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Dartmouth College vs Yale University

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

6.2% Dartmouth acceptance
4.4% Yale acceptance
$1,540 Yale 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
Yale
New Haven, Connecticut
Private
Founded
1701
Enrollment
14,776
Setting
Urban

At a Glance

Tuition Yale saves $811
Dartmouth
$65,511
Yale
$64,700
Acceptance Rate Yale more selective
Dartmouth
6.2%
Yale
4.4%
Graduation Rate Yale higher
Dartmouth
95%
Yale
96%
Avg SAT Score Yale higher
Dartmouth
1530
Yale
1540
Starting Salary Yale higher
Dartmouth
$82,700
Yale
$83,200

Detailed Comparison

Metric Dartmouth Yale Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$65,511$64,700Yale
Tuition (In-State)$65,511$64,700Yale
Room & Board$18,774$19,200Dartmouth
Acceptance Rate6.2%4.4%Yale
Graduation Rate95%96%Yale
Average SAT15301540Yale
Student-Faculty Ratio7:14:1Yale
Enrollment6,80614,776-
Avg Financial Aid$54,640$57,410Yale
Starting Salary$82,700$83,200Yale
Endowment$8.5B$41.4BYale
Campus Size269 acres373 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

Dartmouth
$337,140
4-year total (private)
VS
Yale
$335,600
4-year total (private)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Dartmouth = $118,580 | Yale = $105,960. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

Dartmouth Top Majors

EconomicsComputer ScienceGovernmentEngineeringBiology

Yale Top Majors

EconomicsPolitical ScienceHistoryComputer ScienceBiology

Campus & Student Life

Setting
DartmouthRural
YaleUrban
Campus Size
Dartmouth269 ac
Yale373 ac
Athletics
DartmouthNCAA D1
YaleNCAA D1
Region
DartmouthNortheast
YaleNortheast
Founded
Dartmouth1769
Yale1701
Enrollment
Dartmouth6,806
Yale14,776

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Dartmouth or Yale harder to get into?+
Yale is more selective with an acceptance rate of 4.4% compared to 6.2%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Dartmouth or Yale?+
At sticker price, Yale costs less over 4 years ($335,600 vs $337,140). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Dartmouth offers an average of $54,640/year in aid while Yale offers $57,410/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Dartmouth and Yale?+
The average SAT score at Dartmouth is 1530 and at Yale it is 1540. 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 Yale graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Yale have a higher average starting salary ($83,200 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 Yale has 4:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do Dartmouth and Yale compare for campus life?+
Dartmouth is located in Hanover, New Hampshire (rural setting) with a 269-acre campus. Yale is in New Haven, Connecticut (urban setting) with 373 acres. Dartmouth competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Yale in NCAA D1.