Choosing the right college is a critical decision that can impact your future academic success, career opportunities, and personal growth. In this article, we will be comparing two prestigious institutions, Dartmouth College and the University of Pennsylvania (U-Penn), to help you make an informed decision. We’ll cover the key aspects of each school, including tuition costs, admissions, academics, diversity, campus life, alumni, and outcomes.
Dartmouth Overview
Dartmouth College, located in Hanover, New Hampshire, is a private Ivy League research university founded in 1769. It offers a range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees across various disciplines. Known for its strong commitment to liberal arts education, Dartmouth maintains a close-knit community with a strong focus on undergraduate teaching and research.
Dartmouth Costs & Tuition
The estimated total cost of attendance at Dartmouth for the 2021-2022 academic year is $77,793, including tuition, fees, room, and board. Dartmouth is committed to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students, and approximately 47% of students receive financial aid.
Dartmouth Admissions
Admissions at Dartmouth are highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of approximately 8.8%. The middle 50% SAT scores for admitted students range from 1440 to 1560, while the middle 50% ACT scores range from 32 to 35. The application process includes a holistic review of each applicant’s academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and personal qualities.
Dartmouth Degrees Offered
Dartmouth offers undergraduate degrees in over 60 majors across the arts & sciences and engineering. The most popular majors at Dartmouth include economics, government, computer science, engineering, and biology. Dartmouth also offers graduate and professional degrees in fields such as medicine, business, and engineering.
Dartmouth Academics
Dartmouth prides itself on providing an intimate and personalized educational experience for its students. The student-faculty ratio is 7:1, and 64% of classes have fewer than 20 students. Undergraduates at Dartmouth participate in a flexible, liberal arts curriculum that allows them to explore their interests and develop critical thinking skills.
Dartmouth Diversity
Dartmouth is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus community. Approximately 50% of the undergraduate student body identifies as students of color, and 11% of students are international. Dartmouth offers numerous resources and programs to support diversity and inclusion, such as the Office of Pluralism and Leadership and the Center for Gender and Student Engagement.
Dartmouth Students
Dartmouth enrolls approximately 4,500 undergraduate students and 2,000 graduate students. The campus community is known for its strong sense of camaraderie and collaboration, with many students participating in clubs, sports, and other extracurricular activities. Dartmouth’s location in the picturesque Upper Valley also offers students many opportunities for outdoor recreation, such as hiking, skiing, and canoeing.
Dartmouth Campus
Dartmouth’s campus is spread across 269 acres, featuring a mix of historic Georgian-style buildings and modern facilities. The campus is home to state-of-the-art research facilities, libraries, and athletic facilities. Dartmouth also has a vibrant arts scene, hosting numerous performances and exhibitions throughout the year.
Dartmouth Alumni
Dartmouth boasts an extensive network of over 80,000 alumni, including notable figures such as Theodor Geisel (Dr. Seuss), Mindy Kaling, and Robert Frost. The Dartmouth Alumni Association provides resources for alumni to stay connected, engaged, and to support current and future students.
Dartmouth Rankings
U.S. News & World Report ranks Dartmouth as the 13th best national university in the United States. Other notable rankings include the 7th best undergraduate teaching, 10th best value school, and the 11th best school for engineering among schools where doctorates are not offered.
Dartmouth Outcomes
Dartmouth graduates enjoy a high rate of success, with 96.5% of the class of 2019 employed, in graduate school, or pursuing fellowships within six months of graduation. The median starting salary for Dartmouth graduates is $70,000 per year.
University of Pennsylvania Overview
The University of Pennsylvania (U-Penn), located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is a private Ivy League research university founded by Benjamin Franklin in 1740. It offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees across its 12 schools, including the renowned Wharton School of Business. U-Penn is known for its interdisciplinary approach to education, with many students pursuing dual degrees or minors across multiple fields.
University of Pennsylvania Costs & Tuition
The estimated total cost of attendance at U-Penn for the 2021-2022 academic year is $76,826, including tuition, fees, room, and board. U-Penn is committed to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students, and approximately 46% of students receive financial aid.
University of Pennsylvania Admissions
Admissions at U-Penn are highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of approximately 8.6%. The middle 50% SAT scores for admitted students range from 1440 to 1550, while the middle 50% ACT scores range from 33 to 35. The application process includes a holistic review of each applicant’s academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and personal qualities.
University of Pennsylvania Degrees Offered
U-Penn offers undergraduate degrees across more than 90 majors within the arts and sciences, engineering, nursing, and business. The most popular majors at U-Penn include finance, nursing, economics, biological sciences, and computer science. U-Penn also offers graduate and professional degrees in fields such as law, medicine, and education.
University of Pennsylvania Academics
U-Penn has a student-faculty ratio of 6:1, and 75% of its classes have fewer than 20 students. The university emphasizes interdisciplinary learning, with many students pursuing dual degrees or minors across multiple fields.
University of Pennsylvania Diversity
U-Penn is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus community. Approximately 52% of the undergraduate student body identifies as students of color, and 14% of students are international. U-Penn offers numerous resources and programs to support diversity and inclusion, such as the Greenfield Intercultural Center and the Center for Hispanic Excellence.
University of Pennsylvania Students
U-Penn enrolls approximately 10,000 undergraduate students and 10,000 graduate students. The campus community is known for its collaborative and entrepreneurial spirit, with many students participating in clubs, sports, and other extracurricular activities.
University of Pennsylvania Campus
U-Penn’s campus covers 299 acres in the heart of Philadelphia, blending historic architecture with modern facilities. The campus is home to numerous research centers, libraries, and athletic facilities. U-Penn also has a vibrant arts scene, hosting numerous performances and exhibitions throughout the year.
University of Pennsylvania Alumni
U-Penn boasts an extensive network of over 320,000 alumni, including notable figures such as Elon Musk, Warren Buffett, and Noam Chomsky. The Penn Alumni network provides resources for alumni to stay connected, engaged, and to support current and future students.
University of Pennsylvania Rankings
U.S. News & World Report ranks U-Penn as the 8th best national university in the United States. Other notable rankings include the 3rd best undergraduate business program, 4th best undergraduate engineering program, and the 10th best undergraduate teaching.
University of Pennsylvania Outcomes
U-Penn graduates enjoy a high rate of success, with 94% of the class of 2019 employed, in graduate school, or pursuing fellowships within six months of graduation. The median starting salary for U-Penn graduates is $68,200 per year.
Dartmouth vs University of Pennsylvania Cost Comparison
Both Dartmouth and U-Penn have similar total costs of attendance, with Dartmouth at $77,793 and U-Penn at $76,826 for the 2021-2022 academic year. Both institutions are committed to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students, and approximately 47% of Dartmouth students and 46% of U-Penn students receive financial aid. While the costs are relatively similar, it’s essential to consider factors such as location, campus resources, and overall fit when making your decision.
Dartmouth vs University of Pennsylvania Admissions Difficulty
Admissions at both Dartmouth and U-Penn are highly competitive, with acceptance rates of 8.8% and 8.6%, respectively. Both schools have similar middle 50% SAT and ACT score ranges for admitted students. The holistic application review process for both institutions considers academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and personal qualities. Prospective students should carefully consider each school’s unique offerings and culture when deciding where to apply.
Dartmouth vs University of Pennsylvania Academic Difficulty
Both Dartmouth and U-Penn are renowned for their rigorous academic programs and exceptional faculty. Dartmouth’s focus on undergraduate teaching and liberal arts education provides students with a more intimate and personalized learning experience. In contrast, U-Penn’s interdisciplinary approach allows students to pursue diverse interests and engage in collaborative projects across fields. Ultimately, the academic difficulty and opportunities at both schools are comparable, and students should consider their preferred learning environment and academic interests when deciding between the two institutions.
Dartmouth vs University of Pennsylvania Outcome Comparison
Dartmouth and U-Penn graduates both enjoy high rates of success in employment, graduate school, and fellowships. Dartmouth’s class of 2019 had a 96.5% success rate within six months of graduation, while U-Penn’s class of 2019 had a 94% success rate. Median starting salaries for graduates are comparable, with Dartmouth at $70,000 and U-Penn at $68,200. Both schools offer extensive alumni networks and resources to support graduates as they transition into their careers. While outcomes are similar for both institutions, prospective students should consider factors such as academic programs, campus resources, and overall fit when making their decision.
