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Dartmouth College vs University of Minnesota

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

6.2% Dartmouth acceptance
75.0% UMN acceptance
$140,052 UMN 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
UMN
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Public
Founded
1851
Enrollment
54,890
Setting
Urban

At a Glance

Tuition UMN saves $29,109
Dartmouth
$65,511
UMN
$36,402
Acceptance Rate Dartmouth more selective
Dartmouth
6.2%
UMN
75.0%
Graduation Rate Dartmouth higher
Dartmouth
95%
UMN
83%
Avg SAT Score Dartmouth higher
Dartmouth
1530
UMN
1370
Starting Salary Dartmouth higher
Dartmouth
$82,700
UMN
$64,800

Detailed Comparison

Metric Dartmouth UMN Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$65,511$36,402UMN
Tuition (In-State)$65,511$15,588UMN
Room & Board$18,774$12,870UMN
Acceptance Rate6.2%75.0%Dartmouth
Graduation Rate95%83%Dartmouth
Average SAT15301370Dartmouth
Student-Faculty Ratio7:117:1Dartmouth
Enrollment6,80654,890-
Avg Financial Aid$54,640$15,100Dartmouth
Starting Salary$82,700$64,800Dartmouth
Endowment$8.5B$4.4BDartmouth
Campus Size269 acres1,204 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

Dartmouth
$337,140
4-year total (private)
VS
UMN
$197,088
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Dartmouth = $118,580 | UMN = $136,688. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

Dartmouth Top Majors

EconomicsComputer ScienceGovernmentEngineeringBiology

UMN Top Majors

PsychologyBiologyEngineeringComputer ScienceBusiness

Campus & Student Life

Setting
DartmouthRural
UMNUrban
Campus Size
Dartmouth269 ac
UMN1,204 ac
Athletics
DartmouthNCAA D1
UMNNCAA D1
Region
DartmouthNortheast
UMNMidwest
Founded
Dartmouth1769
UMN1851
Enrollment
Dartmouth6,806
UMN54,890

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Dartmouth or UMN harder to get into?+
Dartmouth is more selective with an acceptance rate of 6.2% compared to 75.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Dartmouth or UMN?+
At sticker price, UMN costs less over 4 years ($197,088 vs $337,140). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Dartmouth offers an average of $54,640/year in aid while UMN offers $15,100/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Dartmouth and UMN?+
The average SAT score at Dartmouth is 1530 and at UMN it is 1370. 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 UMN graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Dartmouth have a higher average starting salary ($82,700 vs $64,800). 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 UMN has 17:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do Dartmouth and UMN compare for campus life?+
Dartmouth is located in Hanover, New Hampshire (rural setting) with a 269-acre campus. UMN is in Minneapolis, Minnesota (urban setting) with 1,204 acres. Dartmouth competes in NCAA D1 athletics and UMN in NCAA D1.