Duke vs Cornell — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Duke is the more selective of the two (5.7% vs 8.8% acceptance). Cornell ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#39 vs #12). Cornell graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($104K vs $98K). Duke has lower sticker-price tuition ($68,758 vs $69,314 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: higher selectivity, a higher graduation rate, higher retention.
Choose Cornell for: a higher world ranking, 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 8.8% acceptance); Duke has a higher median SAT (1548 vs 1535).
Cornell graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($104K vs $98K); Duke has a higher 6-year graduation rate (96.8% vs 95.4%).
Duke has lower sticker-price tuition ($68,758 vs $69,314); Duke offers a larger average aid package ($72,437 vs $62,257).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Duke | Cornell |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #39 | #12 |
| Rank · THE | #27 | #20 |
| Acceptance rate | 5.7% | 8.8% |
| Yield rate | 58.8% | 66% |
| Median SAT | 1548 | 1535 |
| Avg. GPA | — | — |
| Number of applications | 51,795 | 67,846 |
| International students | 22% | 26% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $98K | $104K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $115K | $101K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $172K | $166K |
| Graduation rate | 96.8% | 95.4% |
| Retention rate | 98% | 97.8% |
| Median debt | $13,000 | $14,000 |
| Tuition · year | $68,758 | $69,314 |
| Avg. aid package | $72,437 | $62,257 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $27,515 | $27,244 |
| Application fee | — | — |
| Enrollment | 17,499 | 19,027 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Duke or Cornell?
It's harder to get into Duke. Duke accepts 5.7% of applicants, while Cornell accepts 8.8%.
Do Duke or Cornell graduates earn more?
Cornell graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $104K vs $98K.
How much is tuition at Duke vs Cornell?
Sticker-price tuition is $68,758 per year at Duke and $69,314 per year at Cornell.
What SAT score do you need for Duke or Cornell?
The median admitted SAT score is 1548 at Duke and 1535 at Cornell; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Duke or Cornell?
Cornell ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #39 for Duke vs #12 for Cornell.
Which university offers more financial aid — Duke or Cornell?
The average aid package is $72,437 at Duke and $62,257 at Cornell.
Harvard
Stanford
Massachusetts institute of technology
Princeton
Yale
Penn
Johns hopkins
Washington university
Northwestern
North carolina