Duke vs Stanford — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Stanford is the more selective of the two (3.6% vs 5.7% acceptance). Stanford ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#39 vs #2). Stanford graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($124K vs $98K). Stanford has lower sticker-price tuition ($65,910 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 graduation rate, higher retention, lower graduate debt.
Choose Stanford for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Stanford is more selective (3.6% vs 5.7% acceptance); Stanford has a higher median SAT (1553 vs 1548).
Stanford graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($124K vs $98K); Duke has a higher 6-year graduation rate (96.8% vs 91.9%).
Stanford has lower sticker-price tuition ($65,910 vs $68,758); Stanford offers a larger average aid package ($75,816 vs $72,437).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Duke | Stanford |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #39 | #2 |
| Rank · THE | #27 | #6 |
| Acceptance rate | 5.7% | 3.6% |
| Yield rate | 58.8% | 79.9% |
| Median SAT | 1548 | 1553 |
| Avg. GPA | — | 3.90 |
| Number of applications | 51,795 | 60,646 |
| International students | 22% | 23% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $98K | $124K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $115K | $141K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $172K | $220K |
| Graduation rate | 96.8% | 91.9% |
| Retention rate | 98% | 97% |
| Median debt | $13,000 | $12,000 |
| Tuition · year | $68,758 | $65,910 |
| Avg. aid package | $72,437 | $75,816 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $27,515 | $28,507 |
| Application fee | — | $100 |
| Enrollment | 17,499 | 18,121 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Duke or Stanford?
It's harder to get into Stanford. Duke accepts 5.7% of applicants, while Stanford accepts 3.6%.
Do Duke or Stanford graduates earn more?
Stanford graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $124K vs $98K.
How much is tuition at Duke vs Stanford?
Sticker-price tuition is $68,758 per year at Duke and $65,910 per year at Stanford.
What SAT score do you need for Duke or Stanford?
The median admitted SAT score is 1548 at Duke and 1553 at Stanford; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Duke or Stanford?
Stanford ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #39 for Duke vs #2 for Stanford.
Which university offers more financial aid — Duke or Stanford?
The average aid package is $72,437 at Duke and $75,816 at Stanford.
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