Texas at austin vs Duke — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Duke is the more selective of the two (5.7% vs 26.6% acceptance). Duke ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#45 vs #39). Duke graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($98K vs $75K). Texas at austin has lower sticker-price tuition ($44,908 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 Texas at austin for: lower tuition, lower graduate debt.
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 26.6% acceptance); Duke has a higher median SAT (1548 vs 1395).
Duke graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($98K vs $75K); Duke has a higher 6-year graduation rate (96.8% vs 88.9%).
Texas at austin has lower sticker-price tuition ($44,908 vs $68,758); Duke offers a larger average aid package ($72,437 vs $20,219).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Texas at austin | Duke |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #45 | #39 |
| Rank · THE | — | #27 |
| Acceptance rate | 26.6% | 5.7% |
| Yield rate | 47.4% | 58.8% |
| Median SAT | 1395 | 1548 |
| Avg. GPA | — | — |
| Number of applications | 72,885 | 51,795 |
| International students | 9% | 22% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $75K | $98K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $74K | $115K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $117K | $172K |
| Graduation rate | 88.9% | 96.8% |
| Retention rate | 96.7% | 98% |
| Median debt | $20,500 | $13,000 |
| Tuition · year | $44,908 | $68,758 |
| Avg. aid package | $20,219 | $72,437 |
| % of need met | 75% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $19,919 | $27,515 |
| Application fee | $75 | — |
| Enrollment | 53,864 | 17,499 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Texas at austin or Duke?
It's harder to get into Duke. Texas at austin accepts 26.6% of applicants, while Duke accepts 5.7%.
Do Texas at austin or Duke graduates earn more?
Duke graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $98K vs $75K.
How much is tuition at Texas at austin vs Duke?
Sticker-price tuition is $44,908 per year at Texas at austin and $68,758 per year at Duke.
What SAT score do you need for Texas at austin or Duke?
The median admitted SAT score is 1395 at Texas at austin and 1548 at Duke; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Texas at austin or Duke?
Duke ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #45 for Texas at austin vs #39 for Duke.
Which university offers more financial aid — Texas at austin or Duke?
The average aid package is $20,219 at Texas at austin and $72,437 at Duke.
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