Choosing the right college can be a difficult and overwhelming decision, especially when comparing two excellent institutions like Dartmouth College and the University of Massachusetts Amherst. In this article, we will delve into the various aspects of each school, such as costs, admissions, academics, and outcomes, to help you make the best decision for your future.

Dartmouth Overview

Dartmouth College, located in Hanover, New Hampshire, is a prestigious Ivy League institution that offers a close-knit, liberal arts-focused education. Founded in 1769, Dartmouth has approximately 6,400 students and offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs. The campus is known for its beautiful setting, strong sense of community, and commitment to excellence in teaching and research.

Dartmouth Costs & Tuition

The cost of attendance at Dartmouth is relatively high, with the total cost for the 2021-2022 academic year estimated at $79,176. This includes tuition, fees, room and board, and other expenses. However, Dartmouth is known for its generous financial aid, with approximately 50% of students receiving need-based aid. The average need-based scholarship or grant award is around $58,000. The college is also committed to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students.

Dartmouth Admissions

Dartmouth has a highly competitive admissions process. The acceptance rate for the Class of 2025 was 6.2%, one of the lowest in recent years. To be considered for admission, applicants must submit their Common Application or Coalition Application, high school transcript, SAT or ACT scores (optional for the Class of 2026), letters of recommendation, and other supplemental materials. Dartmouth values a well-rounded applicant with a strong academic record, extracurricular involvement, and personal qualities that demonstrate potential for success in college and beyond.

Dartmouth Degrees Offered

Dartmouth offers undergraduate degrees in over 60 majors, ranging from the arts and humanities to the social sciences and STEM fields. The most popular majors include economics, government, computer science, engineering, and biological sciences. In addition to the undergraduate programs, Dartmouth has several renowned graduate and professional schools, including the Tuck School of Business, Geisel School of Medicine, Thayer School of Engineering, and the Guarini School of Graduate and Advanced Studies.

Dartmouth Academics

Academics at Dartmouth are highly regarded, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 7:1 and an average class size of 20 students. The college emphasizes close interaction between students and faculty, fostering a supportive and intellectually stimulating environment. Dartmouth operates on a quarter system, with four 10-week academic terms, allowing students to explore various subjects and engage in experiential learning opportunities, such as research, internships, and study abroad programs.

Dartmouth Diversity

Dartmouth is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus community, with 35% of the undergraduate population identifying as students of color and 12% as international students. The college offers numerous resources and initiatives to support diversity and inclusion, such as the Office of Pluralism and Leadership, the Center for Gender and Student Engagement, and various affinity groups and cultural organizations.

Dartmouth Students

Dartmouth students are known for their strong sense of community and their commitment to both academic and extracurricular pursuits. They are involved in numerous clubs, sports, and organizations, such as the Dartmouth Outing Club, student government, and various performing arts ensembles. The college also has a prominent Greek life, with approximately 50% of eligible students participating in fraternities and sororities.

Dartmouth Campus

The Dartmouth campus consists of 269 acres in the picturesque town of Hanover, which has been consistently ranked as one of the best college towns in America. The campus features traditional New England architecture, state-of-the-art academic and residential facilities, and extensive outdoor spaces for recreation and exploration. Dartmouth’s location offers easy access to the Appalachian Trail, the Connecticut River, and the White Mountains, providing numerous opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts.

Dartmouth Alumni

Dartmouth boasts a strong alumni network, with over 77,000 living alumni worldwide. Graduates of Dartmouth have gone on to achieve success in various fields, including business, education, medicine, law, and public service. Notable alumni include former U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Timothy Geithner, author Louise Erdrich, and television producer Shonda Rhimes.

Dartmouth Rankings

Dartmouth consistently ranks among the top colleges and universities in the United States. In the 2021 U.S. News & World Report rankings, Dartmouth was ranked 13th among national universities and 6th in best undergraduate teaching. The college also ranks highly in various subject-specific rankings and is known for its strong commitment to undergraduate research.

Dartmouth Outcomes

Graduates of Dartmouth enjoy strong career outcomes, with 94% of the Class of 2020 reporting being employed, enrolled in graduate school, or pursuing other opportunities within six months of graduation. The median starting salary for Dartmouth graduates is around $70,000, and alumni can be found working in a wide range of industries, including finance, consulting, technology, and healthcare.

UMass Amherst Overview

The University of Massachusetts Amherst, commonly referred to as UMass Amherst, is a public research university located in Amherst, Massachusetts. Established in 1863, it is the flagship campus of the University of Massachusetts system and the largest public university in New England. With over 30,000 students and more than 110 undergraduate majors, UMass Amherst offers a comprehensive and diverse educational experience.

UMass Amherst Costs & Tuition

UMass Amherst is more affordable than Dartmouth, with the total cost of attendance for in-state students estimated at $32,338 for the 2021-2022 academic year. Out-of-state students can expect to pay around $53,578. These costs include tuition, fees, room and board, and other expenses. Financial aid is available for eligible students, with around 83% of undergraduate students receiving some form of aid. The average need-based scholarship or grant award is around $11,000.

UMass Amherst Admissions

Admissions at UMass Amherst are competitive, with an acceptance rate of 64% for the fall 2021 entering class. Applicants are required to submit their Common Application or Coalition Application, high school transcript, SAT or ACT scores (optional for the 2021-2022 application cycle), letters of recommendation, and other supplemental materials. UMass Amherst values academic achievement, extracurricular involvement, and personal qualities that indicate a strong potential for success at the university.

UMass Amherst Degrees Offered

UMass Amherst offers over 110 undergraduate majors across a wide range of disciplines. Popular majors include business, psychology, biology, computer science, and engineering. The university also offers numerous graduate and professional degree programs through its various colleges and schools, including the renowned Isenberg School of Management and the College of Engineering.

UMass Amherst Academics

UMass Amherst is known for its strong academics and research opportunities, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 17:1 and an average class size of 29 students. The university emphasizes interdisciplinary learning, experiential education, and global perspectives, providing students with a well-rounded and rigorous academic experience.

UMass Amherst Diversity

The student population at UMass Amherst is diverse, with 26% of undergraduate students identifying as students of color and 6% as international students. The university is committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment and offers numerous resources and initiatives to support diversity, such as the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, the Center for Multicultural Advancement and Student Success, and various cultural and affinity organizations.

UMass Amherst Students

Students at UMass Amherst are known for their engagement in both academic and extracurricular activities, participating in over 300 clubs and organizations, including student government, community service initiatives, and competitive sports. The campus also offers a wide range of social events, cultural programs, and recreational activities, contributing to a vibrant and active student life.

UMass Amherst Campus

The UMass Amherst campus spans over 1,450 acres and features a mix of modern and historic buildings, state-of-the-art academic and research facilities, and extensive outdoor spaces for recreation and relaxation. The university is located in the scenic Pioneer Valley, which offers numerous opportunities for outdoor activities, such as hiking, skiing, and canoeing. The town of Amherst is a classic college town, with a wide range of shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions.

UMass Amherst Alumni

UMass Amherst has a strong alumni network, with over 260,000 living alumni worldwide. Graduates of the university have gone on to achieve success in various fields, including business, education, science, and public service. Notable alumni include astronaut Catherine Coleman, author Rob Mankoff, and former Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick.

UMass Amherst Rankings

UMass Amherst consistently ranks among the top public universities in the United States. In the 2021 U.S. News & World Report rankings, UMass Amherst was ranked 66th among national universities and 26th among public institutions. The university also ranks highly in various subject-specific rankings and is known for its strong commitment to research and innovation.

UMass Amherst Outcomes

Graduates of UMass Amherst enjoy positive career outcomes, with 91% of the Class of 2019 reporting being employed, enrolled in graduate school, or pursuing other opportunities within six months of graduation. The median starting salary for UMass Amherst graduates is around $60,000, and alumni can be found working in a wide range of industries, such as finance, technology, healthcare, and education.

Dartmouth vs UMass Amherst Cost Comparison

When comparing the costs of attending Dartmouth and UMass Amherst, it is important to consider the differences in tuition, fees, and financial aid opportunities. Dartmouth, as a private Ivy League institution, has a significantly higher cost of attendance, with an estimated total cost of $79,176 for the 2021-2022 academic year. In contrast, UMass Amherst, as a public university, is more affordable, with an estimated total cost of $32,338 for in-state students and $53,578 for out-of-state students.

However, it is important to note that Dartmouth is known for its generous financial aid, with approximately 50% of students receiving need-based aid and an average need-based scholarship or grant award of around $58,000. UMass Amherst also offers financial aid, with around 83% of undergraduate students receiving some form of aid and an average need-based scholarship or grant award of around $11,000. When factoring in financial aid, the cost differential between the two schools may be less pronounced for some students.

Dartmouth vs UMass Amherst Admissions Difficulty

Both Dartmouth and UMass Amherst have competitive admissions processes, but Dartmouth is significantly more selective, with an acceptance rate of 6.2% for the Class of 2025. UMass Amherst’s acceptance rate is higher, at 64% for the fall 2021 entering class. While both schools value academic achievement, extracurricular involvement, and personal qualities in their applicants, Dartmouth’s lower acceptance rate indicates that it is more difficult to gain admission to the Ivy League institution.

Dartmouth vs UMass Amherst Academic Difficulty

Both Dartmouth and UMass Amherst offer rigorous academic programs and are known for their commitment to research and innovation. Dartmouth’s smaller class sizes, with an average class size of 20 students and a student-to-faculty ratio of 7:1, may provide a more intimate and supportive learning environment. UMass Amherst, with an average class size of 29 students and a student-to-faculty ratio of 17:1, still offers a challenging academic experience but may have larger class sizes and fewer opportunities for close interaction with faculty.

Ultimately, the academic difficulty of each school will depend on the specific program and major chosen by the student, as well as their individual learning style and preferences.

Dartmouth vs UMass Amherst Outcome Comparison

When comparing outcomes for graduates of Dartmouth and UMass Amherst, it is important to consider factors such as employment rates, median starting salaries, and alumni networks. Graduates of both schools enjoy positive career outcomes, with 94% of Dartmouth’s Class of 2020 and 91% of UMass Amherst’s Class of 2019 reporting being employed, enrolled in graduate school, or pursuing other opportunities within six months of graduation.

The median starting salary for Dartmouth graduates is around $70,000, while for UMass Amherst graduates, it is around $60,000. Both schools have strong alumni networks, with Dartmouth boasting over 77,000 living alumni worldwide and UMass Amherst with over 260,000.

While both Dartmouth and UMass Amherst provide their graduates with strong career prospects, Dartmouth’s slightly higher employment rate and median starting salary, as well as its prestigious Ivy League reputation, may provide some advantages in terms of post-graduation outcomes.