At $28,619/yr net price, Dartmouth College graduates earn $97,434/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $63,434/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $28,619 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $114,476 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $97,434/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$63,434/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 96.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $17,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $2,978/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $5,841/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $13,426/yr |
| $110,001+ | $51,575/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Master | $197,142 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $167,295 | $41,000 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $113,015 | $18,490 |
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $103,078 | $11,617 |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $87,604 | $18,132 |
| Engineering Science. | Bachelor | $78,343 | $17,083 |
| Public Health. | Doctoral | $77,715 | |
| Engineering, General. | Bachelor | $64,990 | |
| Political Science and Government. | Bachelor | $62,192 | $17,500 |
| Medicine. | Doctoral | $61,728 | $210,783 |
The Risk Factor
96.0% of students at Dartmouth College graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
Dartmouth's financial return is strong. You graduate with $17,500 in median debt against $97,434 median earnings ten years out, a ratio most private colleges can't match. The 96% grad rate and 97.78% retention mean you almost certainly finish, so you're paying for a degree you'll actually get.
Computer science pays best here, clearing six figures with debt near the school median. Mathematics is the standout for cost efficiency: high earnings paired with the lowest debt of any listed program. Economics sits in the middle. Engineering is where the returns thin out. General engineering earns the least of the tracked majors and trails computer science by nearly $50,000 a year, so if you're picking Dartmouth for engineering paychecks, run the numbers first.
The main risk is sticker price if your family earns over $110k. You'd pay roughly $51,575 a year, close to full freight, and that's before any single major justifies it on earnings alone outside CS and math. At that income, the return depends heavily on what you study.
Lower and middle incomes are where Dartmouth becomes a bargain. Under $30k, you pay about $2,978 a year. Between $48k and $75k, it's $5,841. Even the $75k-$110k tier pays $13,426, less than many state schools charge out-of-state. If you fall in those brackets, this is one of the cheaper elite options you'll find.
Good fit: lower- and middle-income families, and anyone targeting computer science or math regardless of income. Look harder if your family is above $110k and you're set on general engineering or a lower-earning field, since you'll pay top dollar for a return the salary data doesn't clearly back.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dartmouth College worth the high tuition cost?
Dartmouth graduates earn $97,434 annually after 10 years, well above the national average, but the value depends heavily on your major. Health administration and business programs show strong returns, while other fields may not justify the cost.
What are the best paying majors at Dartmouth College?
Health and medical administrative services leads at $197,142 annually, followed by business administration at $167,295. Computer science ($113,015) and mathematics ($103,078) also provide solid returns on investment.
How much student debt do Dartmouth College graduates typically have?
The median debt is $17,500, which is relatively manageable given the school's high earnings outcomes. However, actual costs vary significantly based on family income and financial aid eligibility.
Does Dartmouth College provide good financial aid to make it affordable?
The average net price is $28,619 per year after aid, but this varies widely by income level. Families should run the net price calculator since aid packages differ substantially based on financial circumstances.