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Dartmouth College vs University of Notre Dame

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

6.2% Dartmouth acceptance
12.0% Notre Dame acceptance
$15,648 Notre Dame 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
Notre Dame
Notre Dame, Indiana
Private
Founded
1842
Enrollment
13,139
Setting
Suburban

At a Glance

Tuition Notre Dame saves $2,818
Dartmouth
$65,511
Notre Dame
$62,693
Acceptance Rate Dartmouth more selective
Dartmouth
6.2%
Notre Dame
12.0%
Graduation Rate Notre Dame higher
Dartmouth
95%
Notre Dame
97%
Avg SAT Score Dartmouth higher
Dartmouth
1530
Notre Dame
1500
Starting Salary Dartmouth higher
Dartmouth
$82,700
Notre Dame
$80,200

Detailed Comparison

Metric Dartmouth Notre Dame Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$65,511$62,693Notre Dame
Tuition (In-State)$65,511$62,693Notre Dame
Room & Board$18,774$17,680Notre Dame
Acceptance Rate6.2%12.0%Dartmouth
Graduation Rate95%97%Notre Dame
Average SAT15301500Dartmouth
Student-Faculty Ratio7:19:1Dartmouth
Enrollment6,80613,139-
Avg Financial Aid$54,640$42,380Dartmouth
Starting Salary$82,700$80,200Dartmouth
Endowment$8.5B$20.3BNotre Dame
Campus Size269 acres1,265 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

Dartmouth
$337,140
4-year total (private)
VS
Notre Dame
$321,492
4-year total (private)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Dartmouth = $118,580 | Notre Dame = $151,972. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

Dartmouth Top Majors

EconomicsComputer ScienceGovernmentEngineeringBiology

Notre Dame Top Majors

BusinessEngineeringSciencePolitical ScienceEconomics

Campus & Student Life

Setting
DartmouthRural
Notre DameSuburban
Campus Size
Dartmouth269 ac
Notre Dame1,265 ac
Athletics
DartmouthNCAA D1
Notre DameNCAA D1
Region
DartmouthNortheast
Notre DameMidwest
Founded
Dartmouth1769
Notre Dame1842
Enrollment
Dartmouth6,806
Notre Dame13,139

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Dartmouth or Notre Dame harder to get into?+
Dartmouth is more selective with an acceptance rate of 6.2% compared to 12.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Dartmouth or Notre Dame?+
At sticker price, Notre Dame costs less over 4 years ($321,492 vs $337,140). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Dartmouth offers an average of $54,640/year in aid while Notre Dame offers $42,380/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Dartmouth and Notre Dame?+
The average SAT score at Dartmouth is 1530 and at Notre Dame it is 1500. 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 Notre Dame graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Dartmouth have a higher average starting salary ($82,700 vs $80,200). 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 Notre Dame has 9:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do Dartmouth and Notre Dame compare for campus life?+
Dartmouth is located in Hanover, New Hampshire (rural setting) with a 269-acre campus. Notre Dame is in Notre Dame, Indiana (suburban setting) with 1,265 acres. Dartmouth competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Notre Dame in NCAA D1.