Rochester vs Duke — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Duke is the more selective of the two (5.7% vs 40.1% acceptance). Duke ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#151-200 vs #39). Duke graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($98K vs $79K). Rochester has lower sticker-price tuition ($67,080 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 Rochester for: lower tuition.
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 40.1% acceptance); Duke has a higher median SAT (1548 vs 1488).
Duke graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($98K vs $79K); Duke has a higher 6-year graduation rate (96.8% vs 85.4%).
Rochester has lower sticker-price tuition ($67,080 vs $68,758); Duke offers a larger average aid package ($72,437 vs $60,879).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Rochester | Duke |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #151-200 | #39 |
| Rank · THE | #127 | #27 |
| Acceptance rate | 40.1% | 5.7% |
| Yield rate | 15.4% | 58.8% |
| Median SAT | 1488 | 1548 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.70 | — |
| Number of applications | 21,384 | 51,795 |
| International students | 37% | 22% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $79K | $98K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $74K | $115K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $117K | $172K |
| Graduation rate | 85.4% | 96.8% |
| Retention rate | 90.7% | 98% |
| Median debt | $21,000 | $13,000 |
| Tuition · year | $67,080 | $68,758 |
| Avg. aid package | $60,879 | $72,437 |
| % of need met | 96.1% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $32,304 | $27,515 |
| Application fee | $50 | — |
| Enrollment | 11,946 | 17,499 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Rochester or Duke?
It's harder to get into Duke. Rochester accepts 40.1% of applicants, while Duke accepts 5.7%.
Do Rochester or Duke graduates earn more?
Duke graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $98K vs $79K.
How much is tuition at Rochester vs Duke?
Sticker-price tuition is $67,080 per year at Rochester and $68,758 per year at Duke.
What SAT score do you need for Rochester or Duke?
The median admitted SAT score is 1488 at Rochester and 1548 at Duke; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Rochester or Duke?
Duke ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #151-200 for Rochester vs #39 for Duke.
Which university offers more financial aid — Rochester or Duke?
The average aid package is $60,879 at Rochester and $72,437 at Duke.
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