Duke vs North carolina — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Duke is the more selective of the two (5.7% vs 15.3% acceptance). North carolina ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#39 vs #35). Duke graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($98K vs $72K). North carolina has lower sticker-price tuition ($41,203 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: higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings, a higher graduation rate.
Choose North carolina for: a higher world ranking, 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 15.3% acceptance); Duke has a higher median SAT (1548 vs 1439).
Duke graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($98K vs $72K); Duke has a higher 6-year graduation rate (96.8% vs 91.2%).
North carolina has lower sticker-price tuition ($41,203 vs $68,758); Duke offers a larger average aid package ($72,437 vs $20,705).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Duke | North carolina |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #39 | #35 |
| Rank · THE | #27 | #70 |
| Acceptance rate | 5.7% | 15.3% |
| Yield rate | 58.8% | 45.5% |
| Median SAT | 1548 | 1439 |
| Avg. GPA | — | 4.50 |
| Number of applications | 51,795 | 66,535 |
| International students | 22% | 9% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $98K | $72K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $115K | $69K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $172K | $112K |
| Graduation rate | 96.8% | 91.2% |
| Retention rate | 98% | 96.6% |
| Median debt | $13,000 | $14,000 |
| Tuition · year | $68,758 | $41,203 |
| Avg. aid package | $72,437 | $20,705 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $27,515 | $20,382 |
| Application fee | — | $85 |
| Enrollment | 17,499 | 32,680 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Duke or North carolina?
It's harder to get into Duke. Duke accepts 5.7% of applicants, while North carolina accepts 15.3%.
Do Duke or North carolina graduates earn more?
Duke graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $98K vs $72K.
How much is tuition at Duke vs North carolina?
Sticker-price tuition is $68,758 per year at Duke and $41,203 per year at North carolina.
What SAT score do you need for Duke or North carolina?
The median admitted SAT score is 1548 at Duke and 1439 at North carolina; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Duke or North carolina?
North carolina ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #39 for Duke vs #35 for North carolina.
Which university offers more financial aid — Duke or North carolina?
The average aid package is $72,437 at Duke and $20,705 at North carolina.
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