Penn vs Duke — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Penn is the more selective of the two (5.4% vs 5.7% acceptance). Penn ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#14 vs #39). Penn graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($111K vs $98K). Penn has lower sticker-price tuition ($68,686 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 Penn for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings.
Choose Duke for: a higher graduation rate, a larger aid package, lower graduate debt.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Penn is more selective (5.4% vs 5.7% acceptance); Penn has a higher median SAT (1553 vs 1548).
Penn graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($111K vs $98K); Duke has a higher 6-year graduation rate (96.8% vs 96.5%).
Penn has lower sticker-price tuition ($68,686 vs $68,758); Duke offers a larger average aid package ($72,437 vs $70,971).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Penn | Duke |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #14 | #39 |
| Rank · THE | — | #27 |
| Acceptance rate | 5.4% | 5.7% |
| Yield rate | 68% | 58.8% |
| Median SAT | 1553 | 1548 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.90 | — |
| Number of applications | 65,236 | 51,795 |
| International students | 24% | 22% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $111K | $98K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $132K | $115K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $183K | $172K |
| Graduation rate | 96.5% | 96.8% |
| Retention rate | 98.8% | 98% |
| Median debt | $15,715 | $13,000 |
| Tuition · year | $68,686 | $68,758 |
| Avg. aid package | $70,971 | $72,437 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $32,558 | $27,515 |
| Application fee | $75 | — |
| Enrollment | 24,023 | 17,499 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Penn or Duke?
It's harder to get into Penn. Penn accepts 5.4% of applicants, while Duke accepts 5.7%.
Do Penn or Duke graduates earn more?
Penn graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $111K vs $98K.
How much is tuition at Penn vs Duke?
Sticker-price tuition is $68,686 per year at Penn and $68,758 per year at Duke.
What SAT score do you need for Penn or Duke?
The median admitted SAT score is 1553 at Penn and 1548 at Duke; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Penn or Duke?
Penn ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #14 for Penn vs #39 for Duke.
Which university offers more financial aid — Penn or Duke?
The average aid package is $70,971 at Penn and $72,437 at Duke.
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