Dartmouth College Scholarships (2025–2026)
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- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit ranges and who typically qualifies
- Competitive and hidden-gem scholarships worth a look
- Honors perks and how to stack awards the smart way
Paying for an Ivy League education can feel impossible, but Dartmouth’s financial aid model is designed to meet 100% of demonstrated need. This guide breaks down what the real costs look like, the types of aid that actually show up for families, and the hidden funding streams like research grants and ROTC that first-gen parents might otherwise miss. If you’re exploring schools in the region, also check our New Hampshire state aid guide alongside the full CRP scholarship hub.
💰 Cost of Attendance at Dartmouth College
| Category | Cost (2025–2026) |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $69,207 |
| Mandatory Fees* | $2,058–$2,318 |
| Housing | $12,579 |
| Meal Plan (Ivy Unlimited) | $8,341 |
| Books & Supplies | $1,005 |
| Personal Expenses | $2,040 |
| Travel | $250 minimum (higher if long-distance) |
| Total (Before Aid) | $94,980 (standard) $95,490 (first-years with orientation fee) |
*Dartmouth lists “Fees” as $2,058 on the Financial Aid COA page and $2,318 on the Admissions Direct Costs page. The higher figure likely includes additional mandatory charges such as orientation. Parents should expect fees to fall in this range.
COA & Aid FAQ
Who qualifies for in-state discounts? Nobody — Dartmouth has a single tuition rate for all students.
How much can aid lower the cost? Dartmouth pledges to meet full financial need. Families making under certain income thresholds often pay little or nothing for tuition.
Do I need to apply separately for aid? Yes. Families must submit the FAFSA and the CSS Profile to be considered for Dartmouth grants and scholarships.
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
Dartmouth does not award automatic merit scholarships based on GPA or test scores. All Dartmouth aid is strictly need-based. Families applying for financial aid must submit the FAFSA and the CSS Profile by the published deadlines.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Automatic Merit Scholarships | N/A | Dartmouth does not award academic or talent-based automatic merit scholarships | No | N/A | N/A — all institutional scholarships are need-based |
Dartmouth is a partner in the QuestBridge National College Match. However, QuestBridge is not automatic merit aid — it is a highly competitive process for high-achieving students from lower-income families. Dartmouth does not participate in National Merit or the Stamps Scholarship.
Note: Since Dartmouth does not offer automatic merit, there are no GPA/test cutoffs to list here. All awards are calculated from demonstrated financial need.
Automatic Aid FAQ
Does Dartmouth superscore the SAT or ACT? Yes. Dartmouth superscores both the SAT and ACT, meaning they consider the highest section scores across multiple test dates.
Do I need a separate application for aid? No separate app for merit — but yes, you must complete both FAFSA and the CSS Profile for need-based aid.
Can outside scholarships stack with Dartmouth aid? Yes, but Dartmouth first reduces student work/loan expectations; institutional scholarship is reduced last if necessary.
Are any students guaranteed aid? No. Aid is based on family financial profile, but Dartmouth pledges to meet 100% of demonstrated need without loans.
🏆 Competitive Scholarships
Dartmouth’s aid model is almost entirely need-based, but there are a few highly selective opportunities that go beyond the standard financial aid formula. These scholarships require separate steps and are not guaranteed to all admitted students.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| QuestBridge National College Match | Full demonstrated-need scholarship (four years, no loans; covers tuition, room, board, and required fees) | High-achieving, low-income students who are QuestBridge Finalists and rank Dartmouth | Yes — QuestBridge application, plus Dartmouth supplement and addendum | Yes, renewable for four years if financial need continues and student remains in good standing | Students with strong academics, leadership, and service records who also qualify financially under QuestBridge |
| King Scholars Program (International) | Full scholarship for tuition, room, board, health insurance, computer (first year), and one round-trip home annually | International students from low-income backgrounds focused on poverty alleviation | Yes — King Scholars application process, tied to Dartmouth admission deadlines | Yes (four years, contingent on academic and program standing) | High-achieving international applicants with strong service and leadership profiles |
Competitive Aid FAQ
What makes these scholarships different from need-based aid? They provide structured, high-visibility support and sometimes extra perks (like travel stipends), in addition to covering demonstrated financial need.
Is QuestBridge automatic if I’m admitted? No. You must be a QuestBridge Finalist, rank Dartmouth, and be selected through the Match process.
Are King Scholars limited in number? Yes, only a small cohort of international students are chosen each year.
Can I apply to both QuestBridge and regular Dartmouth aid? Yes — Dartmouth will ensure you are considered for full need-based support even if you are not matched through QuestBridge.
⭐ College Specialty
Dartmouth may be small compared to some of the other Ivies, but it punches above its weight in research and reputation. With a flexible quarter system (“D-Plan”), undergraduates often land hands-on experiences in labs, abroad programs, and even national fellowships that would be harder to come by at larger schools. Families should also know that Dartmouth is a public-facing R1 Research University, meaning it’s recognized at the highest level for research activity even while keeping a liberal-arts style focus for undergraduates.
Dartmouth’s Thayer School of Engineering is one of the few Ivy League engineering schools to integrate liberal arts with ABET-accredited degrees. Students can earn both an A.B. in Engineering Sciences and a professional B.E., with strong placement in industry and graduate schools.
- Tuck School of Business (MBA) — Consistently ranked top 10 nationally for MBA programs (U.S. News 2024).
- Government & Public Policy — Dartmouth’s Government Department is nationally recognized, with alumni frequently entering top law schools and policy roles.
- Environmental Studies — One of the earliest undergraduate environmental studies programs in the U.S.; strong ties to sustainability research and the Arctic Institute.
- Neuroscience — Home to the Dartmouth Brain Imaging Center and nationally regarded cognitive neuroscience labs.
🎖️ Honors College
Dartmouth doesn’t have a separate Honors College, but many departments run their own departmental honors programs. These let motivated students dig deeper into research, complete a senior thesis, and graduate with Honors or High Honors noted on their transcript. Parents should think of this as Dartmouth’s version of an honors track — personalized, faculty-driven, and designed to build toward graduate school or research careers.
Overall GPA around 3.0 or higher, often 3.3+ in the major.
Strong faculty relationships and research interests.
Willingness to take on an intensive senior thesis or project.
• Faculty mentorship for a senior thesis
• Access to departmental honors seminars
• Research funding support (see Honors Thesis Grants)
• “Honors” or “High Honors” designation on transcript
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honors Thesis Grants | $500–$1,500 for thesis-related research costs | Seniors enrolled in departmental honors programs with faculty-approved thesis proposals | Yes — UGAR honors thesis application | One-time per thesis; supplements possible | Seniors completing faculty-supervised honors theses who need research funding |
- Stamps Scholars Program — Two-year program beginning sophomore year; up to $10,000 per year for research, internships, or experiential learning.
- James O. Freedman Presidential Scholars — Juniors serve as paid research assistants to faculty, earning stipends and gaining hands-on research experience.
Honors FAQ
Is Honors admission automatic? No. Students must apply to their department’s honors program, usually in junior year, and meet GPA thresholds.
Does Honors add extra time to a degree? No. Honors is completed within the standard four-year timeline, often by weaving thesis research into existing courses.
Are there scholarships just for Honors students? Yes — Honors Thesis Grants of $500–$1,500 are available to help cover research costs.
When should students apply? Most departments expect applications in late junior year once coursework and GPA benchmarks are met.
📎 Official Links
Final Thoughts
Dartmouth isn’t just another Ivy on the list — it’s a place where small classes, one-on-one mentorship, and a need-based aid pledge come together. For families, that means the sticker price can look intimidating, but the reality is that most admitted students pay far less. If your student thrives in close faculty relationships and is excited by the chance to do funded research, study abroad, or pursue an honors thesis, Dartmouth delivers opportunities that can shape a career and keep the degree affordable.
✅ Last updated: September 21, 2025