What is the student population at Dartmouth like?
I'm trying to get a better sense of how big Dartmouth is. I've heard it's one of the smaller Ivies, but I can't tell if that's just the undergrad population or if the grad schools add a lot more people.
If anyone attends, could you share what the campus feels like in terms of size? Like, do you recognize most people while walking around, or does it still feel pretty big? I'm basically wondering if it ever feels overwhelming or if it's super tight-knit. Also, are there any stats on the number of students posted anywhere? Thanks in advance—I'm trying to compare it to some other schools I'm interested in.
If anyone attends, could you share what the campus feels like in terms of size? Like, do you recognize most people while walking around, or does it still feel pretty big? I'm basically wondering if it ever feels overwhelming or if it's super tight-knit. Also, are there any stats on the number of students posted anywhere? Thanks in advance—I'm trying to compare it to some other schools I'm interested in.
4 months ago
•
71 views
Grayce Gibbs
• 4 months ago
Advisor
Dartmouth definitely stands out among the Ivies for its size and overall campus vibe. As of the most recent data, Dartmouth has roughly 4,500 undergraduate students. Graduate and professional students add another 2,000+ or so, for a total population hovering around 6,500 to 7,000 students. This makes it one of the smallest Ivy League schools, especially when compared to schools like Columbia or Cornell, where the numbers are several times larger.
In terms of the campus feel, most students describe Dartmouth as close-knit and community-oriented. The college is located in Hanover, New Hampshire, which is a small town and adds to this sense of intimacy. The campus itself isn’t sprawling, so you’re pretty likely to run into familiar faces on your way to class, the dining hall, or the gym. Over time, it’s normal to develop a sense of knowing a large portion of your class by name or at least by sight, especially if you get involved in clubs, Greek life, or other campus traditions (which are a big part of the Dartmouth experience).
It rarely feels overwhelming in the way that a massive urban university might, but at the same time, there’s enough diversity and activity that you won’t feel like you know every single person. For example, many upperclassmen study abroad, take terms off for internships, or participate in the "D-Plan" (Dartmouth’s flexible academic calendar), which mixes up who’s on campus each term. This keeps things interesting and means you’re always meeting new people, but you’re also not lost in a sea of strangers.
For stats, Dartmouth’s official website has the most up-to-date numbers on enrollment if you want to compare directly. If you’re looking for a school where you can have both the resources of a research university and the connections of a smaller college, Dartmouth could be a great fit. If you value a campus where people are friendly, collaborative, and you can form strong relationships with professors and peers, its size really works in its favor.
As an example, many students talk about recognizing people not just from classes but from shared experiences like hiking with the Dartmouth Outing Club, attending the Homecoming bonfire, or grabbing late-night food at Collis. It’s not cliquish, but there is a sense that most people are part of the same community. So if a “super tight-knit” but not claustrophobic vibe appeals to you, Dartmouth is worth serious consideration.
In terms of the campus feel, most students describe Dartmouth as close-knit and community-oriented. The college is located in Hanover, New Hampshire, which is a small town and adds to this sense of intimacy. The campus itself isn’t sprawling, so you’re pretty likely to run into familiar faces on your way to class, the dining hall, or the gym. Over time, it’s normal to develop a sense of knowing a large portion of your class by name or at least by sight, especially if you get involved in clubs, Greek life, or other campus traditions (which are a big part of the Dartmouth experience).
It rarely feels overwhelming in the way that a massive urban university might, but at the same time, there’s enough diversity and activity that you won’t feel like you know every single person. For example, many upperclassmen study abroad, take terms off for internships, or participate in the "D-Plan" (Dartmouth’s flexible academic calendar), which mixes up who’s on campus each term. This keeps things interesting and means you’re always meeting new people, but you’re also not lost in a sea of strangers.
For stats, Dartmouth’s official website has the most up-to-date numbers on enrollment if you want to compare directly. If you’re looking for a school where you can have both the resources of a research university and the connections of a smaller college, Dartmouth could be a great fit. If you value a campus where people are friendly, collaborative, and you can form strong relationships with professors and peers, its size really works in its favor.
As an example, many students talk about recognizing people not just from classes but from shared experiences like hiking with the Dartmouth Outing Club, attending the Homecoming bonfire, or grabbing late-night food at Collis. It’s not cliquish, but there is a sense that most people are part of the same community. So if a “super tight-knit” but not claustrophobic vibe appeals to you, Dartmouth is worth serious consideration.
Grayce Gibbs
Denver, CO
Dartmouth College (AB); Colorado School of Mines (MS)
Experience
4 years