Kansas 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 81.7% 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 $57K). Kansas state has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,568 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 Kansas state for: lower tuition, lower graduate debt.
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 81.7% acceptance); Duke has a higher median SAT (1548 vs 1151).
Duke graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($98K vs $57K); Duke has a higher 6-year graduation rate (96.8% vs 71.1%).
Kansas state has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,568 vs $68,758); Duke offers a larger average aid package ($72,437 vs $15,968).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Kansas state | Duke |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #501-600 | #39 |
| Rank · THE | — | #27 |
| Acceptance rate | 81.7% | 5.7% |
| Yield rate | 27.5% | 58.8% |
| Median SAT | 1151 | 1548 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.80 | — |
| Number of applications | 15,432 | 51,795 |
| International students | 5% | 22% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $57K | $98K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $52K | $115K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $83K | $172K |
| Graduation rate | 71.1% | 96.8% |
| Retention rate | 85.6% | 98% |
| Median debt | $21,250 | $13,000 |
| Tuition · year | $28,568 | $68,758 |
| Avg. aid package | $15,968 | $72,437 |
| % of need met | 77% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $25,179 | $27,515 |
| Application fee | $40 | — |
| Enrollment | 20,295 | 17,499 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Kansas state or Duke?
It's harder to get into Duke. Kansas state accepts 81.7% of applicants, while Duke accepts 5.7%.
Do Kansas state or Duke graduates earn more?
Duke graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $98K vs $57K.
How much is tuition at Kansas state vs Duke?
Sticker-price tuition is $28,568 per year at Kansas state and $68,758 per year at Duke.
What SAT score do you need for Kansas state or Duke?
The median admitted SAT score is 1151 at Kansas state and 1548 at Duke; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Kansas state or Duke?
Duke ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #501-600 for Kansas state vs #39 for Duke.
Which university offers more financial aid — Kansas state or Duke?
The average aid package is $15,968 at Kansas state and $72,437 at Duke.
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