Harvard University vs Dartmouth College: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for Harvard University and Dartmouth College, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Harvard University vs Dartmouth College at a glance
Harvard University admits 3.7% of applicants and Dartmouth College 5.4% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $19,148 at Harvard University and $26,707 at Dartmouth College. Six-year graduation rates are 97.1% and 95.3%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- Harvard University admits 3.7% of applicants and Dartmouth College 5.4%, so Harvard University is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $19,148 a year at Harvard University and $26,707 at Dartmouth College; Harvard University costs $7,559 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $2,542 at Harvard University and $1,399 at Dartmouth College.
- 97.1% of students graduate within six years at Harvard University, against 95.3% at Dartmouth College.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $121,957 for Harvard University and $111,162 for Dartmouth College; Harvard University is $10,795 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $17,559 at Harvard University and $13,000 at Dartmouth College.
- Harvard University enrolls 7,601 students (midsize city) and Dartmouth College 4,541 (remote town).
Side by side
Harvard University and Dartmouth College in numbers
The stronger figure in each cost and outcome row is in bold. Net price is what students who receive aid pay after grants; your own price depends on family income.
| Measure | Harvard University | Dartmouth College |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 3.7% | 5.4% |
| Applicants | 57,786 | 28,356 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1510–1580 | 1500–1570 |
| ACT middle 50% | 34–36 | 33–35 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $19,148 | $26,707 |
| Tuition, in state | $64,796 | $71,525 |
| Tuition, out of state | $64,796 | $71,525 |
| Cost of attendance | $89,279 | $91,312 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $2,542 | $1,399 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $2,070 | Not reported |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $4,126 | $1,680 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $9,995 | $11,641 |
| Over $110,000 | $51,128 | $56,894 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 97.1% | 95.3% |
| First-year retention | 98.3% | 98.4% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $121,957 | $111,162 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $17,559 | $13,000 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $200 | $148 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 7,601 | 4,541 |
| Type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Setting | City: Midsize | Town: Remote |
| Location | Cambridge, MA | Hanover, NH |
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Bachelor's programs both offer
Harvard University reports 66 bachelor's programs and Dartmouth College 52; 39 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about Harvard University vs Dartmouth College
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into Harvard University or Dartmouth College?
Harvard University is harder to get into by acceptance rate: Harvard University admits 3.7% of applicants and Dartmouth College admits 5.4%. Middle 50% SAT scores: Harvard University 1510–1580; Dartmouth College 1500–1570.
Which is cheaper, Harvard University or Dartmouth College?
Harvard University has the lower average net price after grants: $19,148 a year at Harvard University against $26,707 at Dartmouth College. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $2,542 and $1,399. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do Harvard University or Dartmouth College graduates earn more?
Harvard University graduates earn more at the median: $121,957 ten years after entry for Harvard University and $111,162 for Dartmouth College. Median federal debt at graduation is $17,559 and $13,000.
Which has a higher graduation rate, Harvard University or Dartmouth College?
Harvard University does: 97.1% of Harvard University students graduate within six years, against 95.3% at Dartmouth College.
How big are Harvard University and Dartmouth College?
Harvard University has 7,601 students in Cambridge, MA and Dartmouth College has 4,541 students in Hanover, NH.