Duke vs Texas rio grande valley — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Duke is the more selective of the two (5.7% vs 94.2% acceptance). Duke ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#39 vs #801-900). Duke graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($98K vs $50K). Texas rio grande valley has lower sticker-price tuition ($19,827 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 Texas rio grande valley 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 94.2% acceptance); Duke has a higher median SAT (1548 vs 985).
Duke graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($98K vs $50K); Duke has a higher 6-year graduation rate (96.8% vs 50.9%).
Texas rio grande valley has lower sticker-price tuition ($19,827 vs $68,758); Duke offers a larger average aid package ($72,437 vs $11,242).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Duke | Texas rio grande valley |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #39 | #801-900 |
| Rank · THE | #27 | — |
| Acceptance rate | 5.7% | 94.2% |
| Yield rate | 58.8% | 55.4% |
| Median SAT | 1548 | 985 |
| Avg. GPA | — | — |
| Number of applications | 51,795 | 12,137 |
| International students | 22% | 3% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $98K | $50K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $115K | $44K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $172K | $67K |
| Graduation rate | 96.8% | 50.9% |
| Retention rate | 98% | 78.9% |
| Median debt | $13,000 | $12,950 |
| Tuition · year | $68,758 | $19,827 |
| Avg. aid package | $72,437 | $11,242 |
| % of need met | 100% | 72% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $27,515 | $14,589 |
| Application fee | — | — |
| Enrollment | 17,499 | 31,864 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Duke or Texas rio grande valley?
It's harder to get into Duke. Duke accepts 5.7% of applicants, while Texas rio grande valley accepts 94.2%.
Do Duke or Texas rio grande valley graduates earn more?
Duke graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $98K vs $50K.
How much is tuition at Duke vs Texas rio grande valley?
Sticker-price tuition is $68,758 per year at Duke and $19,827 per year at Texas rio grande valley.
What SAT score do you need for Duke or Texas rio grande valley?
The median admitted SAT score is 1548 at Duke and 985 at Texas rio grande valley; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Duke or Texas rio grande valley?
Duke ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #39 for Duke vs #801-900 for Texas rio grande valley.
Which university offers more financial aid — Duke or Texas rio grande valley?
The average aid package is $72,437 at Duke and $11,242 at Texas rio grande valley.
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