Duke vs Washington university — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Duke is the more selective of the two (5.7% vs 12.1% acceptance). Washington university ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#39 vs #23). Duke graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($98K vs $86K). Washington university has lower sticker-price tuition ($65,790 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 Washington university for: a higher world ranking, lower tuition, a larger aid package.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Duke is more selective (5.7% vs 12.1% acceptance); Duke has a higher median SAT (1548 vs 1530).
Duke graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($98K vs $86K); Duke has a higher 6-year graduation rate (96.8% vs 94.3%).
Washington university has lower sticker-price tuition ($65,790 vs $68,758); Washington university offers a larger average aid package ($75,604 vs $72,437).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Duke | Washington university |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #39 | #23 |
| Rank · THE | #27 | #69 |
| Acceptance rate | 5.7% | 12.1% |
| Yield rate | 58.8% | 46.7% |
| Median SAT | 1548 | 1530 |
| Avg. GPA | — | 4.20 |
| Number of applications | 51,795 | 32,754 |
| International students | 22% | 27% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $98K | $86K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $115K | $88K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $172K | $137K |
| Graduation rate | 96.8% | 94.3% |
| Retention rate | 98% | 95% |
| Median debt | $13,000 | $17,500 |
| Tuition · year | $68,758 | $65,790 |
| Avg. aid package | $72,437 | $75,604 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $27,515 | $26,666 |
| Application fee | — | $75 |
| Enrollment | 17,499 | 16,357 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Duke or Washington university?
It's harder to get into Duke. Duke accepts 5.7% of applicants, while Washington university accepts 12.1%.
Do Duke or Washington university graduates earn more?
Duke graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $98K vs $86K.
How much is tuition at Duke vs Washington university?
Sticker-price tuition is $68,758 per year at Duke and $65,790 per year at Washington university.
What SAT score do you need for Duke or Washington university?
The median admitted SAT score is 1548 at Duke and 1530 at Washington university; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Duke or Washington university?
Washington university ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #39 for Duke vs #23 for Washington university.
Which university offers more financial aid — Duke or Washington university?
The average aid package is $72,437 at Duke and $75,604 at Washington university.
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