HomeCompare › Dartmouth vs Michigan

Dartmouth College vs University of Michigan

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

6.2% Dartmouth acceptance
17.7% Michigan acceptance
$55,492 Michigan 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
Michigan
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Public
Founded
1817
Enrollment
48,090
Setting
Urban

At a Glance

Tuition Michigan saves $8,265
Dartmouth
$65,511
Michigan
$57,246
Acceptance Rate Dartmouth more selective
Dartmouth
6.2%
Michigan
17.7%
Graduation Rate Dartmouth higher
Dartmouth
95%
Michigan
93%
Avg SAT Score Dartmouth higher
Dartmouth
1530
Michigan
1470
Starting Salary Dartmouth higher
Dartmouth
$82,700
Michigan
$73,400

Detailed Comparison

Metric Dartmouth Michigan Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$65,511$57,246Michigan
Tuition (In-State)$65,511$17,786Michigan
Room & Board$18,774$13,166Michigan
Acceptance Rate6.2%17.7%Dartmouth
Graduation Rate95%93%Dartmouth
Average SAT15301470Dartmouth
Student-Faculty Ratio7:112:1Dartmouth
Enrollment6,80648,090-
Avg Financial Aid$54,640$22,680Dartmouth
Starting Salary$82,700$73,400Dartmouth
Endowment$8.5B$17.9BMichigan
Campus Size269 acres3,207 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

Dartmouth
$337,140
4-year total (private)
VS
Michigan
$281,648
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Dartmouth = $118,580 | Michigan = $190,928. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

Dartmouth Top Majors

EconomicsComputer ScienceGovernmentEngineeringBiology

Michigan Top Majors

BusinessEngineeringComputer ScienceEconomicsPsychology

Campus & Student Life

Setting
DartmouthRural
MichiganUrban
Campus Size
Dartmouth269 ac
Michigan3,207 ac
Athletics
DartmouthNCAA D1
MichiganNCAA D1
Region
DartmouthNortheast
MichiganMidwest
Founded
Dartmouth1769
Michigan1817
Enrollment
Dartmouth6,806
Michigan48,090

Need Help Choosing Between Dartmouth & Michigan?

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 Michigan harder to get into?+
Dartmouth is more selective with an acceptance rate of 6.2% compared to 17.7%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Dartmouth or Michigan?+
At sticker price, Michigan costs less over 4 years ($281,648 vs $337,140). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Dartmouth offers an average of $54,640/year in aid while Michigan offers $22,680/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Dartmouth and Michigan?+
The average SAT score at Dartmouth is 1530 and at Michigan it is 1470. 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 Michigan graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Dartmouth have a higher average starting salary ($82,700 vs $73,400). 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 Michigan has 12:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do Dartmouth and Michigan compare for campus life?+
Dartmouth is located in Hanover, New Hampshire (rural setting) with a 269-acre campus. Michigan is in Ann Arbor, Michigan (urban setting) with 3,207 acres. Dartmouth competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Michigan in NCAA D1.