Dartmouth College's published cost of attendance reaches $83,802 annually—that's $65,739 in tuition, $19,009 for room and board, and $1,005 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays significantly less after financial aid, with an average net price of $28,619 representing $55,183 in financial aid savings.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $83,802 |
| Tuition and Fees | $65,739 |
| Room and Board | $19,009 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,005 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$55,183 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $28,619 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $2,978 |
| $30–48k | $-377 |
| $48–75k | $5,841 |
| $75–110k | $13,426 |
| $110k+ | $51,575 |
Dartmouth College's published cost of attendance reaches $83,802 annually—that's $65,739 in tuition, $19,009 for room and board, and $1,005 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays significantly less after financial aid, with an average net price of $28,619 representing $55,183 in financial aid savings. This net price sits close to the peer median of $27,143 for similar institutions, indicating Dartmouth's pricing aligns with other selective private colleges.
The substantial gap between sticker price and net price reflects Dartmouth's robust financial aid program, which provides meaningful support across income levels. Net prices vary dramatically based on family income, ranging from $2,978 for families earning under $30,000 to $51,575 for families earning over $110,000. This progressive pricing structure ensures that students from diverse economic backgrounds can access Dartmouth's educational opportunities.
Dartmouth's financial aid program reflects its commitment to attracting diverse students while maintaining financial sustainability as an elite private institution. With 14.8% of students eligible for Pell grants, the institution serves a meaningful share of lower-income students, though this percentage falls below many public institutions.
The average financial aid savings of $55,183 represents substantial institutional investment in affordability, with aid concentrated among families most in need. The progressive net pricing structure ensures that students from families earning under $75,000 pay single-digit percentages of the published cost, while even higher-income families receive some assistance.
This approach allows Dartmouth to maintain its educational model while ensuring economic diversity within the student body. The financial aid profile supports the institution's Selective Achievers quadrant classification, where strong outcomes coincide with more limited access compared to public institutions.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
Dartmouth graduates manage debt levels that compare favorably to both national averages and peer institutions. Median student debt reaches $17,500, significantly below the peer median of $24,181—a difference of $6,681 that represents meaningful savings for graduates.
The debt distribution spans from $5,500 at the 25th percentile to $22,000 at the 75th percentile, indicating most students graduate with manageable debt loads. Dartmouth's debt performance ranks in the 81st percentile nationally, placing it in the strong tier for debt management.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.18 indicates that median debt represents less than one-fifth of first-year post-graduation earnings, suggesting sustainable repayment conditions. Parent PLUS debt averages $42,827 with monthly payments of $564, though families should evaluate this burden based on their specific financial circumstances.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Dartmouth represents a premium educational investment that delivers exceptional long-term returns despite higher upfront costs. Graduates earn $-2,436 beyond expectations based on student demographics—around the national average—but achieve median earnings of $97,434 that rank in the 98.0th percentile nationally.
The institution's graduates earn $34,368 more annually than the peer median of $63,066, creating substantial lifetime earning advantages that justify the educational investment. With debt levels $6,681 below peer institutions and a favorable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.18, the financial fundamentals support strong return on investment.
Dartmouth ranks in the 98.0th percentile for return nationally, among the highest we track. The combination of controlled borrowing, exceptional long-term earnings, and strong alumni networks creates compelling value for students who can manage the initial financial commitment.
