HomeCompare › Dartmouth vs UT Austin

Dartmouth College vs University of Texas at Austin

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

6.2% Dartmouth acceptance
29.0% UT Austin acceptance
$123,740 UT Austin 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
UT Austin
Austin, Texas
Public
Founded
1883
Enrollment
52,384
Setting
Urban

At a Glance

Tuition UT Austin saves $24,441
Dartmouth
$65,511
UT Austin
$41,070
Acceptance Rate Dartmouth more selective
Dartmouth
6.2%
UT Austin
29.0%
Graduation Rate Dartmouth higher
Dartmouth
95%
UT Austin
87%
Avg SAT Score Dartmouth higher
Dartmouth
1530
UT Austin
1370
Starting Salary Dartmouth higher
Dartmouth
$82,700
UT Austin
$68,500

Detailed Comparison

Metric Dartmouth UT Austin Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$65,511$41,070UT Austin
Tuition (In-State)$65,511$11,448UT Austin
Room & Board$18,774$12,280UT Austin
Acceptance Rate6.2%29.0%Dartmouth
Graduation Rate95%87%Dartmouth
Average SAT15301370Dartmouth
Student-Faculty Ratio7:117:1Dartmouth
Enrollment6,80652,384-
Avg Financial Aid$54,640$14,990Dartmouth
Starting Salary$82,700$68,500Dartmouth
Endowment$8.5B$44.9BUT Austin
Campus Size269 acres431 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

Dartmouth
$337,140
4-year total (private)
VS
UT Austin
$213,400
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Dartmouth = $118,580 | UT Austin = $153,440. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

Dartmouth Top Majors

EconomicsComputer ScienceGovernmentEngineeringBiology

UT Austin Top Majors

BusinessEngineeringComputer ScienceBiologyCommunication

Campus & Student Life

Setting
DartmouthRural
UT AustinUrban
Campus Size
Dartmouth269 ac
UT Austin431 ac
Athletics
DartmouthNCAA D1
UT AustinNCAA D1
Region
DartmouthNortheast
UT AustinSouth
Founded
Dartmouth1769
UT Austin1883
Enrollment
Dartmouth6,806
UT Austin52,384

Need Help Choosing Between Dartmouth & UT Austin?

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 UT Austin harder to get into?+
Dartmouth is more selective with an acceptance rate of 6.2% compared to 29.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Dartmouth or UT Austin?+
At sticker price, UT Austin costs less over 4 years ($213,400 vs $337,140). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Dartmouth offers an average of $54,640/year in aid while UT Austin offers $14,990/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Dartmouth and UT Austin?+
The average SAT score at Dartmouth is 1530 and at UT Austin 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 UT Austin graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Dartmouth have a higher average starting salary ($82,700 vs $68,500). 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 UT Austin has 17:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do Dartmouth and UT Austin compare for campus life?+
Dartmouth is located in Hanover, New Hampshire (rural setting) with a 269-acre campus. UT Austin is in Austin, Texas (urban setting) with 431 acres. Dartmouth competes in NCAA D1 athletics and UT Austin in NCAA D1.