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Dartmouth College vs University of Pittsburgh

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

6.2% Dartmouth acceptance
42.0% Pitt acceptance
$133,292 Pitt 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
Pitt
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Public
Founded
1787
Enrollment
34,163
Setting
Urban

At a Glance

Tuition Pitt saves $28,179
Dartmouth
$65,511
Pitt
$37,332
Acceptance Rate Dartmouth more selective
Dartmouth
6.2%
Pitt
42.0%
Graduation Rate Dartmouth higher
Dartmouth
95%
Pitt
83%
Avg SAT Score Dartmouth higher
Dartmouth
1530
Pitt
1370
Starting Salary Dartmouth higher
Dartmouth
$82,700
Pitt
$64,600

Detailed Comparison

Metric Dartmouth Pitt Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$65,511$37,332Pitt
Tuition (In-State)$65,511$21,080Pitt
Room & Board$18,774$13,630Pitt
Acceptance Rate6.2%42.0%Dartmouth
Graduation Rate95%83%Dartmouth
Average SAT15301370Dartmouth
Student-Faculty Ratio7:114:1Dartmouth
Enrollment6,80634,163-
Avg Financial Aid$54,640$15,600Dartmouth
Starting Salary$82,700$64,600Dartmouth
Endowment$8.5B$5.6BDartmouth
Campus Size269 acres132 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

Dartmouth
$337,140
4-year total (private)
VS
Pitt
$203,848
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Dartmouth = $118,580 | Pitt = $141,448. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

Dartmouth Top Majors

EconomicsComputer ScienceGovernmentEngineeringBiology

Pitt Top Majors

NursingEngineeringBusinessBiologyPsychology

Campus & Student Life

Setting
DartmouthRural
PittUrban
Campus Size
Dartmouth269 ac
Pitt132 ac
Athletics
DartmouthNCAA D1
PittNCAA D1
Region
DartmouthNortheast
PittNortheast
Founded
Dartmouth1769
Pitt1787
Enrollment
Dartmouth6,806
Pitt34,163

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Dartmouth or Pitt harder to get into?+
Dartmouth is more selective with an acceptance rate of 6.2% compared to 42.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Dartmouth or Pitt?+
At sticker price, Pitt costs less over 4 years ($203,848 vs $337,140). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Dartmouth offers an average of $54,640/year in aid while Pitt offers $15,600/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Dartmouth and Pitt?+
The average SAT score at Dartmouth is 1530 and at Pitt 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 Pitt graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Dartmouth have a higher average starting salary ($82,700 vs $64,600). 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 Pitt has 14:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do Dartmouth and Pitt compare for campus life?+
Dartmouth is located in Hanover, New Hampshire (rural setting) with a 269-acre campus. Pitt is in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (urban setting) with 132 acres. Dartmouth competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Pitt in NCAA D1.