBiology

Alabama Top Majors

BusinessNursingEngineeringCommunicationBiology

Campus & Student Life

Setting
DartmouthRural
AlabamaSuburban
Campus Size
Dartmouth269 ac
Alabama1,168 ac
Athletics
DartmouthNCAA D1
AlabamaNCAA D1
Region
DartmouthNortheast
AlabamaSouth
Founded
Dartmouth1769
Alabama1831
Enrollment
Dartmouth6,806
Alabama39,975

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Dartmouth or Alabama 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 Alabama?+
At sticker price, Alabama costs less over 4 years ($178,000 vs $337,140). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Dartmouth offers an average of $54,640/year in aid while Alabama offers $13,100/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Dartmouth and Alabama?+
The average SAT score at Dartmouth is 1530 and at Alabama it is 1260. 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 Alabama graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Dartmouth have a higher average starting salary ($82,700 vs $58,400). 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?+
Dartmouth has a 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio while Alabama has 19:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do Dartmouth and Alabama compare for campus life?+
Dartmouth is located in Hanover, New Hampshire (rural setting) with a 269-acre campus. Alabama is in Tuscaloosa, Alabama (suburban setting) with 1,168 acres. Dartmouth competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Alabama in NCAA D1.