Yale vs Duke — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Yale is the more selective of the two (3.9% vs 5.7% acceptance). Yale ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#11 vs #39). Median earnings 10 years after enrollment are effectively tied ($101K vs $98K). Yale has lower sticker-price tuition ($67,250 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 Yale for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings.
Choose Duke for: a higher graduation rate.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Yale is more selective (3.9% vs 5.7% acceptance); Duke has a higher median SAT (1548 vs 1534).
Yale graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($101K vs $98K); Duke has a higher 6-year graduation rate (96.8% vs 95.7%).
Yale has lower sticker-price tuition ($67,250 vs $68,758); Yale offers a larger average aid package ($76,770 vs $72,437).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Yale | Duke |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #11 | #39 |
| Rank · THE | #10 | #27 |
| Acceptance rate | 3.9% | 5.7% |
| Yield rate | 68.4% | 58.8% |
| Median SAT | 1534 | 1548 |
| Avg. GPA | — | — |
| Number of applications | 50,264 | 51,795 |
| International students | 22% | 22% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $101K | $98K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $124K | $115K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $194K | $172K |
| Graduation rate | 95.7% | 96.8% |
| Retention rate | 99.4% | 98% |
| Median debt | $12,975 | $13,000 |
| Tuition · year | $67,250 | $68,758 |
| Avg. aid package | $76,770 | $72,437 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $22,185 | $27,515 |
| Application fee | $80 | — |
| Enrollment | 15,657 | 17,499 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Yale or Duke?
It's harder to get into Yale. Yale accepts 3.9% of applicants, while Duke accepts 5.7%.
Do Yale or Duke graduates earn more?
Earnings are practically equal — 10 years after enrollment, the median is $101K at Yale and $98K at Duke.
How much is tuition at Yale vs Duke?
Sticker-price tuition is $67,250 per year at Yale and $68,758 per year at Duke.
What SAT score do you need for Yale or Duke?
The median admitted SAT score is 1534 at Yale and 1548 at Duke; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Yale or Duke?
Yale ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #11 for Yale vs #39 for Duke.
Which university offers more financial aid — Yale or Duke?
The average aid package is $76,770 at Yale and $72,437 at Duke.
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