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Dartmouth is strongly committed to assisting families in meeting their full demonstrated need. This is especially true within the context of the QuestBridge National College Match. When assessing need, Dartmouth considers income and assets including savings, investments, real estate, and businesses. Dartmouth also considers the family size, number of siblings in college, and any expenses beyond the family's control (high medical and/or dental expenses, required private school expenses, and other unusual expenses).
As Dartmouth seeks the most academically promising students, inclusive of families with significant financial disadvantage, we anticipate that many College Match admission candidates will qualify for an Expected Parent Contribution (EPC) of zero and this will remain so throughout a student's four years of College study. Although Federal requirements make it necessary for students to re-file for financial aid for each year beyond the first-year, Quest Scholars should anticipate receiving robust financial aid awards, including off-sets for increases in attendance costs, for their sophomore through senior years.
A typical financial aid package for a family with a zero EPC will include student employment of $2,450; any Federal and state grants the student may be eligible to receive and sizeable Dartmouth scholarship assistance. Dartmouth expects a student contribution from summer earnings (or leave-term earnings in subsequent years), currently $3,000. Dartmouth's summer/leave-term earnings contribution is re-evaluated each year. In addition to the summer earnings requirement, students are expected to contribute annually 20% of their reported assets (cash, savings, checking, investments, and real estate).
Scholarship Details
These numbers are based on costs for the 2011-2012 school year. Amounts will change slightly from year to year, but as the cost of college increases, the scholarship packages will correspondingly increase.
Glossary of terms appearing in scholarship package details
| Annual Cost of Attendance |
| Total |
$58,919 |
| Tuition |
$41,736
|
| Room & Board |
$12,479*
|
| Books & Supplies |
$1,851
|
| Travel |
varies |
| Personal |
$1,422
|
| Health Service Fees |
$225
|
| Other Fees |
$1,206*
|
| How Costs Are Covered (Annually) |
| Total |
$58,919 |
| Grants |
$53,469
|
Term Time Job
|
$2,450
|
Parental Contribution
|
$0 |
Student Income Contribution
|
$3,000
|
Student Savings
|
20%
|
Student Loan
|
$0 |
*The costs for First-Year students shown above include an additional $170 in fees and $110 in board for orientation week meals.
Policy Regarding Outside Scholarships
Outside scholarships can be used to reduce or replace employment. In most cases outside scholarships can also reduce the summer/leave-term earnings contribution. If the total amount of outside scholarships should exceed both employment and leave-term earnings, Dartmouth scholarship will be reduced. If you should fall into this category, it may be possible to defer scholarship monies to subsequent academic years by contacting the donor organization.
Policy Regarding Health Insurance
Dartmouth College requires all active students, including students not taking classes or on a leave-term, to have health insurance meeting specified standards of coverage through either the Dartmouth Student Group Health Plan or a comparable policy through his/her parent's employer. During the summer months, students and parents may complete the waiver process if the student is covered under a comparable health plan. If the waiver is not received, the student will automatically be enrolled and the cost of the insurance charged to their student account. In addition to the costs outlined above, Quest Scholars will receive a scholarship for the full cost of the Dartmouth Student Group Health Plan: $1,948.
Other Details
Dartmouth College requires all undergraduates to own a computer that meets criteria set by the College. Quest Scholars will receive scholarship assistance to cover the cost of the computer: $1,408 for a Mac or Lenovo. If you believe you have a computer that meets all of the Dartmouth requirements, there is a waiver process.
The travel allowance is determined by Dartmouth and varies depending on the location of the student's home. Changes to the travel allowance will affect Dartmouth scholarship.
Your financial aid award will include an allowance for books and personal expenses. These are not billed directly by Dartmouth and vary by student.
Financial aid awards for College Match students will only be calculated for students whose financial aid application files are complete by the application submission deadline. Students may receive a request from the Financial Aid Office for additional information. If you do not receive a request, the Financial Aid Office has enough information to provide an estimated financial aid award at the time of admission. A request for additional information should not be interpreted as an indication of a pending Match decision.
