Rice University vs Dartmouth

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the main differences between Rice University and Dartmouth College?

  Rice University, located in Houston, Texas, is known for its strong engineering, natural sciences, and architecture programs, as well as its close-knit residential college system. Dartmouth College, situated in Hanover, New Hampshire, is a member of the Ivy League and offers a liberal arts education with a focus on undergraduate teaching and research. Key differences include location (urban vs. rural), academic emphasis (STEM vs. liberal arts), and institutional structure (research university vs. liberal arts college with graduate programs).

• Which school is better for STEM fields?

  Rice University generally holds a stronger reputation for STEM fields, particularly in engineering, nanotechnology, and space science. Its proximity to the Texas Medical Center and NASA's Johnson Space Center provides unique research opportunities. While Dartmouth also has strong STEM programs, especially in computer science and engineering, Rice's overall focus and resources in these areas are often considered more extensive.

• Which school is better for humanities and social sciences?

  Dartmouth College, with its strong liberal arts focus, is generally considered to have a stronger reputation in the humanities and social sciences. Its faculty are dedicated to undergraduate teaching, and the college offers a wide range of programs in areas like history, English, government, and economics. Rice also has good programs in these areas, but Dartmouth's emphasis on the liberal arts gives it a slight edge.

• How do the campus environments compare?

  Rice University offers an urban campus experience in the heart of Houston, Texas, providing access to a diverse city with numerous cultural and professional opportunities. Dartmouth College, on the other hand, offers a more secluded, rural campus environment in Hanover, New Hampshire, fostering a close-knit community and a strong connection to nature. The choice depends on whether you prefer a vibrant city setting or a more tranquil, campus-centered atmosphere.

• What are the residential college systems like at Rice and Dartmouth?

  Both Rice and Dartmouth have strong residential college systems, but they function differently. Rice's residential colleges are central to the undergraduate experience, providing students with a built-in community, social activities, and academic support. Dartmouth's house system, while also fostering community, is less central to the overall undergraduate experience than Rice's. At Dartmouth, students are assigned to a house upon matriculation, but the houses are not as deeply integrated into daily life as they are at Rice.

• How do the costs of attendance compare?

  The cost of attendance at both Rice University and Dartmouth College is high, but both institutions offer generous financial aid packages. It's best to visit each school's financial aid website and use their net price calculators to get an estimate of your individual cost based on your family's financial situation. Generally, both schools aim to meet 100% of demonstrated financial need.

• What are the class sizes and student-to-faculty ratios like?

  Both Rice and Dartmouth pride themselves on small class sizes and low student-to-faculty ratios, fostering close interactions between students and professors. Rice has a student-to-faculty ratio of about 6:1, while Dartmouth's is around 7:1. This ensures that students receive personalized attention and have ample opportunities to engage in research and mentorship with faculty members.

• What are the career opportunities like after graduation?

  Both Rice and Dartmouth graduates have excellent career prospects. Rice's location in Houston provides access to opportunities in the energy, healthcare, and aerospace industries. Dartmouth's strong alumni network and Ivy League reputation open doors to a wide range of careers in finance, consulting, technology, and public service. The best choice depends on your specific career interests and desired location.

• Which school has a stronger alumni network?

  Dartmouth College, as an Ivy League institution with a longer history, generally has a larger and more established alumni network. This network can be a valuable resource for internships, job opportunities, and mentorship. Rice University's alumni network is also strong and growing, particularly in the Texas region and in specific industries like energy and engineering.

• What is the social scene like at each school?

  Rice University's social scene is centered around its residential colleges, which host numerous events and activities throughout the year. The campus culture is known for being collaborative and supportive. Dartmouth's social scene is influenced by its rural location and strong sense of community. Greek life plays a role, but there are also many other social activities and traditions, such as Winter Carnival and Homecoming. The 'Dartmouth Outing Club' is also a very popular organization.

• How do the research opportunities compare?

  Both Rice and Dartmouth offer significant research opportunities for undergraduates. Rice's strengths lie in STEM fields, with research opportunities available at the university's numerous research centers and in collaboration with institutions like the Texas Medical Center and NASA. Dartmouth also offers research opportunities across various disciplines, with a particular emphasis on undergraduate involvement. The choice depends on your specific research interests.

• Which school is more diverse?

  Both Rice and Dartmouth strive for diversity in their student bodies. Rice University, located in the diverse city of Houston, generally has a more diverse student population in terms of ethnicity and socioeconomic background. Dartmouth College is also working to increase diversity on its campus, and it attracts students from all over the world. It's best to review the most recent diversity statistics on each school's website for the most up-to-date information.