Dartmouth vs Cornell: Which Ivy Is Better?

Dartmouth vs Cornell isn’t some headline-making rivalry like Harvard vs Yale, but there’s definitely a little friendly competition. You’ll see it pop up when students are deciding between the two, comparing academics, campus life, and post-grad opportunities. It’s more of a low-key, behind-the-scenes rivalry between two Ivies, but it’s there, especially when bragging rights come into play.

In this blog, we’ll break down the key differences between Dartmouth and Cornell: from acceptance rates and costs to campus culture, academics, and financial aid. This blog aims to help you figure out which school fits you best.

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

Dartmouth vs Cornell: Acceptance Rates

When you’re comparing Ivy League schools like Dartmouth vs Cornell, acceptance rates give you a good sense of how competitive each one really is. These numbers highlight just how selective the admissions process can be and help set expectations if you’re thinking about applying to either school.

Here’s a quick look at their admissions numbers for the Class of 2028:

Cornell received 65,612 applications and accepted 5,516 students, resulting in an 8.4% acceptance rate. Dartmouth, on the other hand, received 31,657 applications and admitted 1,685 students, giving it a more selective 5.3% acceptance rate.

Cornell’s larger applicant pool and class size partly explain its slightly higher acceptance rate, but the level of competition at both schools remains intense. If you’re deciding between the two, keep in mind that Dartmouth’s admissions process is tighter, but both are undeniably elite.

Cornell’s acceptance rates have actually increased slightly:

• Class of 2026: 7.3%
• Class of 2027: 7.9%
• Class of 2028: 8.4%

While still selective, Cornell has become a bit more accessible year over year.

Dartmouth’s acceptance rates, on the other hand, remain lower and more volatile, especially for Regular Decision:

• Class of 2026: 4.7%
• Class of 2027: 4.7%
• Class of 2028: 5.3%

So what’s the bottom line? Both schools are competitive, but Dartmouth has consistently had lower acceptance rates. If you’re aiming for either, a compelling essay, strong recs, and a clear story about who you are and what you care about can tip the scale.

Dartmouth vs Cornell: Rankings

Rankings aren’t the full story, but they do give you a quick snapshot of how schools compare in areas like academics, research, and global reputation. If you’re deciding between Dartmouth and Cornell, looking at how each school performs across major ranking systems can help you get a sense of where they stand side by side.

Here’s how the two stack up across three well-known rankings:

Let’s break these rankings down below.

U.S. News (National Rankings)

• Dartmouth: #15
• Cornell: #11

Both Dartmouth and Cornell land in the U.S. News Top 20, but Cornell comes in slightly higher at #11. These rankings look at things like graduation rates, faculty resources, and student outcomes. If national prestige matters to you, Cornell has the slight edge here.

Times Higher Education (World University Rankings)

• Dartmouth: #168
• Cornell: #20

This one’s a bigger gap. Times Higher Ed focuses on global research impact, teaching, and international outlook. Cornell ranks much higher at #20 globally, showing its strong international research presence. Dartmouth, while still well-ranked, comes in at #168.

QS World University Rankings

• Dartmouth: #247
• Cornell: #16

QS puts even more weight on global reputation, employer recognition, and international faculty. Cornell ranks #16 in the world, while Dartmouth ranks #247. If you’re eyeing global opportunities or planning to go international for grad school or work, Cornell’s visibility worldwide could open more doors.

Ultimately, Dartmouth holds strong on the national stage, but Cornell dominates when it comes to global recognition and research clout. If international reach and research are important to your goals, Cornell may be the stronger pick.

Dartmouth vs Cornell: Academics

Both schools offer strong academics, but Dartmouth focuses more on small, undergrad-friendly classes, while Cornell offers a wider range of programs and big research opportunities. Your choice depends on how you like to learn and what you want to study.

What academics look like at Dartmouth

Dartmouth puts a big emphasis on writing and communication from the start. Every first-year student completes a core writing course followed by a seminar focused on reading, research, and critical thinking skills you’ll need across any major. You can’t study abroad until this requirement is done, which shows how seriously the school takes it.

Another unique feature is the D-Plan, Dartmouth’s flexible year-round academic calendar. It lets you choose which terms you want to be on or off campus after your first year, giving you the freedom to customize your academic path, pursue internships, or study abroad when it works best for you.

Some of Dartmouth’s most popular majors include:

• Economics
• Psychology
• Earth Sciences
• Biology
• Engineering

With a 6:1 student-to-faculty ratio and nearly two-thirds of classes capped under 20 students, Dartmouth offers an intimate learning environment where you’ll get to know your professors especially in upper-level courses. If you thrive in small, discussion-based classrooms and want close mentorship, Dartmouth delivers.

What academics look like at Cornell

Cornell offers a wide range of academic paths: everything from liberal arts to highly specialized professional programs. It’s one of the few Ivy League schools with both private and public colleges under one umbrella, which means more options and more flexibility depending on your interests.

Some standout programs at Cornell include:

• Engineering
• Agricultural Sciences
• Biological Sciences
• Hotel Administration
• Architecture

Classes at Cornell are a mix of large lectures and smaller, more focused seminars, especially as you move into upper-level courses. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 9:1 and world-class faculty leading groundbreaking research, Cornell is a great fit if you’re looking for academic depth, hands-on opportunities, and a wide variety of fields to explore.

Not sure if Dartmouth or Cornell is the right academic fit for you? Our Academic and Extracurricular Profile Evaluation & Roadmap can help you figure it out. In just one 1.5- to 2-hour session, we’ll walk you through a personalized plan based on your strengths, current classes, and activities, so you can apply with clarity and confidence.

Dartmouth vs Cornell: Campus Life

Campus life at Dartmouth and Cornell offers two very different but equally engaging experiences shaped by location, community, and campus culture. When deciding between them, consider whether you prefer a tight-knit, nature-rich environment or a larger, bustling campus with more variety.

Dartmouth campus life

Dartmouth is in Hanover, New Hampshire. All students are placed into one of six House Communities, which provide consistent housing options and faculty engagement throughout your time at Dartmouth. Around 3,190 students lived on campus during the 2022–23 academic year, and most students stay in campus housing beyond their first year.

Here’s what student life looks like at Dartmouth:

• Dartmouth has over 160 student clubs and organizations, covering academic, cultural, service, and creative interests. You can even start your own if something’s missing.
• The outdoors are a huge part of life here. Students hike the Appalachian Trail, ski in the winter, canoe, or spend time at the Organic Farm.
• Wellness is central, with mental health services, fitness classes, and peer support programs that help students stay balanced.
• Dartmouth is big on sustainability, with green initiatives woven into campus culture—from recycling programs to eco-friendly dorm projects.
• Through the Center for Social Impact, students take part in community outreach, service-learning, and volunteer opportunities across the Upper Valley.

Cornell campus life

Cornell is located in Ithaca, New York. It combines natural beauty with a vibrant campus scene. First-year students typically live on North Campus, where you’ll find a mix of traditional dorms and modern residence halls. The school supports everything from housing to wellness, helping you feel at home from day one.

Here’s what student life looks like at Cornell:

• Cornell has over 1,000 student clubs, from academic and cultural groups to performance ensembles and political organizations. Whatever your interests, there’s something for you.
• The university supports both Living-Learning Communities and residential colleges, especially on West Campus, which help foster smaller communities within the larger student body.
• Cornell Dining is award-winning, offering 29 dining locations with a wide variety of meals, including vegetarian, vegan, kosher, and allergen-friendly options.
• Signature events like Slope Day, Dragon Day, and ClubFest are student favorites that bring the whole campus together.
• Outdoor lovers can take part in Cornell Outdoor Education, which offers everything from hiking and rock climbing to weekend trips in the Finger Lakes.
• Many students work or relax at popular spots like Collegetown, the Cornell Store, or libraries with incredible views like Olin and Uris.

Dartmouth vs Cornell: Cost of Attendance

Paying for college is a major decision, and understanding the true cost can make a big difference. While both Dartmouth and Cornell are Ivy League schools with high sticker prices, the actual amount you’ll pay depends on factors like financial aid, scholarships, and personal circumstances.

Both are private institutions (with Cornell also housing some state-funded colleges), but their total costs can vary depending on your program and residency status. Here’s a side-by-side look at what you might expect to pay each year.

Here’s how Dartmouth’s total cost of attendance breaks down ($95,490 total):

• Tuition: $69,207
• Fees: $2,318
• Housing: $12,579
• Food: $8,341
• Books & Supplies: $1,005
• Personal Expenses: $2,040

Meanwhile, here’s how Cornell’s total cost of attendance adds up ($96,268 total):

• Tuition: $71,266
• Fees: $1,004
• Housing: $13,246
• Food: $7,328
• Books & Supplies: $1,216
• Personal Expenses: $2,208

Dartmouth’s total cost of attendance for the year is $95,490, while Cornell’s is slightly higher at $96,268. That’s a difference of $778, with Cornell being the more expensive option overall.

The biggest difference comes in tuition; Cornell charges about $2,000 more, but Dartmouth’s higher fees and food costs close that gap. Despite the close numbers, each school’s costs break down a bit differently across categories like tuition, housing, and personal expenses.

In the end, both schools are in the same price range, and need-based aid or scholarships will likely have a bigger impact than sticker price alone. So if you’re choosing between Dartmouth and Cornell, focus less on the cost difference and more on how well each school fits your goals then see which one gives you the better aid package.

Dartmouth vs Cornell: Financial Aid and Scholarships

Paying for college can be a major hurdle, but both Dartmouth and Cornell have strong financial aid programs designed to make their education more affordable. The good news? Both schools meet 100% of demonstrated financial need, so your family’s financial situation plays a big role in what you’ll actually pay.

Let’s take a closer look at how each school supports students through grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study opportunities.

Dartmouth financial aid and scholarships

Dartmouth follows a need-blind admissions policy for all applicants, including international students, and commits to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need. Once you’re admitted, your financial aid package is calculated based on your family’s financial circumstances and is made up entirely of grants and work-study, with no loans included.

If your family earns less than $125,000 per year, you can typically expect a package that requires no parent contribution and includes no student loans.

All Dartmouth scholarships are need-based, not awarded for merit, athletic ability, or special talents. Each year, the college awards around $136 million in need-based aid. While students are expected to help cover part of their costs through summer jobs, savings, or campus work, loans are not part of the standard financial aid offer.

Here are the types of aid available at Dartmouth:

• Dartmouth Scholarships. These are need-based awards that you don’t have to repay. They can range from $1,000 to over $70,000, depending on your financial need.
• Outside Scholarships. You can use scholarships from outside organizations to reduce your work-study requirement, leave term earnings, or uncovered health insurance costs.
• Endowed Scholarships. Many students are matched with one or more of Dartmouth’s 950+ endowed funds. These don’t add extra money but simply fund part of your existing aid package from a specific donor fund.
• Veterans Benefits. If you receive veterans education benefits, they are counted as part of the resources used to determine your Dartmouth scholarship eligibility.
• State Grants. These may be included in your aid, but once received, they will reduce your Dartmouth scholarship amount dollar-for-dollar.
• ROTC Scholarships. These are competitive awards for students participating in the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps and can help cover the cost of college.

Cornell financial aid and scholarships

Cornell promises to cover 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students. Most aid is need-based and can differ slightly depending on the undergraduate college you apply to. Financial aid packages typically include a combination of grants, work-study, and sometimes a small loan.

If your family earns under $75,000 a year and has average assets, you may qualify for full tuition coverage. Cornell is also a QuestBridge partner, offering extra support to high-achieving students from low-income backgrounds.

Here are the types of aid available at Cornell:

• Cornell Grants & Endowed Scholarships. Need-based aid funded by Cornell. To apply, submit the CSS Profile each year (and the FAFSA if you’re a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen).
• Federal Grants. Grants from the U.S. Department of Education that don’t need to be repaid. Just submit the FAFSA annually to qualify.
• New York State Grants. Grants from HESC for eligible NY residents. Must complete the FAFSA every year for consideration.
• Work-Study. A need-based program that lets you earn money through part-time campus or approved off-campus jobs.
• Outside Scholarships. Extra funding from non-Cornell sources like nonprofits, religious groups, or companies. Apply directly through those organizations.
• Loans. Borrowed money that must be repaid, available through the federal government, private lenders, and occasionally Cornell.
• Veterans Education Benefits. Financial aid options for veterans, service members, and eligible family members to help cover college costs.

Dartmouth and Cornell both deliver Ivy League-level academics, vibrant campus life, and strong financial aid, but choosing the right one comes down to your goals, interests, and the kind of college experience you’re looking for.

• Choose Dartmouth if you want a smaller, close-knit community with a strong undergraduate focus. Dartmouth’s house system fosters lasting connections, and its no-loan financial aid policy makes it accessible to students from all backgrounds. With a Class of 2028 acceptance rate around 5.3%, Dartmouth is one of the most selective schools in the Ivy League and maintains small class sizes and strong faculty-student interaction.
• Choose Cornell if you’re looking for more variety and academic flexibility. Cornell’s unique structure blends public and private colleges, allowing for standout programs in engineering, hotel administration, architecture, agriculture, and more. The campus is larger and more diverse, with over 1,000 clubs and a strong research presence. For the Class of 2028, Cornell’s acceptance rate was 8.4%, slightly higher than Dartmouth’s, but still highly competitive.

Both schools are excellent, but they offer different vibes. Dartmouth is smaller, more intimate, and outdoorsy; Cornell is larger, more specialized, and more varied in its academic offerings. Financial aid is generous at both, so the final decision should come down to where you’ll feel most supported, challenged, and excited to spend the next four years.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

When it comes to acceptance rates, Dartmouth is slightly more competitive than Cornell. For the Class of 2028, Dartmouth’s acceptance rate was 5.3%, while Cornell’s was 8.4%. That means it’s a bit tougher to get into Dartmouth, statistically speaking.

2. Which school is more affordable, Dartmouth or Cornell?

When you compare the total cost of attendance, Dartmouth is slightly less expensive than Cornell, but not by much. Dartmouth’s estimated annual cost is $95,490, while Cornell’s is $96,268, making Cornell about $778 more per year. Over four years, that’s roughly a $3,100 difference before financial aid is factored in.

3. Which school is more popular with international students, Dartmouth or Cornell?

Cornell is more popular with international students, enrolling a significantly higher percentage compared to Dartmouth. As of recent data, international students make up about 26% of Cornell’s overall student body, reflecting its global reach and broad academic offerings. In contrast, Dartmouth’s international population is around 16%, making it smaller in terms of global representation.

Takeaways

• Getting into Dartmouth is harder than Cornell. Dartmouth accepts about 5.3% of applicants, while Cornell accepts around 8.4%.
• When it comes to cost, Dartmouth is slightly cheaper. It costs about $95,490 per year, compared to Cornell’s $96,268. That’s a difference of $778 each year, or roughly $3,100 over four years, before financial aid is factored in.
• Cornell generally places higher than Dartmouth across major systems. U.S. News ranks Cornell at #11 and Dartmouth at #15. In global rankings, Times Higher Education places Cornell at #20 and Dartmouth at #168, while QS ranks Cornell at #16 and Dartmouth at #247.
• Deciding between Dartmouth and Cornell may come down to campus vibe. Dartmouth offers a smaller, close-knit community surrounded by nature, while Cornell provides a larger, more diverse environment with broader academic options.
• To make your application stand out for either school, it’s smart to work with a college admissions expert who can help you highlight your strengths and align your story with what each university values.