Head-to-Head Comparison
Dartmouth College vs University of Virginia-Main Campus
- Dartmouth Wins
- 20
- Tied
- 20
- Virginia-Main Campus Wins
- 14
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of Virginia-Main Campus offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Dartmouth College achieves a higher graduation rate (96% vs 95%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $29,519 compared to University of Virginia-Main Campus's $21,565 for in-state paths. Students who choose University of Virginia-Main Campus benefit from a cost structure that keeps debt manageable while maintaining competitive graduate earnings of $86,863 at ten years.
54 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, 12% more than University of Virginia
- More selective: Admits 5% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
Virginia-Main Campus
- Lower cost: Average net price of $21,565, roughly $7,954 a year less
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Dartmouth graduates concentrate in Social Sciences (24% of degrees); Virginia-Main Campus in Social Sciences (13%). 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 University of Virginia. Median earnings of $97,434 ten years after enrollment vs $86,863.
Pick University of Virginia over Dartmouth College. Net price $21,565 vs $29,519.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Dartmouth College and University of Virginia are close on paper, but Dartmouth College wins the head-to-head, leading on 3 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 University of Virginia takes 17%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,534 to 1,480.
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, University of Virginia comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $21,565, about $7,954 a year below Dartmouth College's $29,519.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $31,816 before any change in aid. Choosing University of Virginia 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 $86,863 at University of Virginia. That is a 12% advantage. Set against borrowing, Dartmouth College has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.18x to 0.2x.
So what: An earnings gap of 12% 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.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick University of Virginia to keep costs and debt down; pick Dartmouth College for the higher earnings ceiling.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 5 of 6 core signals used here; where one school is missing a figure, that row is left out of the comparison rather than estimated.
Counterintuitive Insights
The cheaper school is not the lower-earning one here. University of Virginia saves about $7,954 a year, yet Dartmouth College graduates earn $10,571 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
Their academic identities diverge. Dartmouth College concentrates enrollment in Engineering, while University of Virginia leans toward Humanities. 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 University of Virginia's $21,565.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of Dartmouth College's enrollment, and University of Virginia is stronger here.
- Engineering-focused students: Dartmouth College has the stronger engineering programs.
- Students who want a smaller campus: University of Virginia's enrollment of 17,597 far exceeds Dartmouth College's 4,541.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Dartmouth holds onto its admits more tightly: 71% of admitted students enroll, versus 40% at Virginia-Main Campus — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Both reward applying early, but the binding round pays off more at Virginia-Main Campus (500.0% Early Decision admit rate vs 21.6%). Early Decision is binding, so it only makes sense if the school is a clear first choice. Test scores matter less at Virginia-Main Campus, where only about 6% of enrolled freshmen submitted any SAT or ACT.
Source: each school's published Common Data Set, via collegedata.fyi.
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 4 metrics
Admissions Strategy (Common Data Set) 6 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.
University of Virginia-Main Campus
Charlottesville, VA · Public
With an acceptance rate of just 17%, the University of Virginia-Main Campus attracts students who are ready for an academically rigorous environment. It’s a great fit for those interested in a wide range of disciplines, particularly in humanities, social sciences, engineering, business, and computer science. Students here are not just looking for a degree; they’re aiming for a transformative college experience that prepares them for real-world challenges.
After graduation, students typically see solid returns on their investment. With a median earning of $86,863 ten years post-graduation, many graduates find themselves in a stable financial position. The affordable net price of $21,565 means that with careful planning and support, students can graduate with manageable debt, averaging around $17,500. This financial outlook is encouraging, especially for those who may worry about student loans impacting their future.
Ultimately, the practical aspects of attending UVA-Main Campus play a crucial role in student success. With a supportive environment, it’s a place where driven students can thrive, particularly those who are proactive about taking advantage of the resources available. This community fosters not just academic excellence but also personal growth, making it a smart choice for those ready to engage deeply in their education.
Rankings They Appear On
Dartmouth College is featured on the Best Colleges in New Hampshire ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Both schools share Sociology as their top enrolled program field, comprising 24% of Dartmouth's student body and 13% of Virginia-Main Campus's.
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 Virginia-Main Campus).
The two schools feed different job markets. Dartmouth College is strongest in Biology & Biomedical, while University of Virginia concentrates in Humanities. 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 University of Virginia?
Dartmouth College is harder to get into, admitting 5% of applicants compared with 17% at University of Virginia.
Which is more affordable, Dartmouth College or University of Virginia?
University of Virginia is more affordable, with an average net price of $21,565 after aid versus $29,519 at Dartmouth College.
Do Dartmouth College or University of Virginia graduates earn more?
Dartmouth College graduates earn more: median earnings of $97,434 ten years after enrollment, versus $86,863 at University of Virginia.
Which has a better graduation rate, Dartmouth College or University of Virginia?
Dartmouth College has the higher graduation rate, 96% versus 95%.
Should you choose Dartmouth College or University of Virginia?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose University of Virginia 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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