Dartmouth College
Dartmouth College is a private Ivy League research university located in Hanover, New Hampshire. Founded in 1769 by Eleazar Wheelock, it is one of the nine colonial colleges established prior to the American Revolution. Rising to national prominence in the early 20th century, Dartmouth has earned a reputation as one of the most prestigious undergraduate institutions in the United States.
Originally created to educate Native Americans in Christian theology and English cultural traditions, Dartmouth initially focused on training Congregationalist ministers. Over time, the college gradually secularized and evolved into a modern research university. Despite this transformation, it retains the name “Dartmouth College” to underscore its strong commitment to undergraduate education.
Alongside its undergraduate programs, Dartmouth is home to four graduate and professional schools: the Geisel School of Medicine, the Thayer School of Engineering, the Tuck School of Business, and the Guarini School of Graduate and Advanced Studies.
The university maintains close ties with Dartmouth–Hitchcock Medical Center and houses several prominent centers and institutions, including the Rockefeller Center for Public Policy, the Hood Museum of Art, the John Sloan Dickey Center for International Understanding, and the Hopkins Center for the Arts. With approximately 6,700 students, Dartmouth is the smallest member of the Ivy League.
- Location: Hanover, New Hampshire
- Alumni Nickname: Dartmouth Grads - “’73s,” “’98s,” etc., based on their class year
- Mascot: Bruno Big Green
2025 Rankings
by U.S. News & World Report
by QS World University Rankings
by Times Higher Education
Undergraduate Admissions Process Summary
Application Deadlines
Early Decision: November 1
Regular Decision: January 2
Application Portal
Common Application
Standardized Tests
SAT or ACT required
Recommendation Letters
Counselor Recommendation: 1 Letter
Teacher Recommendation: 2 Letters
On Campus Residence for Freshmen
Required
International Students
English Proficiency
score above 100 on the TOEFL exam
above a 7 on IELTS
above a 135 on Duolingo
or above 185 on Cambridge English
Interview
Optional
Offered Alumni Conversations
University Specific Requests
N/A
Application Fee
$85
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Social Sciences 31%
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Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services 9%
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Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies 9%
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Biological and Biomedical Sciences 9%
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Mathematics and Statistics 8%
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Engineering 6%
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Visual and Performing Arts 4%
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Physical Sciences 4%
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Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics 4%
Popular
Majors
5.4%
Acceptance Rate
746 members of Faculty
Total Students
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Asian 21.7%
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Black or African American 10.5%
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White 47.8%
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American Indian 5.3%
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Hispanic 12.6%
Campus
Nestled in the charming town of Hanover, New Hampshire, Dartmouth College’s campus offers a unique blend of classic Ivy League architecture, expansive green spaces, and state-of-the-art academic and athletic facilities. Spread across over 260 acres, Dartmouth’s campus is defined by its picturesque setting along the Connecticut River and the surrounding natural beauty of the Upper Valley region.
At the heart of campus is the iconic Dartmouth Green, a large, open lawn that serves as a central gathering place and symbol of campus life. Surrounding it are historic buildings such as Baker-Berry Library, with its towering bell tower, and Rollins Chapel, which reflect Dartmouth’s deep-rooted traditions. The college’s architecture ranges from Colonial and Georgian styles to modern buildings that house high-tech research labs and innovative learning environments.
Dartmouth’s residential life is anchored by a unique house system, designed to provide students with smaller, inclusive communities within the larger college. First-year students live in traditional residence halls, while upperclassmen often join one of six House Communities, each with its own faculty advisors, events, and spaces.
The campus is also home to world-class facilities such as the Hopkins Center for the Arts (known as “the Hop”), the Hood Museum of Art, and the Thayer School of Engineering. Outdoor and athletic life are key parts of the Dartmouth experience: the Dartmouth Outing Club is the oldest and largest collegiate outing club in the U.S., offering students year-round access to hiking, skiing, and canoeing in the surrounding wilderness.
Cost of Attendance
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Tuition $66,123
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Fees $1,896
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Housing $12,018
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Food $7,731
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Books, Course Materials, Supplies, and Equipment $1,005
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Personal expenses $2,040
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Total $90,813
At Dartmouth, 14% of undergraduates qualified for the Pell Grant
Notable Affiliations
Dartmouth College has a rich history of producing distinguished alumni who have made significant contributions across science, business, politics, sports, and the arts. Its liberal arts foundation and emphasis on leadership, critical thinking, and community have helped shape some of the most influential figures in their respective fields.
In science and innovation, Theodor Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss, though primarily celebrated for his literary contributions, also had a strong academic grounding in biology and developed a lifelong curiosity about science. C. Everett Koop, a Dartmouth Medical School graduate, served as Surgeon General of the United States and was a transformative public health figure during the 1980s.
In the world of business, Dartmouth’s Tuck School of Business is one of the oldest graduate business schools in the country and has produced a long list of Fortune 500 CEOs and financial leaders. Notable alumni include Jeffrey Immelt, former CEO of General Electric, and Stephen Mandel, a hedge fund manager and philanthropist. Jake Tapper, though more visible as a journalist, also exemplifies the impact of Dartmouth alumni in media-related business ventures and influence.
Dartmouth has also had a strong presence in politics and public service. Nelson Rockefeller, a Dartmouth graduate, served as Vice President of the United States under President Gerald Ford and was Governor of New York for four terms. Kirsten Gillibrand, a current U.S. Senator from New York, is also a Dartmouth alumna. The college has produced ambassadors, advisors, and public servants across the political spectrum and around the globe.
In sports, Dartmouth has contributed numerous Olympians and professional athletes. Notably, Adam Nelson, a Dartmouth graduate, won a gold medal in shot put at the 2004 Olympics. Dartmouth’s skiing and rowing programs have consistently sent athletes to international competition, including the Winter Games.
Finally, in entertainment and pop culture, Dartmouth alumni have become widely known celebrities. Mindy Kaling, comedian, writer, and actress known for The Office and The Mindy Project, graduated from Dartmouth and was heavily involved in student comedy and improv groups during her time there. Other notable figures include Shonda Rhimes, creator of Grey’s Anatomy and Scan@dal, and actor Connie Britton, known for her roles in Friday Night Lights and Nashville.
Dartmouth College is known for its prestigious academic programs, particularly in the humanities, social sciences, and sciences. It’s also recognized for its strong undergraduate education, close-knit community, and commitment to undergraduate research. Dartmouth is a member of the Ivy League and is one of the nine colonial colleges founded before the American Revolution.
Every fall during Homecoming Weekend, Dartmouth builds a towering wooden bonfire on the Green, and first-year students run around it in a long-standing tradition meant to welcome them to the community. It’s loud, fiery, and full of school spirit—just don’t call it tame.
Dartmouth’s acceptance rate is competitive, typically hovering around 5-6%, making it one of the most selective universities in the United States.
At Dartmouth, a “flitz” is a flirty blitz, or a cheeky, often funny or awkward email sent via the campus email system (called “BlitzMail”) to ask someone out or express romantic interest. It’s part email, part love note, and totally Dartmouth.
Yes, Dartmouth offers need-based financial aid and meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students. The university has a no-loan policy, replacing student loans with grants and work-study opportunities to help students graduate with minimal debt.
Yes, they do! When snow hits the Hanover campus, students often borrow trays from the dining hall and head to the nearest hill for a makeshift tray sledding session. It’s not officially sanctioned, but it’s a beloved winter ritual.
Dartmouth provides on-campus housing for all undergraduate students. Freshmen are typically assigned to residence halls, and there are a variety of housing options available for upperclassmen, including themed living communities, co-ops, and Greek life houses.
The “Ledyard Challenge” is an unofficial student tradition where brave (or very cold) souls swim across the Connecticut River at night, run back naked across the Ledyard Bridge, and avoid being caught. It’s risky and not encouraged by the college—but it’s one of Dartmouth’s most whispered-about dares.
Dartmouth offers a vibrant campus life with a wide range of student organizations, clubs, and intramural sports. The college is also known for its outdoor activities, thanks to its location in the beautiful White Mountains of New Hampshire. Students can engage in hiking, skiing, and other outdoor adventures. Greek life is a significant part of the social scene at Dartmouth, but there are also plenty of non-Greek social events and activities.