Boston college vs Duke — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Duke is the more selective of the two (5.7% vs 16.4% acceptance). Duke ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#501-600 vs #39). Boston college graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($104K vs $98K). Duke has lower sticker-price tuition ($68,758 vs $70,702 per year).
Both universities have complete, comparable data in canonical — the choice should come down to fit (campus culture, major, aid package) alongside the differences visible in the numbers below.
Choose Boston college for: higher graduate earnings, lower graduate debt.
Choose Duke for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, a higher graduation rate.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Duke is more selective (5.7% vs 16.4% acceptance); Duke has a higher median SAT (1548 vs 1507).
Boston college graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($104K vs $98K); Duke has a higher 6-year graduation rate (96.8% vs 90.8%).
Duke has lower sticker-price tuition ($68,758 vs $70,702); Duke offers a larger average aid package ($72,437 vs $61,753).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Boston college | Duke |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #501-600 | #39 |
| Rank · THE | — | #27 |
| Acceptance rate | 16.4% | 5.7% |
| Yield rate | 42.5% | 58.8% |
| Median SAT | 1507 | 1548 |
| Avg. GPA | — | — |
| Number of applications | 34,779 | 51,795 |
| International students | 12% | 22% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $104K | $98K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $93K | $115K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $162K | $172K |
| Graduation rate | 90.8% | 96.8% |
| Retention rate | 96% | 98% |
| Median debt | $19,000 | $13,000 |
| Tuition · year | $70,702 | $68,758 |
| Avg. aid package | $61,753 | $72,437 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $24,892 | $27,515 |
| Application fee | — | — |
| Enrollment | 14,726 | 17,499 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Boston college or Duke?
It's harder to get into Duke. Boston college accepts 16.4% of applicants, while Duke accepts 5.7%.
Do Boston college or Duke graduates earn more?
Boston college graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $104K vs $98K.
How much is tuition at Boston college vs Duke?
Sticker-price tuition is $70,702 per year at Boston college and $68,758 per year at Duke.
What SAT score do you need for Boston college or Duke?
The median admitted SAT score is 1507 at Boston college and 1548 at Duke; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Boston college or Duke?
Duke ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #501-600 for Boston college vs #39 for Duke.
Which university offers more financial aid — Boston college or Duke?
The average aid package is $61,753 at Boston college and $72,437 at Duke.
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