Duke vs Yale — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Yale is the more selective of the two (3.9% vs 5.7% acceptance). Yale ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#39 vs #11). Median earnings 10 years after enrollment are effectively tied ($98K vs $101K). Yale has lower sticker-price tuition ($67,250 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.
Choose Yale 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
Yale is more selective (3.9% vs 5.7% acceptance); Duke has a higher median SAT (1548 vs 1534).
Yale graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($101K vs $98K); Duke has a higher 6-year graduation rate (96.8% vs 95.7%).
Yale has lower sticker-price tuition ($67,250 vs $68,758); Yale offers a larger average aid package ($76,770 vs $72,437).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Duke | Yale |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #39 | #11 |
| Rank · THE | #27 | #10 |
| Acceptance rate | 5.7% | 3.9% |
| Yield rate | 58.8% | 68.4% |
| Median SAT | 1548 | 1534 |
| Avg. GPA | — | — |
| Number of applications | 51,795 | 50,264 |
| International students | 22% | 22% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $98K | $101K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $115K | $124K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $172K | $194K |
| Graduation rate | 96.8% | 95.7% |
| Retention rate | 98% | 99.4% |
| Median debt | $13,000 | $12,975 |
| Tuition · year | $68,758 | $67,250 |
| Avg. aid package | $72,437 | $76,770 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $27,515 | $22,185 |
| Application fee | — | $80 |
| Enrollment | 17,499 | 15,657 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Duke or Yale?
It's harder to get into Yale. Duke accepts 5.7% of applicants, while Yale accepts 3.9%.
Do Duke or Yale graduates earn more?
Earnings are practically equal — 10 years after enrollment, the median is $98K at Duke and $101K at Yale.
How much is tuition at Duke vs Yale?
Sticker-price tuition is $68,758 per year at Duke and $67,250 per year at Yale.
What SAT score do you need for Duke or Yale?
The median admitted SAT score is 1548 at Duke and 1534 at Yale; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Duke or Yale?
Yale ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #39 for Duke vs #11 for Yale.
Which university offers more financial aid — Duke or Yale?
The average aid package is $72,437 at Duke and $76,770 at Yale.
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