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Dartmouth College vs University of Maryland

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

6.2% Dartmouth acceptance
44.0% Maryland acceptance
$118,580 Maryland 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
Maryland
College Park, Maryland
Public
Founded
1856
Enrollment
41,200
Setting
Suburban

At a Glance

Tuition Maryland saves $25,205
Dartmouth
$65,511
Maryland
$40,306
Acceptance Rate Dartmouth more selective
Dartmouth
6.2%
Maryland
44.0%
Graduation Rate Dartmouth higher
Dartmouth
95%
Maryland
88%
Avg SAT Score Dartmouth higher
Dartmouth
1530
Maryland
1410
Starting Salary Dartmouth higher
Dartmouth
$82,700
Maryland
$70,900

Detailed Comparison

Metric Dartmouth Maryland Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$65,511$40,306Maryland
Tuition (In-State)$65,511$11,505Maryland
Room & Board$18,774$14,334Maryland
Acceptance Rate6.2%44.0%Dartmouth
Graduation Rate95%88%Dartmouth
Average SAT15301410Dartmouth
Student-Faculty Ratio7:118:1Dartmouth
Enrollment6,80641,200-
Avg Financial Aid$54,640$14,200Dartmouth
Starting Salary$82,700$70,900Dartmouth
Endowment$8.5B$2.3BDartmouth
Campus Size269 acres1,335 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

Dartmouth
$337,140
4-year total (private)
VS
Maryland
$218,560
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Dartmouth = $118,580 | Maryland = $161,760. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

Dartmouth Top Majors

EconomicsComputer ScienceGovernmentEngineeringBiology

Maryland Top Majors

Computer ScienceBiologyEngineeringBusinessCriminology

Campus & Student Life

Setting
DartmouthRural
MarylandSuburban
Campus Size
Dartmouth269 ac
Maryland1,335 ac
Athletics
DartmouthNCAA D1
MarylandNCAA D1
Region
DartmouthNortheast
MarylandNortheast
Founded
Dartmouth1769
Maryland1856
Enrollment
Dartmouth6,806
Maryland41,200

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Dartmouth or Maryland harder to get into?+
Dartmouth is more selective with an acceptance rate of 6.2% compared to 44.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Dartmouth or Maryland?+
At sticker price, Maryland costs less over 4 years ($218,560 vs $337,140). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Dartmouth offers an average of $54,640/year in aid while Maryland offers $14,200/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Dartmouth and Maryland?+
The average SAT score at Dartmouth is 1530 and at Maryland it is 1410. 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 Maryland graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Dartmouth have a higher average starting salary ($82,700 vs $70,900). 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 Maryland has 18:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do Dartmouth and Maryland compare for campus life?+
Dartmouth is located in Hanover, New Hampshire (rural setting) with a 269-acre campus. Maryland is in College Park, Maryland (suburban setting) with 1,335 acres. Dartmouth competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Maryland in NCAA D1.