Dartmouth vs Duke — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Dartmouth is the more selective of the two (5.4% vs 5.7% acceptance). Duke ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#301-400 vs #39). Median earnings 10 years after enrollment are effectively tied ($97K vs $98K). Dartmouth has lower sticker-price tuition ($68,268 vs $68,758 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 Dartmouth for: higher selectivity, lower tuition, a larger aid package.
Choose Duke for: a higher world ranking, higher graduate earnings, a higher graduation rate.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Dartmouth is more selective (5.4% vs 5.7% acceptance); Duke has a higher median SAT (1548 vs 1534).
Duke graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($98K vs $97K); Duke has a higher 6-year graduation rate (96.8% vs 95.5%).
Dartmouth has lower sticker-price tuition ($68,268 vs $68,758); Dartmouth offers a larger average aid package ($75,301 vs $72,437).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Dartmouth | Duke |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #301-400 | #39 |
| Rank · THE | — | #27 |
| Acceptance rate | 5.4% | 5.7% |
| Yield rate | 70.9% | 58.8% |
| Median SAT | 1534 | 1548 |
| Avg. GPA | — | — |
| Number of applications | 28,230 | 51,795 |
| International students | 17% | 22% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $97K | $98K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $110K | $115K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $189K | $172K |
| Graduation rate | 95.5% | 96.8% |
| Retention rate | 98% | 98% |
| Median debt | $17,500 | $13,000 |
| Tuition · year | $68,268 | $68,758 |
| Avg. aid package | $75,301 | $72,437 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $24,255 | $27,515 |
| Application fee | — | — |
| Enrollment | 7,273 | 17,499 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Dartmouth or Duke?
It's harder to get into Dartmouth. Dartmouth accepts 5.4% of applicants, while Duke accepts 5.7%.
Do Dartmouth or Duke graduates earn more?
Earnings are practically equal — 10 years after enrollment, the median is $97K at Dartmouth and $98K at Duke.
How much is tuition at Dartmouth vs Duke?
Sticker-price tuition is $68,268 per year at Dartmouth and $68,758 per year at Duke.
What SAT score do you need for Dartmouth or Duke?
The median admitted SAT score is 1534 at Dartmouth and 1548 at Duke; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Dartmouth or Duke?
Duke ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #301-400 for Dartmouth vs #39 for Duke.
Which university offers more financial aid — Dartmouth or Duke?
The average aid package is $75,301 at Dartmouth and $72,437 at Duke.
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