US University · Ranked #14
Dartmouth College: Acceptance Rate & Admission Requirements (2026)
Dartmouth College is a highly selective university that admits roughly 6.2% of applicants. Set in Hanover, New Hampshire and ranked #14 nationally in our dataset, Dartmouth College attracts a deep, accomplished applicant pool, so a strong academic record is the entry ticket rather than the deciding factor. Successful candidates typically pair excellent grades with a clear, well-articulated reason for applying here specifically.
Dartmouth combines the best of a small liberal arts college with research university resources, known for its strong sense of community and the Dartmouth Plan.
This guide breaks down Dartmouth College's selectivity, the academic profile of admitted students, how its application deadlines should shape your strategy, and the programs it is best known for — followed by answers to the questions applicants ask most.
Dartmouth College admission statistics
- Acceptance rate
- 6.2%
- SAT range
- 1440–1560
- Average GPA
- 3.89
- In-state
- $62,658
- Out-of-state
- $62,658
- Enrollment
- 4,556
- Type
- Private
- Location
- Hanover, New Hampshire
How hard is it to get into Dartmouth College?
An acceptance rate of 6.2% places Dartmouth College firmly in the highly selective category. Academic excellence is necessary but not sufficient here: the majority of denied applicants are fully qualified on paper. Decisions turn on the strength of essays, recommendations, and demonstrated depth in a few areas rather than a long list of activities.
Plan for Dartmouth College as a reach. Make sure your list includes target and likely schools, and use your essays to show depth and a specific reason this school fits your goals.
Academic profile of admitted students
Admitted students at Dartmouth College typically score between 1440 and 1560 on the SAT — this is the middle 50% range, so a quarter of enrolled students scored below 1440 and a quarter above 1560. A score at or above 1560 is competitive even at the more selective end of the pool. Alongside test scores, the average GPA of admitted students is approximately 3.89 on a 4.0 scale, indicating that successful applicants generally earned mostly A's in a rigorous course load.
As a planning benchmark, aim for an SAT around 1500 or higher and a GPA at or near 3.89. Scores meaningfully below the 25th percentile (1440) are not disqualifying on their own, but they put more weight on the rest of the application to compensate.
Dartmouth Collegeapplication deadlines & strategy
- • Early Decision: Nov 1
- • Regular Decision: Jan 2
Dartmouth College's Early Decision deadline is Nov 1, with Regular Decision on Jan 2. Early Decision is binding — an admit obligates you to enroll and withdraw other applications. Apply ED only if Dartmouth College is your clear first choice and you do not need to weigh competing financial-aid packages; the bump in admit rate is real but it is a commitment, not a tactic.
Whichever round you choose, give recommenders at least three to four weeks of notice and budget time for essay revisions — the strongest applications are rarely written in the final week before Jan 2.
Notable programs at Dartmouth College
- Engineering — typically a more selective track with specific math and science prerequisites.
- Economics — one of the most popular majors nationally and a strong feeder to graduate and professional study.
- Government — a discipline that pairs well with the school's research and internship networks.
- Computer Science — a perennial high-demand field with competitive secondary admission at many schools.
- Environmental Science — an applied, increasingly in-demand field at this institution.
Dartmouth College is particularly known for Engineering, Economics, Government, Computer Science, and Environmental Science.
Strong programs matter for admissions because many schools admit by college or major, and a credible, specific interest in one of these areas — reflected in your coursework, activities, and essays — is far more persuasive than a generic application.
Cost of attending Dartmouth College
As a private institution with a single tuition rate for all students, Dartmouth College charges the same tuition regardless of residency — approximately $62,658 per year. The sticker price is high, but private schools at this level often have substantial need-based aid, so the net price for many families is considerably lower; run the school's net price calculator before ruling it out on cost alone.
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Dartmouth College: frequently asked questions
- What is the acceptance rate at Dartmouth College?
- Dartmouth College has an acceptance rate of 6.2%, which makes it highly selective. Plan for Dartmouth College as a reach. Make sure your list includes target and likely schools, and use your essays to show depth and a specific reason this school fits your goals.
- What SAT score do you need for Dartmouth College?
- Admitted students at Dartmouth College typically score between 1440 and 1560 on the SAT (the middle 50%). Aiming for 1560 or above makes you competitive, while a score below 1440 puts more weight on the rest of your application.
- What GPA do you need to get into Dartmouth College?
- The average GPA of admitted students at Dartmouth College is approximately 3.89 on a 4.0 scale. Competitive applicants generally have mostly A's in a rigorous course load; a GPA at or near 3.89 is the practical target.
- What is the application deadline for Dartmouth College?
- Dartmouth College's application deadlines: Early Decision is Nov 1 (binding); Regular Decision is Jan 2. Submit a few days early to avoid last-minute portal problems.
- Is Dartmouth College a public or private university?
- Dartmouth College is a private university. Tuition is the same regardless of residency, but need-based aid can substantially lower the net price.
- How much does it cost to attend Dartmouth College?
- As a private institution with a single tuition rate for all students, Dartmouth College charges the same tuition regardless of residency — approximately $62,658 per year. The sticker price is high, but private schools at this level often have substantial need-based aid, so the net price for many families is considerably lower; run the school's net price calculator before ruling it out on cost alone.