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College Comparison

Dartmouth College vs Boston University: Which is Better?

Side-by-side comparison of acceptance rates, SAT scores, tuition, earnings, and more, updated with the latest College Scorecard data.

School

Dartmouth College

Hanover, NH

School

Boston University

Boston, MA

Head-to-Head Stats

MetricDartmouthBoston University
Acceptance Rate6.2%wins10.8%
SAT Range (25th–75th)1500–1570wins1400–1520
ACT Range (25th–75th)33–35wins32–34
Tuition (Out-of-State)$65,739$65,168wins
Avg Net Price$28,619$26,996wins
Median Earnings (10 yr)$97,434wins$83,238
Graduation Rate96.0%wins90.0%
Retention Rate97.8%wins94.5%
Student–Faculty Ratio7:1wins10:1
Total Enrollment4,36717,850wins

Verdict

Based on the data above, Dartmouth edges out Boston University on 7 of 10 measurable categories, including key factors like acceptance rate, earnings, and graduation rate. That said, the right choice depends heavily on your major, financial situation, and campus culture fit.

Dartmouth Strengths

  • Acceptance Rate: 6.2%
  • SAT Range (25th–75th): 1500–1570
  • ACT Range (25th–75th): 33–35
  • Median Earnings (10 yr): $97,434

Boston University Strengths

  • Tuition (Out-of-State): $65,168
  • Avg Net Price: $26,996
  • Total Enrollment: 17,850

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