Washington University vs Duke - US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
The verdict, from the data
Duke admits 5.7% of applicants, while Washington University admits 12.1%.
For an applicant from outside the US the difference is financial: Duke awards international students $90,599 on average, Washington University awards $68,438.
The higher median salary ten years after enrolment belongs to Duke: $98K against $86K.
On SAT scores this is the same calibre of applicant: 1540 and 1548.
The indicators describe a university as a whole, and your own course can sit a long way from that average.
Every sentence above comes from a field we hold in canonical. Where the data is missing, or the gap is small enough to be noise, the sentence simply does not appear.
EXPERT TAKE
Duke is the more selective of the two (5.71% vs 12.1% acceptance). Washington University ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#23 vs #39). Duke graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($98K vs $86K). Washington University has lower sticker-price tuition ($69,594 vs $73,172 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 Washington University for: a higher world ranking, lower tuition, a larger aid package.
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 (5.71% vs 12.1% acceptance); Duke has a higher median SAT (1548 vs 1540).
Duke graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($98K vs $86K); Duke has a higher 6-year graduation rate (96.8% vs 94.3%).
Washington University has lower sticker-price tuition ($69,594 vs $73,172); Washington University offers a larger average aid package ($75,604 vs $72,437).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Washington University | Duke |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #23 | #39 |
| Rank · THE | #69 | #27 |
| Acceptance rate | 12.1% | 5.71% |
| Yield rate | 46.7% | 58.8% |
| Median SAT | 1540 | 1548 |
| Avg. GPA | 4.19 | - |
| Number of applications | 32,754 | 51,795 |
| International students | 9.4% | 10.6% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $86K | $98K |
| Bottom 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $61K | $66K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $137K | $172K |
| Graduation rate | 94.3% | 96.8% |
| Retention rate | 95% | 98% |
| Median debt | $17,500 | $13,000 |
| Tuition · year | $69,594 | $73,172 |
| Avg. aid package | $75,604 | $72,437 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $26,666 | $27,515 |
| Application fee | $75 | - |
| Enrollment | 16,357 | 17,499 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Washington University or Duke?
It's harder to get into Duke. Washington University accepts 12.1% of applicants, while Duke accepts 5.71%.
Do Washington University or Duke graduates earn more?
Duke graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $98K vs $86K.
How much is tuition at Washington University vs Duke?
Sticker-price tuition is $69,594 per year at Washington University and $73,172 per year at Duke.
What SAT score do you need for Washington University or Duke?
The median admitted SAT score is 1540 at Washington University and 1548 at Duke; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher - Washington University or Duke?
Washington University ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #23 for Washington University vs #39 for Duke.
Which university offers more financial aid - Washington University or Duke?
The average aid package is $75,604 at Washington University and $72,437 at Duke.
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