What the funding covers
- Need-blind admission for all applicants, including international students.
- 100% of demonstrated need met with grants: no loans.
- Families with typical assets earning $125,000 or less: no parent contribution, covering tuition, housing and dining, with an allowance for international travel.
What you will still pay
| Cost | Who pays |
|---|---|
| Tuition, fees, housing and food ($71,697 + $2,426 + $13,032 + $8,746 in 2026–27) | Dartmouth scholarships, up to your full demonstrated need, with no loans |
| Travel to the US | Aid includes a travel allowance for international students |
| Work and summer earnings | You: about $2,450 a year from a term-time job; no summer earnings in year one, then $1,500 a year (students from outside the US and Canada) |
| Application fee ($85) | You, unless a fee waiver is approved |
| CSS Profile ($25 for the first college, $16 for each extra one) | You, or file the free ISFAA instead if the fee is a real hardship |
| US student visa: $185 application fee and $350 SEVIS fee, plus a new $250 visa integrity fee that some embassies now charge | You, before you travel |
Who can apply
- First-year applicants from any country applying to Dartmouth College.
- Aid is based on demonstrated need, assessed from family income and assets.
Which nationalities can apply
Every nationality can apply.
Documents you will need
- Common Application or QuestBridge application with Dartmouth's supplement
- SAT or ACT, or, if your school is outside the US, three AP exam results, or predicted or final IB, A-level or equivalent national exam results
- An English test if English is not your first language and your lessons have not been in English for at least two years: TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo or Cambridge. There is no minimum, but most successful applicants score above 7 (IELTS), 135 (Duolingo), 185 (Cambridge) or 100 (TOEFL taken before 21 January 2026)
- CSS Profile (or ISFAA) and your parents' income statements by 1 November for Early Decision or 1 February for Regular Decision
How to apply
- Apply through the Common Application or QuestBridge with Dartmouth's supplement.
- Choose binding Early Decision (1 November) or Regular Decision (1 January).
- Submit the CSS Profile and Dartmouth's international aid documents by the aid deadline.
- Request an application fee waiver if needed.
Before you apply: things to know
- Early Decision is binding; only use it if Dartmouth is your first choice.
- Dartmouth's quarter system (the 'D-Plan') is unusual; read how it works before you apply.
- Check the current income threshold on Dartmouth's financial aid site; policies have expanded several times since 2022.
Common questions
My school is outside the US. Do I need the SAT or ACT?
Not necessarily. Dartmouth accepts the SAT or ACT, three AP exams, or predicted or final results from the IB, British A-levels or an equivalent national exam.
Will I have to take out loans?
No. Since summer 2022 Dartmouth has removed loans from all undergraduate aid packages. Your need is met with scholarships plus a term-time job.
Does my aid follow me if I study abroad?
Yes, on Dartmouth's own off-campus programmes. Tuition and your expected family contribution are the same as for a term on campus.
A working timeline
Counting back from the next deadline (Jan 1, 2027). Steps marked NOW are already due if you start today.
Oct 9, 2026 · NOWResearch the route in depth: confirm eligibility, costs and every required document
Oct 23, 2026 · NOWAsk your referees (for a PhD, email potential supervisors with a short, specific pitch)
Nov 6, 2026 · NOWWrite the first full draft of your motivation letter or statement of purpose
Nov 20, 2026Order transcripts and certified translations · book any language test
Dec 4, 2026Second draft: get feedback from someone who reads critically
Dec 18, 2026Finalise every document and complete the online form
Dec 25, 2026Submit, but never on the last day
Jan 1, 2027Deadline