Iowa state vs Duke — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Duke is the more selective of the two (5.7% vs 88.7% acceptance). Duke ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#501-600 vs #39). Duke graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($98K vs $63K). Iowa state has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,881 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 Iowa state for: lower tuition.
Choose Duke 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
Duke is more selective (5.7% vs 88.7% acceptance); Duke has a higher median SAT (1548 vs 1204).
Duke graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($98K vs $63K); Duke has a higher 6-year graduation rate (96.8% vs 75.3%).
Iowa state has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,881 vs $68,758); Duke offers a larger average aid package ($72,437 vs $15,665).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Iowa state | Duke |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #501-600 | #39 |
| Rank · THE | — | #27 |
| Acceptance rate | 88.7% | 5.7% |
| Yield rate | 28.8% | 58.8% |
| Median SAT | 1204 | 1548 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.80 | — |
| Number of applications | 23,095 | 51,795 |
| International students | 8% | 22% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $63K | $98K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $56K | $115K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $90K | $172K |
| Graduation rate | 75.3% | 96.8% |
| Retention rate | 87.6% | 98% |
| Median debt | $22,869 | $13,000 |
| Tuition · year | $28,881 | $68,758 |
| Avg. aid package | $15,665 | $72,437 |
| % of need met | 78% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $29,475 | $27,515 |
| Application fee | $40 | — |
| Enrollment | 30,432 | 17,499 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Iowa state or Duke?
It's harder to get into Duke. Iowa state accepts 88.7% of applicants, while Duke accepts 5.7%.
Do Iowa state or Duke graduates earn more?
Duke graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $98K vs $63K.
How much is tuition at Iowa state vs Duke?
Sticker-price tuition is $28,881 per year at Iowa state and $68,758 per year at Duke.
What SAT score do you need for Iowa state or Duke?
The median admitted SAT score is 1204 at Iowa state and 1548 at Duke; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Iowa state or Duke?
Duke ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #501-600 for Iowa state vs #39 for Duke.
Which university offers more financial aid — Iowa state or Duke?
The average aid package is $15,665 at Iowa state and $72,437 at Duke.
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