Dartmouth College
Hanover, NH
Quick Facts
Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education
About Dartmouth College
Dartmouth College: A historic Ivy League gem known for its intimate undergraduate focus in a vibrant New England setting.
Nestled in the picturesque Upper Valley of New Hampshire, Dartmouth College stands as a distinguished private Ivy League research university. While recognized for its contributions to research, Dartmouth intentionally maintains an unwavering focus on its undergraduate experience, famously retaining "College" in its name to emphasize this commitment. It's renowned for its vibrant Greek culture, deeply rooted campus traditions, and a close-knit community feeling, making it the smallest university within the Ivy League.
Established in 1769 by Eleazar Wheelock, Dartmouth holds the unique distinction of being one of the nine colonial colleges chartered before the American Revolution. Its early history saw it primarily training Congregationalist ministers, though its charter originally aimed to educate Native Americans. A pivotal moment in its story was the historic 1819 Dartmouth College case, which affirmed its private institution status against an attempted state takeover, a landmark decision in American legal history.
Academically, Dartmouth offers a robust liberal arts curriculum encompassing 40 academic departments and interdisciplinary programs, with 60 majors spanning the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and engineering. Beyond its undergraduate excellence, the college is home to four distinguished professional and graduate 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.
For prospective students, Dartmouth presents a highly selective environment, with an acceptance rate of 5.3% for the Class of 2028. Operating on a distinctive year-round quarter system, it offers a dynamic and immersive academic experience. Its alumni network is exceptionally strong, boasting an impressive list of leaders in politics, business, science, and the arts, reflecting the comprehensive and impactful education students receive.
Key Highlights
- ✦Founded in 1769, Dartmouth is one of the nine colonial colleges chartered before the American Revolution.
- ✦The smallest Ivy League university, with 4,447 undergraduates (Fall 2023).
- ✦Maintains a highly selective undergraduate admissions process, with a 5.3% acceptance rate for the Class of 2028.
- ✦Boasts a substantial $9 billion endowment (2025), supporting its academic and research endeavors.
- ✦Its alumni network includes 3 Nobel Prize laureates, 83 Rhodes Scholars, and 10 current CEOs of Fortune 500 companies.
- ✦Widely recognized for hosting the 1956 Dartmouth workshop, considered the founding event of artificial intelligence.
- ✦Committed to sustainability, with a $500 million Climate Collaboration aiming to eliminate campus carbon emissions by 2050.
Timeline
Schools & Colleges
4 notable schools within Dartmouth College
Geisel School of Medicine
Thayer School of Engineering
Tuck School of Business
Guarini School of Graduate and Advanced Studies
Find Scholarships at Dartmouth College
Sign up free to discover grants and scholarships you qualify for at this school and thousands more.
Start Your Free Search