In this comparison, we will be examining two prestigious institutions: Williams College and Dartmouth College. These schools are known for their strong academics, vibrant campus life, and commitment to excellence. We will delve into various aspects of each college, such as costs, admissions, academics, diversity, campus life, and more, in order to provide a comprehensive understanding of what each institution has to offer. By the end of this comparison, you will have a better understanding of the differences and similarities between Williams and Dartmouth, helping you make a more informed decision for your educational future.
Williams Overview
Williams College is a private liberal arts college located in Williamstown, Massachusetts. Founded in 1793, Williams is known for its rigorous academics, small class sizes, and strong emphasis on undergraduate education. With a student body of around 2,000, Williams offers a close-knit community and a wide range of academic programs, including 36 majors and interdisciplinary concentrations.
Williams Costs & Tuition
Tuition at Williams College for the 2021-2022 academic year is $58,350, with additional fees of $325, room costs of $7,620, and board costs of $7,270, bringing the total cost of attendance to $73,565. However, Williams is committed to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students, and about 52% of students receive need-based financial aid.
Williams Admissions
Admissions at Williams College are highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of 13%. The middle 50% of accepted students have SAT scores ranging from 1410 to 1560 and ACT scores ranging from 32 to 35. Williams values a strong academic record, personal qualities, and extracurricular involvement in its admissions process.
Williams Degrees Offered
Williams College offers 36 majors and numerous interdisciplinary concentrations in various fields, including humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. Some popular majors at Williams include Economics, Biology, and Political Science. The college also offers a flexible curriculum, allowing students to pursue double majors or design their own interdisciplinary major.
Williams Academics
Academics at Williams College are highly regarded, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 7:1 and an average class size of 13. This allows for personalized attention from faculty and a strong emphasis on undergraduate research and discussion-based learning. Williams operates on a 4-1-4 academic calendar, with two semesters and a one-month Winter Study term in January, during which students can explore a single topic in depth or participate in internships and other off-campus experiences.
Williams Diversity
Williams College is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion within its community. Approximately 40% of students identify as students of color, and 9% are international students. Additionally, 21% of students at Williams are first-generation college students.
Williams Students
Student life at Williams College is vibrant and engaging, with more than 150 student organizations, including clubs, intramural sports, and performing arts groups. Williams also offers a unique residential system, with students living in residential houses that promote camaraderie and a sense of belonging. The college is located in the picturesque Berkshire Mountains, providing ample opportunities for outdoor recreation and exploration.
Williams Campus
The Williams College campus is situated on 450 acres in Williamstown, Massachusetts, and is known for its beautiful setting and impressive facilities. The campus features state-of-the-art classrooms, laboratories, and athletic facilities, as well as the renowned Williams College Museum of Art and the Chapin Library of Rare Books and Manuscripts.
Williams Alumni
Williams College has a strong network of alumni who have gone on to achieve success in various fields, including business, politics, academia, and the arts. Notable alumni include former U.S. President James A. Garfield, composer Stephen Sondheim, and journalist Mika Brzezinski.
Williams Rankings
Williams College consistently ranks highly among national liberal arts colleges. In the 2021 U.S. News & World Report rankings, Williams was ranked #1 in National Liberal Arts Colleges and #1 in Best Undergraduate Teaching.
Williams Outcomes
Williams College boasts a strong record of post-graduation success, with a four-year graduation rate of 90% and a six-year graduation rate of 95%. Approximately 69% of Williams graduates go on to attend graduate school within five years of graduation.
Dartmouth Overview
Dartmouth College is a private Ivy League research university located in Hanover, New Hampshire. Established in 1769, Dartmouth is the ninth-oldest institution of higher education in the United States and is known for its strong academics, emphasis on undergraduate education, and vibrant campus life. With a total enrollment of around 6,500 students, Dartmouth offers a close-knit community and a wide range of academic programs, including 57 majors and numerous interdisciplinary programs.
Dartmouth Costs & Tuition
Tuition at Dartmouth College for the 2021-2022 academic year is $59,458, with additional fees of $1,434, room costs of $9,432, and board costs of $7,104, bringing the total cost of attendance to $77,428. Similar to Williams, Dartmouth is committed to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students, and approximately 49% of students receive need-based financial aid.
Dartmouth Admissions
Admissions at Dartmouth College are also highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of 8.8%. The middle 50% of accepted students have SAT scores ranging from 1440 to 1560 and ACT scores ranging from 32 to 35. Like Williams, Dartmouth values a strong academic record, personal qualities, and extracurricular involvement in its admissions process.
Dartmouth Degrees Offered
Dartmouth College offers 57 majors and numerous interdisciplinary programs in various fields, including humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. Some popular majors at Dartmouth include Economics, Government, and Engineering Sciences. Dartmouth also offers a flexible curriculum, allowing students to pursue double majors, minors, or create their own major.
Dartmouth Academics
Academics at Dartmouth College are highly regarded, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 7:1 and an average class size of 20. This allows for personalized attention from faculty and a strong emphasis on undergraduate research and discussion-based learning. Dartmouth operates on a unique quarter system, with four 10-week terms per year, providing students with the flexibility to explore various academic interests or participate in internships and off-campus programs.
Dartmouth Diversity
Dartmouth College is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion within its community. Approximately 38% of students identify as students of color, and 12% are international students. Additionally, 17% of students at Dartmouth are first-generation college students.
Dartmouth Students
Student life at Dartmouth College is vibrant and engaging, with more than 350 student organizations, including clubs, intramural sports, and performing arts groups. Dartmouth offers a residential system with various housing options, including residential halls, affinity houses, and Greek life. The college is located near the scenic Connecticut River and the Appalachian Trail, providing ample opportunities for outdoor recreation and exploration.
Dartmouth Campus
The Dartmouth College campus is situated on 269 acres in Hanover, New Hampshire, and is known for its beautiful setting and impressive facilities. The campus features state-of-the-art classrooms, laboratories, and athletic facilities, as well as the renowned Hood Museum of Art and the Rauner Special Collections Library.
Dartmouth Alumni
Dartmouth College has a strong network of alumni who have gone on to achieve success in various fields, including business, politics, academia, and the arts. Notable alumni include former U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Timothy Geithner, television producer Shonda Rhimes, and author Dr. Seuss (Theodor Geisel).
Dartmouth Rankings
Dartmouth College consistently ranks highly among national universities. In the 2021 U.S. News & World Report rankings, Dartmouth was ranked #13 in National Universities and #2 in Best Undergraduate Teaching.
Dartmouth Outcomes
Dartmouth College boasts a strong record of post-graduation success, with a four-year graduation rate of 88% and a six-year graduation rate of 95%. Approximately 80% of Dartmouth graduates go on to attend graduate school within ten years of graduation.
Williams vs Dartmouth Cost Comparison
While both Williams and Dartmouth have similar tuition rates, Dartmouth has a slightly higher total cost of attendance at $77,428 compared to Williams’ $73,565. However, both institutions are committed to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students, with 52% of students at Williams and 49% of students at Dartmouth receiving need-based financial aid.
Williams vs Dartmouth Admissions Difficulty
Both Williams College and Dartmouth College are highly competitive in their admissions processes, with acceptance rates of 13% and 8.8%, respectively. The middle 50% SAT and ACT score ranges for accepted students at both schools are also similar, indicating a comparable level of difficulty in gaining admission to either institution.
Williams vs Dartmouth Academic Difficulty
Academic rigor is a hallmark of both Williams and Dartmouth, with both institutions offering a wide range of majors, interdisciplinary programs, and opportunities for undergraduate research. Both schools have a student-to-faculty ratio of 7:1 and emphasize small class sizes and discussion-based learning, ensuring that students are challenged and supported in their academic pursuits.
Williams vs Dartmouth Outcome Comparison
Both Williams and Dartmouth have impressive post-graduation outcomes, with high graduation rates and large percentages of graduates attending graduate school. Williams has a slightly higher four-year graduation rate at 90%, compared to Dartmouth’s 88%. However, both schools have a six-year graduation rate of 95%. Within five years of graduation, 69% of Williams graduates attend graduate school, while 80% of Dartmouth graduates do so within ten years of graduation.
