When considering higher education options, it’s essential to compare various aspects of each institution. In this comparison, we will explore two prestigious schools: MIT and Dartmouth. We will analyze each school’s features, including costs, admissions, academics, diversity, campus life, alumni, and outcomes. By examining these factors, we will provide a comprehensive overview of MIT and Dartmouth to help prospective students make informed decisions about their educational journey.
MIT Overview
MIT, or the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, is a private research university located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Established in 1861, MIT has become renowned for its cutting-edge research, innovation, and entrepreneurship in science, engineering, and technology fields. This prestigious institution boasts a strong emphasis on research and offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs in various fields of study.
MIT Costs & Tuition
Tuition at MIT is currently set at $53,790 per year for undergraduate students. However, the total cost of attendance, including housing, meals, and other fees, is approximately $73,160 per year. MIT is committed to ensuring that financial constraints do not prevent qualified students from attending, offering need-based financial aid packages that can significantly reduce the overall cost of attendance.
MIT Admissions
Admission to MIT is highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of approximately 7%. Applicants must submit standardized test scores (SAT or ACT), high school transcripts, letters of recommendation, and essays. MIT seeks students who demonstrate exceptional academic aptitude, intellectual curiosity, and extracurricular involvement.
MIT Degrees Offered
MIT offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across its five schools: Architecture and Planning; Engineering; Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences; Management; and Science. Popular undergraduate majors include Engineering, Computer Science, and Management. Graduate programs include Master’s, Doctoral, and professional degrees across various fields of study.
MIT Academics
The academic environment at MIT is highly rigorous, with a focus on innovative research and collaboration. Students are encouraged to pursue hands-on learning opportunities through research projects, internships, and co-ops. MIT’s faculty includes renowned experts in their fields, providing students with a world-class education.
MIT Diversity
MIT is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus environment. As of 2020, the undergraduate population was 49% female and 51% male, with 51% of students identifying as an ethnic minority. Diversity-related programs and resources include the Office of Minority Education, the Institute Community and Equity Office, and various student groups focused on promoting diversity and inclusion.
MIT Students
MIT has a strong sense of community and encourages students to engage in extracurricular activities. Over 500 student organizations are available, including clubs, sports teams, and cultural organizations. MIT also offers extensive support services, such as academic and career advising, health and wellness resources, and access to world-class facilities and research opportunities.
MIT Campus
MIT’s urban campus is situated along the Charles River in Cambridge, Massachusetts, providing easy access to the metropolitan area of Boston. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities, including research centers, athletic facilities, and modern residence halls. With abundant on-campus and off-campus resources, MIT offers students a vibrant and engaging living experience.
MIT Alumni
MIT boasts a distinguished network of over 137,000 alumni worldwide, including numerous Nobel Laureates, MacArthur Fellows, and successful entrepreneurs. Graduates often go on to pursue careers in academia, industry, government, and non-profit sectors, making significant contributions to their fields.
MIT Rankings
MIT consistently ranks among the top universities globally. According to the QS World University Rankings 2022, MIT is ranked 1st in the world overall, as well as 1st in Engineering & Technology, 2nd in Natural Sciences, and 5th in Social Sciences & Management.
MIT Outcomes
MIT graduates are highly sought after by employers, with a 93% job placement rate for the class of 2019. The median starting salary for MIT graduates is $84,000. In addition, many students continue their education, pursuing advanced degrees at other prestigious institutions.
Dartmouth Overview
Dartmouth College is a private Ivy League research university located in Hanover, New Hampshire. Founded in 1769, Dartmouth is the ninth-oldest institution of higher education in the United States. The college is known for its strong emphasis on liberal arts education, offering undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields of study.
Dartmouth Costs & Tuition
Annual tuition at Dartmouth is currently set at $57,796 for undergraduate students. Including additional fees, housing, and meals, the total cost of attendance is approximately $77,580 per year. Similar to MIT, Dartmouth offers need-based financial aid packages to help ensure affordability for all qualified students.
Dartmouth Admissions
Admission to Dartmouth is also highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 8%. Applicants must submit standardized test scores (SAT or ACT), high school transcripts, letters of recommendation, and essays. Dartmouth seeks students who show strong academic achievement, leadership potential, and a commitment to their communities.
Dartmouth Degrees Offered
Dartmouth offers a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programs across its four schools: the College of Arts and Sciences, the Geisel School of Medicine, the Thayer School of Engineering, and the Tuck School of Business. Popular undergraduate majors include Economics, Government, and Engineering Sciences. Graduate programs include Master’s, Doctoral, and professional degrees in various disciplines.
Dartmouth Academics
Dartmouth’s academic environment emphasizes close collaboration between students and faculty, with small class sizes and intensive research opportunities. The college’s liberal arts curriculum encourages students to explore a wide range of subjects, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Dartmouth Diversity
Dartmouth is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion on campus. As of 2020, the undergraduate population was 52% female and 48% male, with 45% of students identifying as an ethnic minority. Resources and programs for diversity and inclusion include the Office of Pluralism and Leadership, the Center for Gender and Student Engagement, and various cultural and affinity student groups.
Dartmouth Students
Dartmouth offers a close-knit campus community, with more than 350 student organizations, clubs, sports teams, and cultural groups. Student support services include academic and career advising, health and wellness resources, and access to cutting-edge research facilities and opportunities.
Dartmouth Campus
Dartmouth’s picturesque campus is located in Hanover, New Hampshire, surrounded by the natural beauty of the Upper Valley region. The campus includes modern facilities, such as research centers, athletic complexes, and residence halls, providing students with a supportive and engaging living experience.
Dartmouth Alumni
Dartmouth has an impressive alumni network, with over 82,000 graduates worldwide, including notable figures in business, government, and academia. Dartmouth alumni are known for their strong connections to the college and their impact on various fields.
Dartmouth Rankings
Dartmouth is consistently ranked among the top universities in the United States. According to the U.S. News & World Report’s 2022 Best Colleges rankings, Dartmouth is ranked 11th among national universities, as well as 5th in Best Undergraduate Teaching and 9th in Best Value Schools.
Dartmouth Outcomes
Dartmouth graduates enjoy high job placement rates and competitive starting salaries. According to the college’s 2020 Career Outcomes report, 95% of graduates were employed or attending graduate school within six months. The median starting salary for Dartmouth graduates is $70,000.
MIT vs Dartmouth Cost Comparison
Both MIT and Dartmouth have high tuition rates, with Dartmouth’s tuition slightly higher at $57,796 compared to MIT’s $53,790 per year. However, both schools offer need-based financial aid packages that can significantly reduce students’ costs. When considering the total cost of attendance, including housing, meals, and other fees, Dartmouth’s estimated cost is roughly $77,580 per year, while MIT’s is approximately $73,160 per year.
MIT vs Dartmouth Admissions Difficulty
Admissions at both MIT and Dartmouth are highly competitive, with acceptance rates of approximately 7% and 8%, respectively. Both schools require applicants to submit standardized test scores, high school transcripts, letters of recommendation, and essays. Although both institutions have rigorous admissions processes, MIT’s focus on science, engineering, and technology may appeal to a different group of applicants than Dartmouth’s emphasis on liberal arts education.
MIT vs Dartmouth Academic Difficulty
Both MIT and Dartmouth offer academically challenging programs, with MIT known for its cutting-edge research and innovation in science and engineering, while Dartmouth emphasizes a liberal arts curriculum and small class sizes. While both schools require students to work hard academically, the nature of the coursework and research opportunities may differ depending on students’ interests and chosen majors.
MIT vs Dartmouth Outcome Comparison
Graduates of both MIT and Dartmouth are highly sought after by employers. MIT graduates have a slightly higher median starting salary at $84,000, compared to Dartmouth’s $70,000. However, both schools report high job placement rates, with 93% of MIT graduates employed or attending graduate school within six months, compared to 95% of Dartmouth graduates. Ultimately, the outcomes for graduates of both institutions are strong, reflecting the prestigious nature of both schools.
