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Dartmouth College vs Keene State College

Dartmouth College is a private college in Hanover, NH, and Keene State College is a public college in Keene, NH. Dartmouth College is the more selective of the two, admitting about 5% of applicants against 90% at Keene State College. Keene State College is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $17,887 a year against $29,519 at Dartmouth College. About 96% of students graduate at Dartmouth College, compared with 59% at Keene State College. Ten years after enrolling, Dartmouth College alumni earn a median of about $97,434, against $54,368 for Keene State College.

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Dartmouth College

Hanover, NH · Private

Keene State College

Keene, NH · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Hanover, NH
Keene, NH
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
4,541
2,699
Acceptance rate
5%
90%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.55–4
3.21–3.71
SAT (middle 50%)
1500–1570
970–1170
ACT (middle 50%)
33–35
24–25
Test policy
Required
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$29,519
$17,887
Full cost / yr
$87,793
$29,993
In-state tuition
$68,268
$14,784
Out-of-state tuition
$68,268
$26,840
Application fee
$80
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$41
$12,192
$30k - $48k
$489
$12,536
$48k - $75k
$2,695
$16,045
$75k - $110k
$8,534
$18,004
Over $110k
$52,036
$22,928
Outcomes
Graduation rate
96%
59%
Freshman retention
98%
79%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$82,541
$46,649
Median earnings (10 yr)
$97,434
$54,368
Median debt at graduation
$17,500
$25,749
Student body
Pell grant recipients
14%
26%
First-generation students
17%
23%
International students
15%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 1
Rolling

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Dartmouth College or Keene State College harder to get into?
Dartmouth College is harder to get into. It admits about 5% of applicants, compared with 90% at Keene State College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Dartmouth College or Keene State College?
Keene State College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $17,887 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $29,519 at Dartmouth College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Dartmouth College and Keene State College?
Before aid, Keene State College costs about $29,993 a year and Dartmouth College about $87,793. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Dartmouth College or Keene State College?
Dartmouth College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $41 there, against about $12,192 at Keene State College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Dartmouth College or Keene State College?
Dartmouth College is the larger of the two, with about 4,541 undergraduates against 2,699 at Keene State College.
Does Dartmouth College or Keene State College have a better graduation rate?
Dartmouth College has the higher graduation rate, at about 96% against 59% at Keene State College.
Do graduates of Dartmouth College or Keene State College earn more?
Dartmouth College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $97,434 ten years after enrolling, against about $54,368 for Keene State College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Dartmouth College and Keene State College require SAT or ACT scores?
Dartmouth College requires SAT or ACT scores. Keene State College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Dartmouth College and Keene State College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1500–1570 at Dartmouth College and 970–1170 at Keene State College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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