Duke vs Notre dame — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Duke is the more selective of the two (5.7% vs 11.3% 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 $100K). Notre dame has lower sticker-price tuition ($65,025 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 Notre dame for: higher graduate earnings, higher retention, lower tuition.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Duke is more selective (5.7% vs 11.3% acceptance); Duke has a higher median SAT (1548 vs 1520).
Notre dame graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($100K vs $98K); Duke has a higher 6-year graduation rate (96.8% vs 95%).
Notre dame has lower sticker-price tuition ($65,025 vs $68,758); Duke offers a larger average aid package ($72,437 vs $67,855).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Duke | Notre dame |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #39 | #301-400 |
| Rank · THE | #27 | — |
| Acceptance rate | 5.7% | 11.3% |
| Yield rate | 58.8% | 61.7% |
| Median SAT | 1548 | 1520 |
| Avg. GPA | — | — |
| Number of applications | 51,795 | 29,942 |
| International students | 22% | 13% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $98K | $100K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $115K | $98K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $172K | $141K |
| Graduation rate | 96.8% | 95% |
| Retention rate | 98% | 99% |
| Median debt | $13,000 | $19,000 |
| Tuition · year | $68,758 | $65,025 |
| Avg. aid package | $72,437 | $67,855 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $27,515 | $30,400 |
| Application fee | — | $85 |
| Enrollment | 17,499 | 13,042 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Duke or Notre dame?
It's harder to get into Duke. Duke accepts 5.7% of applicants, while Notre dame accepts 11.3%.
Do Duke or Notre dame graduates earn more?
Earnings are practically equal — 10 years after enrollment, the median is $98K at Duke and $100K at Notre dame.
How much is tuition at Duke vs Notre dame?
Sticker-price tuition is $68,758 per year at Duke and $65,025 per year at Notre dame.
What SAT score do you need for Duke or Notre dame?
The median admitted SAT score is 1548 at Duke and 1520 at Notre dame; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Duke or Notre dame?
Duke ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #39 for Duke vs #301-400 for Notre dame.
Which university offers more financial aid — Duke or Notre dame?
The average aid package is $72,437 at Duke and $67,855 at Notre dame.
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