Dartmouth vs Brown: Which Ivy Is Better?

If you are choosing between Dartmouth vs Brown, you are looking at two of the most competitive and respected Ivy League schools. Both offer top-tier academics, but the campus experience and learning styles are very different.

In this blog, you will see how the two schools compare in acceptance rates, academics, campus life, cost, and financial aid. You will receive the details you need to determine which one feels like the right fit for you.

• Dartmouth vs Brown: Acceptance Rates
• Dartmouth vs Brown: Rankings
• Dartmouth vs Brown: Academics
• Dartmouth vs Brown: Campus Life
• Dartmouth vs Brown: Cost of Attendance
• Dartmouth vs Brown: Financial Aid and Scholarships
• Final Verdict
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

Dartmouth vs Brown: Acceptance Rates

If you’re deciding between Dartmouth and Brown, one of the first questions you might ask is which one is harder to get into. Looking at acceptance rates is a good way to understand how competitive each school is and what kind of applicant you need to be.

Here are the admissions numbers for the Class of 2029:

Brown received 42,765 applications and admitted 2,418 students, resulting in an acceptance rate of 5.65%. Dartmouth received 28,230 applications and admitted 1,702 students, giving it an acceptance rate of 6%, which is slightly higher than Brown’s.

So if you’re looking strictly at the numbers, you have a slightly better chance of getting into Dartmouth. However, when both schools are this selective, the difference is slight and only matters if your application is already powerful.

Here’s a quick look at how the acceptance rates at both schools have changed over the past three years:

• Dartmouth had an acceptance rate of 6.2% for the Class of 2027, 5.3% for the Class of 2028, and 6% for the Class of 2029. These changes indicate that Dartmouth’s selectivity shifts slightly each year, remaining within a narrow range.
• Brown had an acceptance rate of 5.1% for the Class of 2027, 5.2% for the Class of 2028, and 5.65% for the Class of 2029. The numbers indicate that Brown has remained consistently competitive, with only minor year-to-year fluctuations.

Bottom line? Both schools are extremely hard to get into. Focus on strong academics, compelling essays, and meaningful extracurriculars. If you have a clear top choice, applying early can help improve your odds.

Dartmouth vs Brown: Rankings

Rankings are not everything, but they can help you compare two Ivy League schools side by side. If you are curious about how Dartmouth and Brown perform on national and global scales, here is a quick snapshot of the latest numbers:

Here is what those rankings mean and how they can help you decide:

U.S. News (National Rankings)

• Dartmouth: #15
• Brown: #13

U.S. News ranks colleges in the U.S. based on graduation rates, academic reputation, faculty resources, and student outcomes. Brown is ranked #13 nationally, while Dartmouth ranks #15. These rankings are close, but Brown has a slight edge if you care about national prestige and broader academic visibility.

If your goal is to attend a school with a strong name across the country or you are planning to apply to competitive graduate programs in the U.S., Brown’s ranking may give you a slight advantage.

Times Higher Education (World University Rankings)

• Dartmouth: #168
• Brown: #58

Times Higher Ed rankings focus on teaching quality, research influence, and global outlook. Brown ranks much higher here at #58, compared to Dartmouth’s #168. This suggests that Brown has more international recognition, especially in research and global academic engagement.

If you are considering studying abroad, conducting research with a global reach, or applying to international graduate programs, Brown offers stronger visibility and more connections.

QS World University Rankings

• Dartmouth: #247
• Brown: #69

QS rankings emphasize international reputation and employer perception. Brown ranks at #69, while Dartmouth ranks at #247, indicating a significant gap in global recognition from employers and academic circles.

If you see yourself working for international companies or applying to grad schools outside the U.S., Brown’s significantly higher QS ranking might help open more doors globally.

Dartmouth vs Brown: Academics

Dartmouth and Brown both offer excellent academics, but the way they structure classes and guide your learning experience feels very different. The right choice for you will depend on how much structure you want and how you like to learn.

Dartmouth academics

Dartmouth follows a liberal arts approach that focuses on writing, communication, and critical thinking. The school uses a quarter system called the D-Plan, which provides more flexibility to plan internships, research, or study abroad during various parts of the year. You are required to complete writing-intensive courses and language study as part of the general education requirements.

Some of Dartmouth’s strongest programs include:

• Economics
• Psychology
• Earth sciences
• Biology
• Engineering

The student-to-faculty ratio at Dartmouth is 6:1, and 62 percent of classes have fewer than 20 students. Most classes are small, even in your first year, so you will probably have direct access to your professors. 

Brown academics

Brown is known for its Open Curriculum, which means you are not required to take general education courses outside your major. You can focus entirely on the subjects that interest you and build your academic path from day one. This kind of freedom attracts students who are self-directed and eager to explore across fields.

Some of Brown’s strongest programs include:

• Computer science
• Economics
• Biology
• History
• Mathematics

Brown also has a student-to-faculty ratio of 6:1, and 67 percent of its classes have fewer than 20 students. You will find that professors are accessible, and most courses are taught in smaller, discussion-based formats. 

Bottom line? Dartmouth provides you with structure, personal attention, and flexible scheduling through the D-Plan. Brown offers academic freedom, small classes, and the flexibility to shape your education your way from the start. 

Dartmouth vs Brown: Campus Life

Campus life significantly shapes your college experience. Whether you’re into nature, the arts, athletics, or student leadership, where you spend your time outside of class can make all the difference. Dartmouth and Brown both offer strong campus communities, but they feel very different in style and pace.

Dartmouth campus life

Dartmouth is situated in Hanover, New Hampshire, a peaceful town surrounded by lush forests, scenic trails, and majestic mountains. The atmosphere is quiet and personal. You can walk or bike anywhere, and the campus feels like one big neighborhood where students and professors actually get to know each other.

Here’s what Dartmouth’s campus life looks like:

• All students are assigned to one of six house communities, which include several dorms and a faculty mentor to guide events and discussions.
• Around 3,190 students lived in residence halls during the 2022–23 academic year.
• There are 160 student-run clubs, including performance groups, service clubs, and academic organizations.
• You can get involved with the Center for Social Impact, which connects students to service learning, nonprofit work, and Appalachian Trail projects.
• Approximately 25 percent of students participate in varsity sports, while 75 percent join club teams, intramurals, or engage in outdoor adventures, such as skiing on Dartmouth’s mountain.

The setting at Dartmouth makes it easy to focus, relax, and stay active. Whether you are practicing yoga on the lawn or picking vegetables at the organic farm, you will have plenty of space to breathe and grow outside the classroom.

Brown campus life

Brown is located in Providence, Rhode Island, a small city renowned for its creativity, excellent food, and vibrant arts scene. On campus, students live among historic buildings and modern spaces, with lots of places to hang out, study, or collaborate on projects.

Life at Brown looks like this:

• 74% of undergraduates live on campus, and all first-year students are placed in residence halls with 50 to 60 others.
• You can choose from themed program houses, such as Environmental House, or join a Greek organization that offers on-campus housing.
• Brown has over 500 student organizations, from improv and dance troupes to robotics teams and cultural groups.
• The Erickson Athletics Complex and Nelson Fitness Center offer state-of-the-art facilities and over 60 fitness classes per week.
• Brown students participate in 34 varsity sports and 37 club teams, with over 4,100 students joining intramural leagues each year.

If you want a dynamic campus with numerous options and an urban feel, Brown offers variety without compromising a strong sense of community. Students are active, expressive, and always building something new.

Bottom line? Dartmouth offers a quiet, outdoorsy setting with a strong residential system and opportunities for reflection, recreation, and community service. Brown provides a fast-paced, city-based environment with numerous student-run events, academic freedom, and a wide range of club options. 

Dartmouth vs Brown: Cost of Attendance

Paying for college is a big deal, and knowing the full cost of attendance helps you understand what you are really signing up for. This includes everything from tuition and housing to meals and personal expenses.

Take a look at the estimated annual costs for Dartmouth and Brown before any financial aid is applied:

Here’s the breakdown for Dartmouth (total: $95,490):

• $69,207 for tuition
• $2,318 in fees
• $12,579 for housing
• $8,341 for food
• $1,005 for books and supplies
• $2,040 for personal expenses

Meanwhile, below is the breakdown of Brown’s total cost ($95,984 total):

• $71,700 for tuition
• $2,950 in fees
• $10,410 for housing
• $8,104 for food
• $2,820 for personal expenses

When comparing the totals, Dartmouth costs $494 less per year than Brown. Over four years, that difference adds up to $1,976.

While the numbers are very close, Dartmouth’s slightly lower housing and fee costs help reduce the total. If price is one of your deciding factors, even a small gap like this could make a difference, especially when combined with financial aid offers.

Dartmouth vs Brown: Financial Aid and Scholarships

Paying for college can feel like a significant hurdle, but both Dartmouth and Brown offer robust financial aid programs that can make a substantial difference. If you qualify for need-based aid, you could cut your total costs by tens of thousands of dollars and avoid loans altogether.

Dartmouth financial aid and scholarships

Dartmouth meets 100 percent of your demonstrated financial need through grants, scholarships, and work-study, and it does this without requiring student loans.

If your family earns less than $125,000 a year and has typical assets, Dartmouth offers a zero parent contribution. That means your parents are not expected to pay anything, and your financial aid package will still cover your full need. You will still be responsible for a small student contribution, which a summer job, part-time campus work, or savings can cover.

Even if your family makes more than $125,000, you can still qualify for aid depending on your complete financial picture. Dartmouth awarded over $136 million in need-based scholarships this year, with no cutoff for applying.

Here are the types of financial aid Dartmouth offers:

• Dartmouth scholarships are based entirely on financial need and never need to be repaid.
• Federal and state grants, like the Pell Grant, may be part of your aid package, depending on eligibility.
• Student employment gives you the option to work on campus to help cover personal expenses.
• Optional loans are available if your family chooses to borrow for extra flexibility.
• Parent and private loans can also help cover your expected contribution or other costs.

Brown financial aid and scholarships

Brown also meets 100 percent of your demonstrated financial need, and they do that without adding loans to your package of financial assistance.

If your family makes under $60,000 a year, you will not be expected to contribute anything as a parent contribution. The average family contribution for the Class of 2028 was $33,354, indicating that many students receive significant financial support.

Brown is need-blind for admission, which means your financial situation will not affect whether you get in. About 46 percent of the Class of 2028 received need-based aid, and every student who qualifies gets their full need met.

Here are the types of financial aid Brown offers:

• Brown University scholarships are need-based and make up most of the financial aid students receive.
• Sidney E. Frank scholarships go to students with the greatest financial need.
• Federal and state grants, like Pell Grants, are awarded to eligible students.
• Student employment is included in most aid packages and helps you cover extra expenses.
• Optional loans are available if your family wants to borrow, but are not required.

Bottom line? Both schools give generous financial aid and meet 100 percent of your demonstrated need without making you borrow student loans. 

Final Verdict

Dartmouth and Brown are both elite Ivy League institutions with exceptional academics, vibrant communities, and generous financial aid. You really cannot go wrong with either one, but your decision should depend on which environment suits you best.

• Choose Dartmouth if you are looking for a quieter, nature-filled setting where you can hike, ski, and study in peace. The D-Plan gives you more flexibility to take terms off for internships or study abroad, and you will benefit from small class sizes and strong professor connections right from your first year. Dartmouth’s financial aid is especially appealing if your family earns under $125,000, since you could get a zero parent contribution and still graduate debt-free. 
• Pick Brown if you want the freedom to build your academic path and thrive in a creative, urban campus. The Open Curriculum means you get to choose what you want to study without being tied to general education classes, and the city of Providence gives you access to art, food, and off-campus opportunities. Brown also stands out with its strong global rankings, high visibility, and vast network of student clubs. 

Both schools offer world-class degrees, strong career outcomes, and supportive communities. So, think about what you want from your next four years: whether that is peaceful woods or lively streets, structure or freedom. Then, go to the school that feels like home to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which is harder to get into, Dartmouth or Brown?

If you are trying to figure out which school is more competitive, Brown has a slightly lower acceptance rate than Dartmouth, which means it is just a bit harder to get into. For the Class of 2029, Brown admitted 5.65% of applicants, while Dartmouth admitted 6%. Both schools are incredibly selective, so you will need strong grades, impressive extracurriculars, and standout essays no matter which one you apply to.

2. Which is more affordable, Dartmouth or Brown?

If you are comparing the total cost before any financial aid, Dartmouth comes out slightly more affordable. Dartmouth’s cost of attendance is $95,490 per year, while Brown’s is $95,984, making Dartmouth $494 cheaper each year. That might not seem like a lot, but over four years, the difference adds up to $1,976, and that could matter when paired with your financial aid offer.

3. Which is better overall, Dartmouth or Brown?

Choosing which school is better depends on what you want from your college experience, because both are excellent in their way. Dartmouth is better if you prefer a quiet, outdoorsy campus with close student-faculty relationships and a structured academic calendar. Brown is better if you want academic freedom, an urban environment, and stronger international recognition, especially if global rankings matter to you.

Takeaways

• You have a slightly better chance of getting into Dartmouth, as the acceptance rate is 6%, while Brown is more competitive at 5.65%.
• You will pay approximately $494 less per year if you choose Dartmouth over Brown, which amounts to $1,976 in savings over four years.
• You should consider Brown if you value global rankings and seek greater academic freedom through the Open Curriculum, as well as a city campus in Providence.
• You might love Dartmouth more if you’re looking for a peaceful, outdoorsy vibe, which the D-Plan offers, providing flexibility for internships and study abroad opportunities.
• If you are trying to choose between Dartmouth and Brown, think about whether you want more academic structure or more freedom, weigh the campus vibes carefully, and consider reaching out to a college admissions expert who can guide you in creating a standout application for each school.