University of Massachusetts Dartmouth vs Dartmouth College: A Comprehensive Comparison
Overview
The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth and Dartmouth College are two distinct institutions of higher education with unique strengths and characteristics. While they share the “Dartmouth” name, they are fundamentally different schools in terms of size, location, academic offerings, and student demographics.
Key Differences
Size and Location
- University of Massachusetts Dartmouth (UMass Dartmouth): Public research university located in Dartmouth, Massachusetts (population: approximately 33,000)
- Dartmouth College: Private Ivy League university located in Hanover, New Hampshire (population: approximately 11,000)
Enrollment
- UMass Dartmouth: Over 9,000 undergraduate students and over 2,000 graduate students
- Dartmouth College: Approximately 4,500 undergraduate students and 1,000 graduate students
Academic Offerings
- UMass Dartmouth: Offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in areas such as engineering, nursing, business, and science
- Dartmouth College: Primarily focused on undergraduate education in the liberal arts and sciences, with limited graduate programs
Student Demographics
- UMass Dartmouth: Diverse student body with a significant population of students from underrepresented backgrounds
- Dartmouth College: Highly selective with a predominantly white and affluent student population
Detailed Comparison
Academic Reputation
UMass Dartmouth
- Ranked #175 among national universities by U.S. News & World Report (2023)
- Recognized for its strong engineering and nursing programs
Dartmouth College
- Ranked #12 among national universities by U.S. News & World Report (2023)
- Consistently recognized as one of the top Ivy League institutions
Student Life and Campus
UMass Dartmouth
- Large campus of over 700 acres with a mix of traditional and modern buildings
- Offers a wide range of student clubs, organizations, and athletic teams
- Features a vibrant arts and culture scene with numerous galleries, theaters, and music venues
Dartmouth College
- Compact campus of approximately 260 acres with primarily brick and granite buildings
- Renowned for its strong Greek life and outdoor recreation opportunities
- Home to world-class museums, theaters, and the Hopkins Center for the Arts
Cost and Financial Aid
UMass Dartmouth
- In-state tuition and fees for undergraduates: approximately $15,000
- Out-of-state tuition and fees for undergraduates: approximately $25,000
- Offers a variety of financial aid programs, including need-based grants, scholarships, and loans
Dartmouth College
- Tuition and fees: approximately $60,000
- Comprehensive financial aid program that aims to meet the full need of admitted students regardless of financial background
Career Outcomes
UMass Dartmouth
- Graduates are highly sought after by employers in fields such as engineering, healthcare, business, and education
- Career services department provides support with resume writing, job search, and networking
Dartmouth College
- Graduates have a strong track record of success in law, finance, medicine, and other professional fields
- Alumni network provides valuable mentorship and career opportunities
Which School is Right for You?
The best school for you depends on your individual preferences, goals, and financial circumstances. Here are some factors to consider:
- Academic Interests: UMass Dartmouth offers a broader range of academic programs, while Dartmouth College has a stronger focus on the liberal arts.
- Campus Experience: UMass Dartmouth provides a large and diverse campus environment, while Dartmouth College offers a more intimate and traditional campus experience.
- Career Goals: Both schools have strong career services and alumni networks, but Dartmouth College may provide a slight advantage in certain fields such as finance and law.
- Financial Situation: UMass Dartmouth is significantly more affordable than Dartmouth College, especially for out-of-state students.
Additional Information
Table 1: Key Statistics
| Characteristic | UMass Dartmouth | Dartmouth College |
|---|---|---|
| Enrollment (undergraduates) | Over 9,000 | Approximately 4,500 |
| Enrollment (graduates) | Over 2,000 | 1,000 |
| U.S. News & World Report Rank (2023) | #175 (national universities) | #12 (national universities) |
| In-state tuition and fees (undergraduates) | Approximately $15,000 | N/A |
| Out-of-state tuition and fees (undergraduates) | Approximately $25,000 | Approximately $60,000 |
Table 2: Academic Offerings
| Field of Study | UMass Dartmouth | Dartmouth College |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering | Strong programs in various engineering disciplines | Limited engineering programs |
| Nursing | Renowned nursing program | No nursing programs |
| Business | AACSB-accredited business programs | Tuck School of Business (top-ranked business school) |
| Science | Multiple science departments with cutting-edge research facilities | Focus on natural sciences |
| Liberal Arts | Range of liberal arts majors | Emphasis on the liberal arts and sciences |
Table 3: Student Demographics
| Characteristic | UMass Dartmouth | Dartmouth College |
|---|---|---|
| Percentage of students from underrepresented backgrounds | High | Low |
| Percentage of international students | Over 10% | Under 10% |
| Average SAT score | 1050-1250 | 1480-1580 |
| Average ACT score | 22-28 | 32-35 |
Table 4: Career Outcomes
| Field of Employment | UMass Dartmouth | Dartmouth College |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering | 75% employed in engineering-related fields | 85% employed in engineering-related fields |
| Healthcare | 80% employed in healthcare-related fields | 85% employed in healthcare-related fields |
| Business | 90% employed in business-related fields | 95% employed in business-related fields |
| Education | 90% employed in education-related fields | 95% employed in education-related fields |
| Finance | 80% employed in finance-related fields | 90% employed in finance-related fields |
FAQs
1. Is UMass Dartmouth a good school?
Yes, UMass Dartmouth is a reputable public university with strong academic programs and a commitment to research and innovation.
2. Is Dartmouth College worth the cost?
For students from affluent families, Dartmouth College may be a good investment due to its prestigious reputation and strong career outcomes. However, for students from more modest financial backgrounds, it may be more cost-effective to consider other schools.
3. Is UMass Dartmouth a party school?
While UMass Dartmouth has a large and active student body, it is not widely known as a party school.
4. Is Dartmouth College hard to get into?
Yes, Dartmouth College is a highly selective university with a low acceptance rate.
5. How diverse is UMass Dartmouth?
UMass Dartmouth is a diverse university with a significant population of students from underrepresented backgrounds.
6. What is the social scene like at Dartmouth College?
Dartmouth College has a vibrant social scene with a mix of student clubs, organizations, and social events.
7. Does UMass Dartmouth offer financial aid?
Yes, UMass Dartmouth offers a variety of financial aid programs to help students with tuition, fees, and other expenses.
8. What is the career placement rate for Dartmouth College graduates?
Dartmouth College graduates have a very high career placement rate, with over 90% securing employment in their desired fields within six months of graduation.
