How does financial aid at Georgia Tech compare with Dartmouth?

For a family with significant demonstrated need, Dartmouth’s aid is typically the more predictable and comprehensive package; Georgia Tech can produce the lower bill for Georgia residents, particularly when state programs apply. Dartmouth meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for admitted students, including international students, while Georgia Tech does not make that same universal commitment. Dartmouth also uses need-blind admission for all applicants and bases its institutional aid on a family’s financial circumstances rather than merit awards.

Dartmouth’s need-based packages do not require student loans, although students may still have an expected contribution from earnings or work. For a student whose family qualifies for substantial need-based aid, the published sticker price is therefore often much less relevant than Dartmouth’s calculated net price.

Georgia Tech’s tuition is far lower for Georgia residents, and state-supported aid can make it exceptionally affordable. But Georgia Tech’s need-based aid may include loans, work-study, and remaining family responsibility, and out-of-state students face a substantially higher tuition rate without access to the same Georgia-funded benefits.

Compare the actual award letters line by line: grants and scholarships first, then required loans, work-study expectations, health insurance, travel, books, and any parent or student contribution. A Georgia Tech offer can look cheaper because of its lower tuition, while Dartmouth may be less expensive after institutional grant aid for a family with high demonstrated need.