Duke vs Boston college — 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 (#39 vs #501-600). 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 Duke for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, a higher graduation rate.
Choose Boston college for: higher graduate earnings, lower graduate debt.
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 | Duke | Boston college |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #39 | #501-600 |
| Rank · THE | #27 | — |
| Acceptance rate | 5.7% | 16.4% |
| Yield rate | 58.8% | 42.5% |
| Median SAT | 1548 | 1507 |
| Avg. GPA | — | — |
| Number of applications | 51,795 | 34,779 |
| International students | 22% | 12% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $98K | $104K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $115K | $93K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $172K | $162K |
| Graduation rate | 96.8% | 90.8% |
| Retention rate | 98% | 96% |
| Median debt | $13,000 | $19,000 |
| Tuition · year | $68,758 | $70,702 |
| Avg. aid package | $72,437 | $61,753 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $27,515 | $24,892 |
| Application fee | — | — |
| Enrollment | 17,499 | 14,726 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Duke or Boston college?
It's harder to get into Duke. Duke accepts 5.7% of applicants, while Boston college accepts 16.4%.
Do Duke or Boston college graduates earn more?
Boston college graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $104K vs $98K.
How much is tuition at Duke vs Boston college?
Sticker-price tuition is $68,758 per year at Duke and $70,702 per year at Boston college.
What SAT score do you need for Duke or Boston college?
The median admitted SAT score is 1548 at Duke and 1507 at Boston college; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Duke or Boston college?
Duke ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #39 for Duke vs #501-600 for Boston college.
Which university offers more financial aid — Duke or Boston college?
The average aid package is $72,437 at Duke and $61,753 at Boston college.
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