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