Northwestern vs Duke — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Duke is the more selective of the two (5.7% vs 7.7% acceptance). Northwestern ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#33 vs #39). Duke graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($98K vs $89K). Northwestern has lower sticker-price tuition ($68,322 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 Northwestern for: a higher world ranking, lower tuition.
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 7.7% acceptance); Duke has a higher median SAT (1548 vs 1533).
Duke graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($98K vs $89K); Duke has a higher 6-year graduation rate (96.8% vs 95.1%).
Northwestern has lower sticker-price tuition ($68,322 vs $68,758); Duke offers a larger average aid package ($72,437 vs $68,110).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Northwestern | Duke |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #33 | #39 |
| Rank · THE | #31 | #27 |
| Acceptance rate | 7.7% | 5.7% |
| Yield rate | 55.3% | 58.8% |
| Median SAT | 1533 | 1548 |
| Avg. GPA | — | — |
| Number of applications | 49,474 | 51,795 |
| International students | 20% | 22% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $89K | $98K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $93K | $115K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $139K | $172K |
| Graduation rate | 95.1% | 96.8% |
| Retention rate | 98% | 98% |
| Median debt | $15,000 | $13,000 |
| Tuition · year | $68,322 | $68,758 |
| Avg. aid package | $68,110 | $72,437 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $32,540 | $27,515 |
| Application fee | $75 | — |
| Enrollment | 23,431 | 17,499 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Northwestern or Duke?
It's harder to get into Duke. Northwestern accepts 7.7% of applicants, while Duke accepts 5.7%.
Do Northwestern or Duke graduates earn more?
Duke graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $98K vs $89K.
How much is tuition at Northwestern vs Duke?
Sticker-price tuition is $68,322 per year at Northwestern and $68,758 per year at Duke.
What SAT score do you need for Northwestern or Duke?
The median admitted SAT score is 1533 at Northwestern and 1548 at Duke; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Northwestern or Duke?
Northwestern ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #33 for Northwestern vs #39 for Duke.
Which university offers more financial aid — Northwestern or Duke?
The average aid package is $68,110 at Northwestern and $72,437 at Duke.
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