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 — 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.
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 (2 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 typical deadline (Nov 1, 2026). Steps marked NOW are already due if you start today.
Aug 9, 2026 · NOWResearch the route in depth — confirm eligibility, costs and every required document
Aug 23, 2026 · NOWAsk your referees (for a PhD, email potential supervisors with a short, specific pitch)
Sep 6, 2026 · NOWWrite the first full draft of your motivation letter or statement of purpose
Sep 20, 2026 · NOWOrder transcripts and certified translations · book any language test
Oct 4, 2026Second draft — get feedback from someone who reads critically
Oct 18, 2026Finalise every document and complete the online form
Oct 25, 2026Submit — never on the last day
Nov 1, 2026Typical deadline
Related routes
Amherst College
Due in 45 daysDetails →
Brown University
Due in 37 daysDetails →
Harvard University
Due in 37 daysDetails →
MIT
Due ≈ in 37 daysDetails →
Sources
- Dartmouth — Universal need-blind policy
- Dartmouth Financial Aid — International students
- Dartmouth Admissions — Apply to Dartmouth
- Dartmouth Admissions — Application fee
- Dartmouth Admissions — Testing for students at schools outside the US
- Dartmouth Admissions — English proficiency tests
- Dartmouth Admissions — If the CSS Profile fee is a hardship (ISFAA)
- Dartmouth Admissions — Cost of attendance 2026–27
- Dartmouth — Dartmouth eliminates student loans for undergraduates
- Dartmouth Admissions — Will my financial aid cover study abroad?
- U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement — I-901 SEVIS fee
- Boston University ISSO — Visa integrity fee (with the $185 visa fee)
Page reviewed Sep 25, 2026. Spotted something out of date? Tell us and we will check it against the official source.