Duke vs Georgetown — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Duke is the more selective of the two (5.7% vs 12.9% acceptance). Duke ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#39 vs #501-600). Georgetown graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($103K vs $98K). Georgetown has lower sticker-price tuition ($68,017 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 selectivity, a higher graduation rate.
Choose Georgetown for: higher graduate earnings, lower tuition.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Duke is more selective (5.7% vs 12.9% acceptance); Duke has a higher median SAT (1548 vs 1487).
Georgetown graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($103K vs $98K); Duke has a higher 6-year graduation rate (96.8% vs 94.8%).
Georgetown has lower sticker-price tuition ($68,017 vs $68,758); Duke offers a larger average aid package ($72,437 vs $63,415).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Duke | Georgetown |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #39 | #501-600 |
| Rank · THE | #27 | — |
| Acceptance rate | 5.7% | 12.9% |
| Yield rate | 58.8% | 43.9% |
| Median SAT | 1548 | 1487 |
| Avg. GPA | — | — |
| Number of applications | 51,795 | 26,822 |
| International students | 22% | 18% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $98K | $103K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $115K | $125K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $172K | $168K |
| Graduation rate | 96.8% | 94.8% |
| Retention rate | 98% | 96.3% |
| Median debt | $13,000 | $15,500 |
| Tuition · year | $68,758 | $68,017 |
| Avg. aid package | $72,437 | $63,415 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $27,515 | $33,272 |
| Application fee | — | $75 |
| Enrollment | 17,499 | 19,905 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Duke or Georgetown?
It's harder to get into Duke. Duke accepts 5.7% of applicants, while Georgetown accepts 12.9%.
Do Duke or Georgetown graduates earn more?
Georgetown graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $103K vs $98K.
How much is tuition at Duke vs Georgetown?
Sticker-price tuition is $68,758 per year at Duke and $68,017 per year at Georgetown.
What SAT score do you need for Duke or Georgetown?
The median admitted SAT score is 1548 at Duke and 1487 at Georgetown; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Duke or Georgetown?
Duke ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #39 for Duke vs #501-600 for Georgetown.
Which university offers more financial aid — Duke or Georgetown?
The average aid package is $72,437 at Duke and $63,415 at Georgetown.
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