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Dartmouth College vs University of Pennsylvania

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

6.2% Dartmouth acceptance
5.4% UPenn acceptance
$9,132 UPenn 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
UPenn
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Private
Founded
1740
Enrollment
28,304
Setting
Urban

At a Glance

Tuition UPenn saves $2,059
Dartmouth
$65,511
UPenn
$63,452
Acceptance Rate UPenn more selective
Dartmouth
6.2%
UPenn
5.4%
Graduation Rate UPenn higher
Dartmouth
95%
UPenn
96%
Avg SAT Score Same
Dartmouth
1530
UPenn
1530
Starting Salary UPenn higher
Dartmouth
$82,700
UPenn
$92,800

Detailed Comparison

Metric Dartmouth UPenn Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$65,511$63,452UPenn
Tuition (In-State)$65,511$63,452UPenn
Room & Board$18,774$18,550UPenn
Acceptance Rate6.2%5.4%UPenn
Graduation Rate95%96%UPenn
Average SAT15301530Tie
Student-Faculty Ratio7:16:1UPenn
Enrollment6,80628,304-
Avg Financial Aid$54,640$54,060Dartmouth
Starting Salary$82,700$92,800UPenn
Endowment$8.5B$20.5BUPenn
Campus Size269 acres299 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

Dartmouth
$337,140
4-year total (private)
VS
UPenn
$328,008
4-year total (private)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Dartmouth = $118,580 | UPenn = $111,768. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

Dartmouth Top Majors

EconomicsComputer ScienceGovernmentEngineeringBiology

UPenn Top Majors

FinanceEconomicsNursingComputer ScienceBiology

Campus & Student Life

Setting
DartmouthRural
UPennUrban
Campus Size
Dartmouth269 ac
UPenn299 ac
Athletics
DartmouthNCAA D1
UPennNCAA D1
Region
DartmouthNortheast
UPennNortheast
Founded
Dartmouth1769
UPenn1740
Enrollment
Dartmouth6,806
UPenn28,304

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Dartmouth or UPenn harder to get into?+
UPenn is more selective with an acceptance rate of 5.4% compared to 6.2%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Dartmouth or UPenn?+
At sticker price, UPenn costs less over 4 years ($328,008 vs $337,140). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Dartmouth offers an average of $54,640/year in aid while UPenn offers $54,060/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Dartmouth and UPenn?+
The average SAT score at Dartmouth is 1530 and at UPenn it is 1530. 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 UPenn graduates earn more?+
Graduates of UPenn have a higher average starting salary ($92,800 vs $82,700). 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 UPenn has 6:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do Dartmouth and UPenn compare for campus life?+
Dartmouth is located in Hanover, New Hampshire (rural setting) with a 269-acre campus. UPenn is in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (urban setting) with 299 acres. Dartmouth competes in NCAA D1 athletics and UPenn in NCAA D1.