Dartmouth is the smallest Ivy League school, and for veterans who want an elite education without the massive-campus feel, that actually matters. With just 7,000 students, a 7:1 student-faculty ratio, and unlimited Yellow Ribbon spots that bring tuition to zero, it’s a genuinely compelling option — if you can get past that 6% acceptance rate.
School Overview
| Location | Hanover, New Hampshire |
| Type | Private Research University (Ivy League) |
| Total Enrollment | 7,000+ |
| Student-Faculty Ratio | 7:1 |
| Acceptance Rate | 6% |
| US News Ranking | #18 National Universities |
Tuition & Costs (2024-2025)
| Annual Tuition | $62,658 |
| Room & Board | $19,254 |
| Total Cost of Attendance | $81,912 |
Yellow Ribbon Benefits
| Number of Spots | Unlimited |
| Veteran’s Out-of-Pocket Cost | $0 for tuition |
GI Bill Housing Allowance
- Monthly BAH Rate: $1,749/month
- Annual Housing Benefit: $15,741 (9 months)
Total 4-Year Benefit Value: $310,000+
Notable Programs
Dartmouth punches above its size in several graduate programs, and the small-school environment means you’re not just a number in a lecture hall of 300 students:
- Tuck School of Business – Top-10 MBA program with a notably strong veteran recruiting pipeline. The small class size means Tuck alumni networks are tight.
- Thayer School of Engineering – Small and focused, which means hands-on access to equipment and faculty that larger engineering schools can’t match.
- Geisel School of Medicine – Full Yellow Ribbon coverage extends to the medical school, which is a significant benefit given medical school tuition costs.
Official Website: dartmouth.edu
