Head-to-head · 2026
Dartmouth College vs Manchester Community College
Compare average net price ($29,519 at Dartmouth College; $14,143 at Manchester Community College), ROI score (8.25 vs 8.67), ten-year median earnings ($97,434 vs $49,063), and admissions context (5.4% at Dartmouth College; Open / not reported at Manchester Community College) using federal College Scorecard data. Manchester Community College has a narrow 3-2 metric-level edge. Manchester Community College leads on ROI, but the cost and earnings signals are split enough that this is not a one-metric decision.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
9 metrics, side by side. A colored cell marks a metric-level advantage. Green = lower-is-better, violet = higher-is-better.
| Metric | Dartmouth College | Manchester Community College |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 8.25 | 8.67 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $29,519 | $14,143 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $97,434 ✓ | $49,063 |
| Acceptance rate | 5.4% | Open / not reported |
| Graduation rate | 95.5% ✓ | 41.3% |
| Median debt | $17,500 | $15,060 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 4,541 | 1,587 |
| Ownership | Private Non-Profit | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1534 | — |
| Metric advantages | 2 | 3 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Dartmouth College costs $15,376 more per year than Manchester Community College ($29,519 vs $14,143). Dartmouth College graduates report $48,371 higher median earnings after ten years ($97,434 vs $49,063). On EduGradify's model that puts Manchester Community College ahead on projected ROI (8.67 vs 8.25, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Manchester Community College) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, Dartmouth College reports 5.4% acceptance; Manchester Community College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Dartmouth College vs Manchester Community College, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Dartmouth College or Manchester Community College the better value?
Manchester Community College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (8.67 vs 8.25), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Manchester Community College is cheaper — average net price $14,143 per year vs $29,519 at Dartmouth College. The annual difference of $15,376 adds up to about $61,504 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Dartmouth College reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $97,434 vs $49,063 at Manchester Community College. The annual gap in the federal data is $48,371.
What should I compare beyond ROI?
Use the ROI score as a value screen, then compare aid letters, program fit, graduation rate, location, campus size, and debt. Dartmouth College reports a B value grade; Manchester Community College reports B.