Duke vs Kansas state — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Duke is the more selective of the two (5.7% vs 81.7% acceptance). Duke ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#39 vs #501-600). Duke graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($98K vs $57K). Kansas state has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,568 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, higher graduate earnings.
Choose Kansas state for: lower tuition, 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 81.7% acceptance); Duke has a higher median SAT (1548 vs 1151).
Duke graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($98K vs $57K); Duke has a higher 6-year graduation rate (96.8% vs 71.1%).
Kansas state has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,568 vs $68,758); Duke offers a larger average aid package ($72,437 vs $15,968).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Duke | Kansas state |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #39 | #501-600 |
| Rank · THE | #27 | — |
| Acceptance rate | 5.7% | 81.7% |
| Yield rate | 58.8% | 27.5% |
| Median SAT | 1548 | 1151 |
| Avg. GPA | — | 3.80 |
| Number of applications | 51,795 | 15,432 |
| International students | 22% | 5% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $98K | $57K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $115K | $52K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $172K | $83K |
| Graduation rate | 96.8% | 71.1% |
| Retention rate | 98% | 85.6% |
| Median debt | $13,000 | $21,250 |
| Tuition · year | $68,758 | $28,568 |
| Avg. aid package | $72,437 | $15,968 |
| % of need met | 100% | 77% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $27,515 | $25,179 |
| Application fee | — | $40 |
| Enrollment | 17,499 | 20,295 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Duke or Kansas state?
It's harder to get into Duke. Duke accepts 5.7% of applicants, while Kansas state accepts 81.7%.
Do Duke or Kansas state graduates earn more?
Duke graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $98K vs $57K.
How much is tuition at Duke vs Kansas state?
Sticker-price tuition is $68,758 per year at Duke and $28,568 per year at Kansas state.
What SAT score do you need for Duke or Kansas state?
The median admitted SAT score is 1548 at Duke and 1151 at Kansas state; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Duke or Kansas state?
Duke ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #39 for Duke vs #501-600 for Kansas state.
Which university offers more financial aid — Duke or Kansas state?
The average aid package is $72,437 at Duke and $15,968 at Kansas state.
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