Dartmouth College announced on Mar. 30 that it received 28,863 applications for the Class of 2030, marking a 2.2% increase over last year and the second-largest undergraduate applicant pool in its history.
The rise in applications reflects Dartmouth’s ongoing appeal to students seeking an environment that values dialogue and free expression. The college reported that one-in-three admitted students cited these aspects as reasons for applying.
Admissions issued 1,687 invitations to join the incoming class, maintaining a highly selective acceptance rate of 5.8%, which is the sixth consecutive year selectivity has been at or below six percent. “It is a remarkable and unprecedented run of sustained, extremely high-quality application volume,” said Lee Coffin, vice president and dean of admissions and financial aid.
Financial aid remains central to Dartmouth’s approach this year. At the time decisions were released, a record-setting $53.2 million in need-based scholarships was offered to accepted students, with an average scholarship projected at over $74,000 upon matriculation in September. “The socioeconomic profile of the accepted class represents Dartmouth’s ongoing commitment to affordability and socioeconomic diversity,” said Dino Koff, assistant vice president and executive director of financial aid. He added: “For undergraduate students supported by financial aid, a Dartmouth education is more affordable today versus 10 years ago due to greater financial aid support.” One in five admitted students comes from a low-income background; about one quarter will qualify for free tuition based on family income; and twenty-one percent are forecasted to receive Pell Grants.
The incoming class represents all U.S. states as well as Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, and fifty-nine other countries. Efforts such as membership in the STARS College Network have expanded outreach to rural applicants while partnerships with organizations like QuestBridge introduced ninety-three high-achieving low-income students from under-resourced schools to Dartmouth.
Kathryn Bezella, assistant vice president and dean of undergraduate admissions said: “Beyond the undeniable excellence of the pool…I was impressed by the remarkable breadth of perspectives.” She continued: “Dartmouth is continuing to experience growing enthusiasm from students drawn to the opportunity to engage with ideas and individuals who challenge their own assumptions…This spirit—paired with a willingness to listen, question, and consider counterarguments—is essential…”
Accepted students are invited for Dimensions open house on April 20 before making enrollment decisions by May 1.
