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Dartmouth College vs University of Virginia

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

6.2% Dartmouth acceptance
16.3% UVA acceptance
$56,356 UVA 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
UVA
Charlottesville, Virginia
Public
Founded
1819
Enrollment
26,082
Setting
Suburban

At a Glance

Tuition UVA saves $9,597
Dartmouth
$65,511
UVA
$55,914
Acceptance Rate Dartmouth more selective
Dartmouth
6.2%
UVA
16.3%
Graduation Rate Dartmouth higher
Dartmouth
95%
UVA
94%
Avg SAT Score Dartmouth higher
Dartmouth
1530
UVA
1440
Starting Salary Dartmouth higher
Dartmouth
$82,700
UVA
$71,500

Detailed Comparison

Metric Dartmouth UVA Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$65,511$55,914UVA
Tuition (In-State)$65,511$20,342UVA
Room & Board$18,774$14,282UVA
Acceptance Rate6.2%16.3%Dartmouth
Graduation Rate95%94%Dartmouth
Average SAT15301440Dartmouth
Student-Faculty Ratio7:115:1Dartmouth
Enrollment6,80626,082-
Avg Financial Aid$54,640$21,700Dartmouth
Starting Salary$82,700$71,500Dartmouth
Endowment$8.5B$14.5BUVA
Campus Size269 acres1,682 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

Dartmouth
$337,140
4-year total (private)
VS
UVA
$280,784
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Dartmouth = $118,580 | UVA = $193,984. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

Dartmouth Top Majors

EconomicsComputer ScienceGovernmentEngineeringBiology

UVA Top Majors

EconomicsBusinessComputer ScienceBiologyPsychology

Campus & Student Life

Setting
DartmouthRural
UVASuburban
Campus Size
Dartmouth269 ac
UVA1,682 ac
Athletics
DartmouthNCAA D1
UVANCAA D1
Region
DartmouthNortheast
UVASouth
Founded
Dartmouth1769
UVA1819
Enrollment
Dartmouth6,806
UVA26,082

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Dartmouth or UVA harder to get into?+
Dartmouth is more selective with an acceptance rate of 6.2% compared to 16.3%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Dartmouth or UVA?+
At sticker price, UVA costs less over 4 years ($280,784 vs $337,140). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Dartmouth offers an average of $54,640/year in aid while UVA offers $21,700/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Dartmouth and UVA?+
The average SAT score at Dartmouth is 1530 and at UVA it is 1440. 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 UVA graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Dartmouth have a higher average starting salary ($82,700 vs $71,500). 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 UVA has 15:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do Dartmouth and UVA compare for campus life?+
Dartmouth is located in Hanover, New Hampshire (rural setting) with a 269-acre campus. UVA is in Charlottesville, Virginia (suburban setting) with 1,682 acres. Dartmouth competes in NCAA D1 athletics and UVA in NCAA D1.