Duke vs Northwestern — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Duke is the more selective of the two (5.7% vs 7.7% acceptance). Northwestern ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#39 vs #33). Duke graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($98K vs $89K). Northwestern has lower sticker-price tuition ($68,322 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 Northwestern for: a higher world ranking, lower tuition.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Duke is more selective (5.7% vs 7.7% acceptance); Duke has a higher median SAT (1548 vs 1533).
Duke graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($98K vs $89K); Duke has a higher 6-year graduation rate (96.8% vs 95.1%).
Northwestern has lower sticker-price tuition ($68,322 vs $68,758); Duke offers a larger average aid package ($72,437 vs $68,110).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Duke | Northwestern |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #39 | #33 |
| Rank · THE | #27 | #31 |
| Acceptance rate | 5.7% | 7.7% |
| Yield rate | 58.8% | 55.3% |
| Median SAT | 1548 | 1533 |
| Avg. GPA | — | — |
| Number of applications | 51,795 | 49,474 |
| International students | 22% | 20% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $98K | $89K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $115K | $93K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $172K | $139K |
| Graduation rate | 96.8% | 95.1% |
| Retention rate | 98% | 98% |
| Median debt | $13,000 | $15,000 |
| Tuition · year | $68,758 | $68,322 |
| Avg. aid package | $72,437 | $68,110 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $27,515 | $32,540 |
| Application fee | — | $75 |
| Enrollment | 17,499 | 23,431 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Duke or Northwestern?
It's harder to get into Duke. Duke accepts 5.7% of applicants, while Northwestern accepts 7.7%.
Do Duke or Northwestern graduates earn more?
Duke graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $98K vs $89K.
How much is tuition at Duke vs Northwestern?
Sticker-price tuition is $68,758 per year at Duke and $68,322 per year at Northwestern.
What SAT score do you need for Duke or Northwestern?
The median admitted SAT score is 1548 at Duke and 1533 at Northwestern; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Duke or Northwestern?
Northwestern ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #39 for Duke vs #33 for Northwestern.
Which university offers more financial aid — Duke or Northwestern?
The average aid package is $72,437 at Duke and $68,110 at Northwestern.
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