Georgetown vs Dartmouth: Which Top School Is Better?

When comparing Georgetown vs Dartmouth, you are looking at two of the most respected and competitive colleges in the country. Both schools offer a strong academic reputation, unique campus experiences, and numerous opportunities for growth, but they each bring something distinct to the table.

In this guide, you will explore everything from acceptance rates and rankings to academics, campus life, cost, and financial aid. By the end, you will have the clarity you need to figure out which school fits you best and where you can see yourself thriving.

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

Georgetown vs Dartmouth: Acceptance Rates

When you are looking at top-tier schools like Georgetown and Dartmouth, acceptance rates can help you see just how selective each one is. These numbers tell you what kind of competition you are facing and give you a clear idea of what to expect when you apply.

Here are the admissions stats for the Class of 2029:

Georgetown received 26,800 applications and admitted 3,200 students, giving it an acceptance rate of 12%. Dartmouth, on the other hand, received 28,230 applications and accepted 1,702 students, resulting in an acceptance rate of 6%. That means Dartmouth admits about 1 out of every 17 applicants, while Georgetown admits about 1 out of every 8.

Now, take a look at how these acceptance rates have changed over the past three years:

• Georgetown had acceptance rates of 13.1% for the Class of 2027, 12.3% for the Class of 2028, and 12% for the Class of 2029. The numbers have dipped slightly but have stayed consistent overall.
• Dartmouth had acceptance rates of 6.2% for the Class of 2027, 5.3% for the Class of 2028, and 6% for the Class of 2029. The numbers initially decreased, then rose slightly, but they have remained very selective.

Bottom line? Both schools are competitive, but Dartmouth is clearly harder to get into based on the numbers. A strong essay, impressive extracurricular activities, and a straightforward narrative about who you are and what you want to do can make a significant difference. 

Georgetown vs Dartmouth: Rankings

Rankings are not everything, but they give you a solid way to compare schools side by side. If you are figuring out how Georgetown and Dartmouth stack up in terms of academic reputation, research, and global recognition, looking at the numbers can help you see where each school stands.

Here is how the two schools compare across three major ranking systems:

U.S. News (National Rankings)

• Georgetown: #24
• Dartmouth: #15

Dartmouth ranks fifteenth in the U.S. News national rankings, putting it solidly in the top 20 colleges in the country. Georgetown is ranked twenty-fourth, which remains a strong position and reflects its solid academic reputation. These rankings are based on graduation rates, faculty resources, student selectivity, and other outcomes. 

If you care about national prestige and name recognition, Dartmouth comes out ahead.

Times Higher Education (World University Rankings)

• Georgetown: #201–250
• Dartmouth: #168

THE rankings focus more on global research influence, teaching quality, and international diversity. Dartmouth ranks higher here, placing at 168 in the world, while Georgetown falls into the 201–250 range. 

If you plan to get involved in academic research or pursue graduate study abroad, Dartmouth has a stronger global presence in this area.

QS World University Rankings

• Georgetown: #301
• Dartmouth: #247

QS rankings emphasize academic reputation, employer reputation, and international student and faculty presence. Dartmouth appears at 247, ahead of Georgetown at 301. While the difference may not seem huge, it suggests that Dartmouth is more visible on the global stage, especially when it comes to opportunities beyond the United States.

If you are thinking about international jobs or grad school, Dartmouth’s edge in these rankings may matter to you. 

Georgetown vs Dartmouth: Academics

Georgetown and Dartmouth both offer excellent academics, but their approaches to teaching, course structures, and classroom settings differ. If you are deciding between the two, think about how you like to learn, how much structure you want, and which subjects you are most drawn to.

Georgetown academics

Georgetown follows a two-part core curriculum that combines shared learning goals across the university with specific requirements from each of its undergraduate schools. This means all students complete a standard set of courses rooted in the liberal arts, and then take school-specific classes that align with their intended major.

Georgetown’s curriculum also reflects the university’s Jesuit values, with a focus on ethics, reflection, and community engagement through public service.

Some of the top majors at Georgetown include:

• Biological sciences
• International business, language, and culture
• Marketing
• Journalism
• Psychology

Georgetown has a student-to-faculty ratio of 11:1, and about 63% of its classes have fewer than 20 students. You will probably have a mix of lecture and discussion-based courses, especially in your first year. 

Dartmouth academics

Every first-year Dartmouth student must complete a writing requirement, which includes one of three core writing classes followed by a first-year seminar. These small seminars focus on reading, research, and writing skills across disciplines. You cannot study abroad until you have finished the writing requirement, which demonstrates how seriously Dartmouth values foundational communication skills.

Below are some of the top majors at Dartmouth:

• Economics
• Psychology
• Earth sciences
• Biology
• Engineering

Dartmouth’s student-to-faculty ratio is 6:1, and about 62% of its classes have fewer than 20 students. Classes are small, and you will have frequent access to your professors, especially in upper-level courses.

Trying to decide if Georgetown or Dartmouth is the better academic fit for you? Our Academic and Extracurricular Profile Evaluation & Roadmap can help. In a one-time, 1.5- to 2-hour consultation, we will guide you through a personalized plan tailored to your academic strengths, current coursework, and extracurricular activities. 

Georgetown vs Dartmouth: Campus Life

Campus life at Georgetown and Dartmouth provides unique experiences shaped by location, student culture, and community atmosphere. If you are choosing between the two, think about whether you prefer city living or a quieter, more natural environment.

Georgetown campus life

Georgetown places you in the heart of Washington, DC, one of the most active and diverse cities in the country. Most first-year students live in one of five residence halls: Harbin, New South, Copley, Reynolds, or Darnall. You can also apply to a Living Learning Community (LLC), where students live with others who share similar interests in topics such as entrepreneurship, social justice, or the arts.

Here is what student life looks like at Georgetown:

• There are over 350 student clubs, encompassing a wide range of interests, from cultural and academic pursuits to service organizations. You will always find something that matches your passion or helps you try something new.
• Georgetown has 17 undergraduate residences, including several that group students by common interests. These communities encourage conversations that go beyond the classroom.
• Many residence halls host events with faculty, including meals and small gatherings. These provide an opportunity to connect with professors in a more informal setting.
• The main dining hall, Leo O’Donovan Hall, features ten stations with global cuisine, vegetarian meals, and allergen-free options. A rotating pop-up also brings in food from local restaurants.
• The Corp is the largest student-run nonprofit in the world, operating cafes, markets, and a catering company on campus. You can work there, grab a coffee, or just hang out between classes.
• Every Wednesday, Georgetown hosts a Farmers’ Market featuring nearly 30 vendors offering a variety of food, drinks, and fresh produce. This gives you the chance to try new flavors and enjoy outdoor dining right on campus.

Dartmouth campus life

Dartmouth is set in Hanover, New Hampshire, surrounded by mountains and open space. This calm and natural setting shapes student life and promotes a strong sense of community on campus. Every student is assigned to one of six house communities, each with its own set of residence halls and faculty connections. 

Here’s what to expect:

• About 3,190 students lived in campus housing during the 2022–23 academic year. Most students stay on campus for multiple years, creating a consistent and friendly environment.
• Dartmouth offers over 160 student-run clubs and organizations that encompass a wide range of academic, cultural, creative, and service-focused interests. You can start your club if you don’t find one that fits your interests.
• The campus includes access to the Appalachian Trail, which runs right through Hanover. Many students participate in outdoor activities such as hiking, canoeing, and skiing.
• Dartmouth places strong emphasis on wellness, offering mental health resources, fitness classes, and recreational spaces. Students are encouraged to take care of both their physical and psychological health.
• Sustainability is built into daily life, with many students engaging in green initiatives. The Organic Farm and other programs give you hands-on ways to practice environmental responsibility.
• The Center for Social Impact connects students with volunteer opportunities, internships, and service learning programs. Projects include trail maintenance, food distribution, and educational outreach.

Georgetown vs Dartmouth: Cost of Attendance

Paying for college can be one of the most important decisions you and your family make. Even if both schools seem expensive, understanding the breakdown of what you will actually pay each year can help you plan and make a more informed choice.

Georgetown and Dartmouth are both private institutions, but their total costs vary. Take a look at the side-by-side numbers below.

Here is how Georgetown’s total cost of attendance adds up ($91,883):

• $71,136 for full-time tuition ($35,568 per semester)
• $202 in student activity fees
• $4,350 for student health insurance (unless waived)
• $11,971 for housing (55H Street)
• $4,224 for dining (All Access 7 with $500 flex dollars)

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

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

Dartmouth is more expensive than Georgetown by $3,607 per year based on the listed totals. Over four years, that adds up to $14,428 more.

Georgetown vs Dartmouth: Financial Aid and Scholarships

Paying for college can feel overwhelming, but both Georgetown and Dartmouth offer strong financial aid programs that aim to make their education accessible. Each school promises to meet 100% of your demonstrated financial need, so what your family can reasonably contribute is a key part of your final cost.

Let’s look at how each school supports students like you when it comes to scholarships, grants, loans, and work opportunities.

Georgetown financial aid and scholarships

Georgetown’s financial aid is entirely need-based and available to all eligible undergraduates. Georgetown awards several hundred need-based scholarships each year, with amounts ranging from $1,000 to over $60,000. These scholarships, combined with small loans and work-study, cover 100% of your demonstrated need.

Some of the scholarships at Georgetown include the 1789 Scholarships, John Carroll Scholarships, and the President’s Scholarship for District of Columbia Students. Georgetown also offers special awards, such as the Penner Family Experiences Award, as well as scholarships tied to the Georgetown Athletics program. Most financial aid is provided by university funds made possible by alumni and donors. 

Types of aid at Georgetown include:

• Georgetown undergraduate scholarships are based on financial need
• Federal grants, such as Pell Grants, are available to eligible students
• Student employment through work-study programs
• Low-interest federal loans and the Georgetown Loan
• Private or outside scholarships and benefits
• Tuition insurance and optional health insurance support

Dartmouth financial aid and scholarships

Dartmouth offers a need-blind admissions policy for all applicants, including international students, and guarantees to meet 100% of demonstrated need. Your financial need is calculated after admission, and aid packages include only grants and work opportunities, not loans.

Students from families earning less than $125,000 per year can expect a financial aid package that requires no parent contribution and includes no student loans.

Dartmouth scholarships are entirely need-based and not tied to merit, athletics, or talent. Each year, Dartmouth awards around $136 million in scholarships. Students are expected to contribute to their costs through part-time work, summer earnings, or savings; however, the college excludes loans from its need-based financial aid packages. 

Types of aid at Dartmouth include:

• Need-based grants and scholarships that do not require repayment
• Work-study and campus job opportunities are included in most aid packages
• Optional student loans are available on request, but not required
• PLUS loans and private educational loans for families needing more support
• Financial aid options and support for international students

Final Verdict

Georgetown and Dartmouth both offer top-tier academics, standout campus experiences, and substantial financial aid, but the best fit depends on your personality, goals, and lifestyle. 

• Choose Georgetown if you are looking for an urban campus where politics, international affairs, and global impact take center stage. With hundreds of clubs, student-run businesses, and easy access to internships in the capital, Georgetown prepares you for life after college while keeping you engaged on campus. You will also find unique living-learning communities and one of the most diverse dining scenes in higher education.
• Choose Dartmouth if you want a residential college experience rooted in close connections, academic intensity, and natural surroundings. The house community system, strong undergraduate focus, and no-loan financial aid packages create a supportive and enriching environment for students from all backgrounds. You will also love Dartmouth’s emphasis on outdoor learning, sustainability, and meaningful service.

Both schools are highly selective, but Dartmouth has a lower acceptance rate and more substantial rankings across most categories. Georgetown is more affordable at face value, but both offer generous financial aid that can significantly reduce the actual cost. 

Consider where you feel most energized, supported, and ready to grow, as that will make the most significant difference over the next four years.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

If you are considering acceptance rates, Dartmouth is definitely more competitive than Georgetown. Dartmouth’s latest acceptance rate is 6%, while Georgetown’s is 12%, which means your chances of getting into Dartmouth are about half as likely. So, if you want a shot at both, you will need a powerful application.

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

Georgetown is more affordable when you compare the total cost of attendance with similar housing and dining options included. Georgetown’s total cost can go up to $91,883 per year, while Dartmouth’s is $95,490, making Dartmouth more expensive by $3,607 each year. Over four years, that adds up to $14,428 more at Dartmouth before financial aid is applied.

3. Which school is better overall, Georgetown or Dartmouth?

Both Georgetown and Dartmouth are excellent, but the better choice really depends on what kind of experience you are looking for. Dartmouth boasts a stronger national and global ranking, smaller class sizes, and a more traditional campus atmosphere set amidst nature.

Georgetown offers more real-world exposure in a vibrant city, access to great internships in Washington, DC, and a strong focus on public service and international affairs, so consider where you will feel most at home.

Takeaways

• You will have a harder time getting into Dartmouth, as its acceptance rate is 6% compared to Georgetown’s 12%.
• You will save about $3,607 per year by choosing Georgetown over Dartmouth, which adds up to $14,428 over four years before financial aid is factored in.
• Dartmouth consistently ranks above Georgetown across major systems: U.S. News places Dartmouth at #15 and Georgetown at #24, Times Higher Education ranks Dartmouth #168 and Georgetown in the 201–250 range, and QS ranks Dartmouth #247 and Georgetown #301.
• When choosing between Georgetown and Dartmouth, consider whether you would prefer to study in a vibrant city like Washington, D.C., or a quieter setting surrounded by nature. 
• Team up with a college admissions expert who can help you craft a compelling application that shows off your unique strengths for either Georgetown or Dartmouth.