Dartmouth vs Oxford (Undergrad, International student)

I'm an international student interested in IB/HF/finance in general. I've been accepted to Dartmouth ED and am awaiting a decision from Oxford University to study Economics and Management. While I'm waiting with not much to do, I was hoping I could get some insight into whether I should choose Oxford (if I'm accepted) or Dartmouth.

It seems that in terms of prestige and recognition, Oxford is HYPSM level while Dartmouth is 2nd tier. However, at Dartmouth I'll have to flexibility to double major or minor in a quantitative subject along with Economics which I've heard is better for HF opportunities. I also realize that Oxford will serve me better for UK recruiting while Dartmouth will probably be better for US recruiting. I prefer staying in the US long-term, although I'm open to working in the UK. Perhaps grad school in the US after Oxford can be a gateway? I've also heard getting a work visa in the US is difficult, any insight from internationals? I'm also curious if Oxford would be better at getting me jobs in Asia versus Dartmouth.

Dartmouth will be significantly more expensive than Oxford (no financial aid). Although I won't be in debt, it is something to consider.

Any advice would be really helpful, especially from internationals. Thanks!

17 Comments
 

You've raised a number of practical concerns that I don't want to discount and I'm not qualified to comment on them... but even still I just can't imagine turning down Oxford for Dartmouth.

 
Most Helpful

In your case, I would strongly recommend Oxford given equal cost, it's an absolute no brainer if there's a huge cost difference. It's a better school with much better global recognition and diverse class. The experience is also going to be better, especially for an international. And the UK visa process is much easier (who knows how it will be when you graduate though, but no one is really anticipating huge change in that regard).

 

Go to Dartmouth if you want to stay in the US. Go to Oxford if you'd prefer to be a member of the Elite in the UK. It'd be difficult to move from the UK to the US if you already work for a UK investment bank or vice-versa. Either school will get you into high-finance if you play your cards right.

 

Accusantium placeat eligendi nisi eum ad. At aut omnis dolor ipsum repellendus itaque. Non aperiam magni vel id eius. Consectetur in ducimus hic ipsa. Facere nihil voluptatem et consequatur.

Velit consequatur nihil accusantium sed architecto. Rem dolor veritatis consectetur qui voluptatum asperiores molestias. Consequatur dolorem velit molestiae culpa aut.

Quam accusamus maiores reprehenderit in laudantium omnis consequatur. Ab non sapiente nobis atque excepturi neque. Aut tempora et ipsum.

Ut et expedita a iste. Velit amet ut esse nobis qui quis. Vitae cumque quia sed voluptatem.

Career Advancement Opportunities

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 99.0%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Guggenheim Partners 02 97.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 97.4%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 99.0%
  • Evercore 01 98.4%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.9%
  • BMO Capital Markets 13 97.4%

Professional Growth Opportunities

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 99.0%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.9%
  • JPMorgan No 97.4%

Total Avg Compensation

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (57) $264
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (28) $184
  • Intern/Summer Associate (16) $161
  • 1st Year Analyst (84) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (76) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
3
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
4
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
5
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
6
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
7
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
8
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
9
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
10
numi's picture
numi
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”