North carolina vs Duke — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Duke is the more selective of the two (5.7% vs 15.3% acceptance). North carolina ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#35 vs #39). Duke graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($98K vs $72K). North carolina has lower sticker-price tuition ($41,203 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 North carolina for: a higher world ranking, lower tuition, lower graduate debt.
Choose Duke for: higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings, a higher graduation rate.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Duke is more selective (5.7% vs 15.3% acceptance); Duke has a higher median SAT (1548 vs 1439).
Duke graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($98K vs $72K); Duke has a higher 6-year graduation rate (96.8% vs 91.2%).
North carolina has lower sticker-price tuition ($41,203 vs $68,758); Duke offers a larger average aid package ($72,437 vs $20,705).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | North carolina | Duke |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #35 | #39 |
| Rank · THE | #70 | #27 |
| Acceptance rate | 15.3% | 5.7% |
| Yield rate | 45.5% | 58.8% |
| Median SAT | 1439 | 1548 |
| Avg. GPA | 4.50 | — |
| Number of applications | 66,535 | 51,795 |
| International students | 9% | 22% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $72K | $98K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $69K | $115K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $112K | $172K |
| Graduation rate | 91.2% | 96.8% |
| Retention rate | 96.6% | 98% |
| Median debt | $14,000 | $13,000 |
| Tuition · year | $41,203 | $68,758 |
| Avg. aid package | $20,705 | $72,437 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $20,382 | $27,515 |
| Application fee | $85 | — |
| Enrollment | 32,680 | 17,499 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into North carolina or Duke?
It's harder to get into Duke. North carolina accepts 15.3% of applicants, while Duke accepts 5.7%.
Do North carolina or Duke graduates earn more?
Duke graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $98K vs $72K.
How much is tuition at North carolina vs Duke?
Sticker-price tuition is $41,203 per year at North carolina and $68,758 per year at Duke.
What SAT score do you need for North carolina or Duke?
The median admitted SAT score is 1439 at North carolina and 1548 at Duke; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — North carolina or Duke?
North carolina ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #35 for North carolina vs #39 for Duke.
Which university offers more financial aid — North carolina or Duke?
The average aid package is $20,705 at North carolina and $72,437 at Duke.
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