Notre dame vs Duke — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Duke is the more selective of the two (5.7% vs 11.3% acceptance). Duke ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#301-400 vs #39). Median earnings 10 years after enrollment are effectively tied ($100K vs $98K). Notre dame has lower sticker-price tuition ($65,025 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 Notre dame for: higher graduate earnings, higher retention, lower tuition.
Choose Duke for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, 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 11.3% acceptance); Duke has a higher median SAT (1548 vs 1520).
Notre dame graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($100K vs $98K); Duke has a higher 6-year graduation rate (96.8% vs 95%).
Notre dame has lower sticker-price tuition ($65,025 vs $68,758); Duke offers a larger average aid package ($72,437 vs $67,855).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Notre dame | Duke |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #301-400 | #39 |
| Rank · THE | — | #27 |
| Acceptance rate | 11.3% | 5.7% |
| Yield rate | 61.7% | 58.8% |
| Median SAT | 1520 | 1548 |
| Avg. GPA | — | — |
| Number of applications | 29,942 | 51,795 |
| International students | 13% | 22% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $100K | $98K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $98K | $115K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $141K | $172K |
| Graduation rate | 95% | 96.8% |
| Retention rate | 99% | 98% |
| Median debt | $19,000 | $13,000 |
| Tuition · year | $65,025 | $68,758 |
| Avg. aid package | $67,855 | $72,437 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $30,400 | $27,515 |
| Application fee | $85 | — |
| Enrollment | 13,042 | 17,499 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Notre dame or Duke?
It's harder to get into Duke. Notre dame accepts 11.3% of applicants, while Duke accepts 5.7%.
Do Notre dame or Duke graduates earn more?
Earnings are practically equal — 10 years after enrollment, the median is $100K at Notre dame and $98K at Duke.
How much is tuition at Notre dame vs Duke?
Sticker-price tuition is $65,025 per year at Notre dame and $68,758 per year at Duke.
What SAT score do you need for Notre dame or Duke?
The median admitted SAT score is 1520 at Notre dame and 1548 at Duke; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Notre dame or Duke?
Duke ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #301-400 for Notre dame vs #39 for Duke.
Which university offers more financial aid — Notre dame or Duke?
The average aid package is $67,855 at Notre dame and $72,437 at Duke.
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