About Dartmouth College
The Big Green draws 4,367 students to the New Hampshire woods for an Ivy League education built around quarters, not semesters. Dartmouth runs on a unique quarter system that lets students take internships or study abroad without missing a traditional semester. The school's outdoor recreation culture means students hike, ski, and camp as much as they study. Notable alumni include TV producer Shonda Rhimes and actress Mindy Kaling, part of the famously loyal network known as the "Dartmouth Mafia."
Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $2,978 after aid, while those from $75,000-$110,000 families pay $13,426. The median debt load of $17,500 looks manageable against median earnings of $97,434 ten years out. With 96% of students graduating within six years, Dartmouth delivers strong financial returns on its investment.
Only 3% of students come from New Hampshire, creating a truly national student body in a remote town setting. The 7:1 student-faculty ratio means close relationships with professors. With 882 varsity athletes competing across 31 sports, nearly one in five students plays Division I athletics. The 97.78% retention rate suggests students quickly embrace the tight-knit Dartmouth community.
Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $2,978 after aid, while those from $75,000-$110,000 families pay $13,426. The median debt load of $17,500 looks manageable against median earnings of $97,434 ten years out. With 96% of students graduating within six years, Dartmouth delivers strong financial returns on its investment.
Only 3% of students come from New Hampshire, creating a truly national student body in a remote town setting. The 7:1 student-faculty ratio means close relationships with professors. With 882 varsity athletes competing across 31 sports, nearly one in five students plays Division I athletics. The 97.78% retention rate suggests students quickly embrace the tight-knit Dartmouth community.
Academics & Faculty
The quarter system at this private research university means students take more classes and explore diverse subjects across four 10-week terms. With a 7:1 student-faculty ratio, undergraduates get strong access to professors who balance teaching with modern research. The 95.4% four-year graduation rate reflects strong academic support despite the intensive quarter schedule. Dartmouth's liberal arts foundation encourages intellectual exploration before students declare majors. The college is particularly well-known for its economics and government programs, which feed into strong careers in finance and public service. The D-Plan allows students to customize their academic timeline, with many taking a sophomore summer on campus and studying abroad during traditionally off-peak terms.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 7:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 80.6%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 95.4%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 96.0%
- Retention Rate
- 97.8%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $97,434
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral University (R1)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Master | $197,142 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $167,295 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $113,015 |
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $103,078 |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $87,604 |
| Engineering Science. | Bachelor | $78,343 |
| Public Health. | Doctoral | $77,715 |
| Engineering, General. | Bachelor | $64,990 |
| Political Science and Government. | Bachelor | $62,192 |
| Medicine. | Doctoral | $61,728 |
Campus Life
The Dartmouth campus sits in rural New Hampshire, two hours from Boston and surrounded by mountains that define student life. With housing capacity for 3,875 students and total enrollment of 4,367, nearly everyone lives on campus in a tight-knit community. Winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing, so pack heavy coats for the long New Hampshire winters that stretch from November through March.
The quarter system creates an intense academic pace with 10-week terms. Students embrace outdoor culture year-round, skiing and hiking in the surrounding White Mountains. Greek life dominates the social scene, with traditional events like the bonfire during Homecoming weekend drawing the entire campus. The famous "D-Plan" allows students to take any term off, leading to unique experiences like internships during unconventional seasons. Weekend activities revolve around fraternity and sorority events, outdoor adventures, and trips to nearby ski resorts. The 97.78% retention rate reflects how students bond over shared traditions like "touch the fire" ceremonies and late-night study sessions in Baker Library.
The quarter system creates an intense academic pace with 10-week terms. Students embrace outdoor culture year-round, skiing and hiking in the surrounding White Mountains. Greek life dominates the social scene, with traditional events like the bonfire during Homecoming weekend drawing the entire campus. The famous "D-Plan" allows students to take any term off, leading to unique experiences like internships during unconventional seasons. Weekend activities revolve around fraternity and sorority events, outdoor adventures, and trips to nearby ski resorts. The 97.78% retention rate reflects how students bond over shared traditions like "touch the fire" ceremonies and late-night study sessions in Baker Library.
- Setting
- Town-Remote
- Housing Capacity
- 3,875 beds
- Calendar System
- Quarter
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1769
Campus Safety (2023)
147 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 26 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 17 | 6 | 0 | 2 |
| Burglary | 13 | 8 | 3 | 0 |
| Fondling | 12 | 6 | 0 | 3 |
| Stalking | 11 | 9 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 8 | 7 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 6 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Arson | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 9°–28°F
- July Avg
- 58°–81°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 40.1"
- Annual Snowfall
- 60.6"
Student Demographics
Only 3% of students come from New Hampshire, reflecting Dartmouth's national prestige and appeal far beyond its remote location. The student body draws 51% men and 49% women, typical for an Ivy League institution without strong gender-specific program leanings. Just 15% receive Pell Grants, indicating a predominantly affluent student population despite generous financial aid averaging $62,293 for recipients. The demographic mix of 46% white, 14% Asian, 9% Hispanic, and 6% Black students represents the top liberal arts college pipeline. These students embrace Dartmouth's outdoorsy culture and quarter system flexibility.
- Men
- 51.1%
- Women
- 48.9%
- White
- 46.4%
- Black
- 6.2%
- Hispanic
- 9.5%
- Asian
- 14.0%
- In-State Students
- 3.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 14.8%
Location
Hanover, New Hampshire sits about two hours north of Boston in the Connecticut River Valley. Only 3.03% of Dartmouth's students come from New Hampshire, reflecting the town's remote setting amid the White Mountains. The college creates the town, with students outnumbering year-round residents. Hanover offers classic New England charm with brick buildings, maple trees, and access to strong skiing and hiking. The Appalachian Trail runs directly through campus. Winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing, shaping the school's outdoor culture and traditions like the Winter Carnival. The nearest major airport requires a two-hour drive to Boston or Manchester. Students considering colleges in New Hampshire may also compare Dartmouth with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Hanover, New Hampshire 03755-3529
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $97,434
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $108,126
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $74,600
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 86.8%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $186/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $17,500
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Dartmouth College?
Dartmouth College accepts only 6.38% of applicants, making it one of the most selective schools in the nation. The middle 50% of admitted students scored between 1500-1580 on the SAT, reflecting the intense competition among high-achieving applicants.
How much does Dartmouth College cost after financial aid?
The average net price at Dartmouth is $28,619, though families earning under $30,000 pay just $2,978 after aid. Despite a sticker price of $85,753, the school's generous financial aid helps keep median debt at $17,500 for graduates.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Dartmouth College?
Dartmouth maintains a 7:1 student-faculty ratio, ensuring small classes and close mentorship opportunities. The quarter system creates an intensive academic environment where 97.78% of students return for their sophomore year.
What do Dartmouth College graduates earn after graduation?
Dartmouth graduates earn a median of $97,434 ten years after graduation, benefiting from the powerful alumni network known as the 'Dartmouth Mafia.' The school's 95.4% employment rate reflects strong career outcomes across industries.
Where is Dartmouth College located and what is campus life like?
Dartmouth sits in the remote town of Hanover, New Hampshire, where outdoor recreation culture thrives year-round. With housing capacity for 3,875 students out of 4,367 total enrollment, nearly all students live on campus and embrace the tight-knit community.
How many varsity sports does Dartmouth College offer?
Dartmouth fields 31 varsity sports teams competing in NCAA Division I as part of the Ivy League conference. With 882 total athletes, about 20% of students participate in varsity athletics, though like all Ivy schools, Dartmouth offers no athletic scholarships.
