Head-to-Head Comparison
Dartmouth College vs New Jersey Institute of Technology
- Dartmouth Wins
- 26
- Tied
- 5
- New Jersey Wins
- 17
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, New Jersey Institute of Technology offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Dartmouth College achieves a higher graduation rate (96% vs 73%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $29,519 compared to New Jersey Institute of Technology's $16,504 for in-state paths. Students who choose New Jersey Institute of Technology benefit from a cost structure that keeps debt manageable while maintaining competitive graduate earnings of $84,276 at ten years.
48 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Dartmouth
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $97,434 ten years after enrollment, 16% more than New Jersey Institute of Technology
- Higher grad rate: 96% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $17,500, the lower of the two
- More selective: Admits 5% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
- Research prestige: THE World Rank #99
New Jersey
- Lower cost: Average net price of $16,504, roughly $13,015 a year less
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 6.5%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Dartmouth graduates concentrate in Social Sciences (28% of degrees); New Jersey in Engineering (35%). If you already know the field you want, the choice is mostly made for you.
Based on each school's share of degrees by field (College Scorecard). It shows where graduates actually concentrate, not the only path a school offers.
Which School Fits You?
Pick Dartmouth College over New Jersey Institute of Technology. Median earnings of $97,434 ten years after enrollment vs $84,276.
Pick New Jersey Institute of Technology over Dartmouth College. Net price $16,504 vs $29,519.
Pick Dartmouth College over New Jersey Institute of Technology. THE World Rank #99 vs #350-400.
Pick New Jersey Institute of Technology over Dartmouth College. 6.5% mobility rate vs 1.4%.
Pick Dartmouth College over New Jersey Institute of Technology. 96% completion rate vs 73%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Dartmouth College and New Jersey Institute of Technology are close on paper, but Dartmouth College wins the head-to-head, leading on 4 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
Dartmouth College is the harder admit. It takes 5% of applicants, while New Jersey Institute of Technology takes 65%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,534 to 1,337.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Dartmouth College sets the higher bar. The less selective school is easier to get into, which can work in your favor rather than against it.
What it costs
On price, New Jersey Institute of Technology comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $16,504, about $13,015 a year below Dartmouth College's $29,519. Graduates of Dartmouth College also borrow less: median debt of $17,500, against $21,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $52,060 before any change in aid. Choosing New Jersey Institute of Technology leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Dartmouth College graduates report median earnings of $97,434, compared with $84,276 at New Jersey Institute of Technology. That is a 16% advantage. Set against borrowing, Dartmouth College has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.18x to 0.25x.
So what: An earnings gap of 16% this early in a career tends to widen, since raises build on the higher base. Of the measures on this page, this one carries the most financial weight.
Finishing the degree
Dartmouth College graduates a larger share of its students, 96% versus 73%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 23% is a risk measure. Students at the school with the lower rate face higher odds of leaving with debt and no degree, the most expensive outcome in higher education.
Moving people up
New Jersey Institute of Technology does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 6.5%; at Dartmouth College, it is 1.4%. New Jersey Institute of Technology also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 10.1% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 2.8%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, New Jersey Institute of Technology offers the stronger statistical shot at reaching the top of the income distribution. The gap is wide enough to weigh in any access-minded decision.
Research standing
In the Times Higher Education world table, Dartmouth College sits higher, at #99 versus #350.
So what: Research rank matters most for students headed to graduate school or hoping to work in faculty labs. For undergraduates going straight into the job market, it is a weak predictor of earnings.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick New Jersey Institute of Technology to keep costs and debt down; pick Dartmouth College for the higher earnings ceiling.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 6 of 6 core signals used here, so every comparison above matches reported data against reported data.
Counterintuitive Insights
The cheaper school is not the lower-earning one here. New Jersey Institute of Technology saves about $13,015 a year, yet Dartmouth College graduates earn $13,158 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
Dartmouth College is harder to get into, with a 5% admit rate, but New Jersey Institute of Technology posts the higher mobility rate, at 6.5%. Selectivity and income mobility measure different things; here, the easier admit does more for the low-income students it enrolls.
Their academic identities diverge. Dartmouth College concentrates enrollment in Social Sciences, while New Jersey Institute of Technology leans toward Business & Marketing. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $29,519 runs well above New Jersey Institute of Technology's $16,504.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of Dartmouth College's enrollment, and New Jersey Institute of Technology is stronger here.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $21,000, against $17,500 at Dartmouth College.
- Students who want a smaller campus: New Jersey Institute of Technology's enrollment of 9,019 far exceeds Dartmouth College's 4,541.
Full Data Breakdown
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 4 metrics
Cost & Financial Aid 9 metrics
Academics 5 metrics
Student Body 6 metrics
Outcomes 6 metrics
Social Mobility (Chetty) 4 metrics
Social Capital 3 metrics
Research (Times HE) 4 metrics
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
Dartmouth College
Hanover, NH · Private nonprofit
With an acceptance rate of just 5%, Dartmouth College attracts students who are not only academically gifted but also eager to engage deeply in their studies. The student body, numbering around 4,541, tends to gravitate toward popular fields like Social Sciences, Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, and Biology. This creates a vibrant intellectual community where collaboration and exploration are at the forefront. If you thrive in a competitive environment and are looking for a college experience that emphasizes both rigorous academics and a tight-knit community, Dartmouth might be a good fit for you.
Looking ahead to life after graduation, students from Dartmouth see impressive earnings, averaging $97,434 within ten years of graduating. This financial trajectory speaks volumes about the value of a Dartmouth degree in the job market. Affordability is also a consideration, with a net price of $29,519 after financial aid, making it somewhat accessible for many families. While the Pell Grant rate is relatively low at 14%, those who do receive aid can significantly lessen their financial burden, setting them up for a more secure future.
When it comes to the practicalities, the median debt for graduates is $17,500, which is manageable compared to many institutions. This financial landscape suggests that students who thrive here are often those who are ambitious and ready to engage with both the academic and extracurricular opportunities available. Dartmouth fosters a culture that encourages personal growth and professional success, making it a great place for driven individuals looking to make their mark.
New Jersey Institute of Technology
Newark, NJ · Public
With nearly 9,020 students, New Jersey Institute of Technology is a great fit for those pursuing careers in fields like engineering, computer science, business, and the arts. The 65% acceptance rate means there's a decent chance of getting in, especially for students who are dedicated to their studies and have a solid application. What stands out here is the strong emphasis on practical skills and real-world applications, making it a solid option for anyone looking to dive straight into a career after graduation.
When it comes to life after graduation, the numbers tell a promising story. Graduates can expect to earn around $84,276 within ten years of completing their degree. This level of earning potential is significant, especially when you consider how affordable this school is compared to others. With a median debt of $21,000, students graduate with a manageable financial load, allowing many to move up in their careers without being bogged down by excessive loans.
In terms of the practical bottom line, the net price after aid is about $16,504, which is reasonable for a public institution. This affordability, combined with the strong earning potential, means that students who tend to thrive here are typically those committed to their fields and eager to apply their learning in practical settings. With a diverse range of programs and a supportive environment, NJIT is well-suited for students ready to take the next step in their educational journey.
Rankings They Appear On
Dartmouth College is featured on the Best Colleges in New Hampshire ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Dartmouth's top program is Sociology (28% of enrollment), while New Jersey leads with Mechanical Engineering (35%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Dartmouth) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for New Jersey).
The two schools feed different job markets. Dartmouth College is strongest in Social Sciences, Mathematics & Statistics, while New Jersey Institute of Technology concentrates in Business & Marketing, Biology & Biomedical. Those concentrations determine which recruiters show up on campus and where alumni cluster by industry. Match the school's program strengths to the field you plan to enter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Dartmouth College or New Jersey Institute of Technology?
Dartmouth College is harder to get into, admitting 5% of applicants compared with 65% at New Jersey Institute of Technology.
Which is more affordable, Dartmouth College or New Jersey Institute of Technology?
New Jersey Institute of Technology is more affordable, with an average net price of $16,504 after aid versus $29,519 at Dartmouth College.
Do Dartmouth College or New Jersey Institute of Technology graduates earn more?
Dartmouth College graduates earn more: median earnings of $97,434 ten years after enrollment, versus $84,276 at New Jersey Institute of Technology.
Which has a better graduation rate, Dartmouth College or New Jersey Institute of Technology?
Dartmouth College has the higher graduation rate, 96% versus 73%.
Dartmouth College vs New Jersey Institute of Technology: which is better for social mobility?
New Jersey Institute of Technology is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 6.5% versus 1.4%.
Should you choose Dartmouth College or New Jersey Institute of Technology?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose New Jersey Institute of Technology if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Dartmouth College if you're optimizing for post-grad earnings. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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