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Drexel University vs Duke University

46 data points compared. Stronger value in each row highlighted. Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS.

12
Drexel Wins
9
Tied / N/A
25
Duke Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Private nonprofit
Urban
Setting
Urban
Mid-Atlantic
Region
Southeast
13,233
Enrollment
6,442
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

79%
Acceptance Rate
6%
1345
SAT Average
1548
29
ACT Midpoint
34
1240-1440
SAT Range
1500-1570

Cost & Financial Aid

$62,412
In-State Tuition
$68,758
$62,412
Out-of-State Tuition
$68,758
$38,509
Average Net Price
$29,612
$28,055
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$735
$29,435
Net Price ($30-48K)
$-361
$34,970
Net Price ($48-75K)
$5,706
$48,089
Net Price ($110K+)
$54,230
27%
Pell Grant Rate
14%
49%
Federal Loan Rate
14%

Academics

78%
Graduation Rate
96%
90%
Retention Rate
98%
58%
Full-Time Faculty
94%
$12,380
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$19,001
29%
First-Gen Students
13%

Student Body

57%
Female
55%
40%
White
35%
9%
Hispanic
11%
10%
Black
9%
24%
Asian
22%
0.75
Diversity Index
0.79

Outcomes

$69,063
Earnings (6yr)
$85,792
$79,235
Earnings (8yr)
$95,882
$84,648
Earnings (10yr)
$97,800
$25,325
Median Debt
$13,000
0.3x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.13x
83%
Earning Above HS
89%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

N/A
Mobility Rate
160.26%
N/A
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
5039.1%
N/A
From Bottom 20%
318.0%
N/A
Parent Median Income
$196,000

Social Capital

1.82
Economic Connectedness
1.72
-0.02
Friending Bias
0.03
7.8%
Volunteering Rate
8.3%

Research (Times HE)

#190
World Rank
#24
45
Teaching Score
66.8
35.9
Research Score
71.5
58.2
Citations Score
92.3

The Overviews

Drexel University

Philadelphia, PA · Private nonprofit

79% accept 78% grad $84,648 earnings $38,509 net

With over 13,200 students, Drexel University is a great fit for those seeking a hands-on educational experience, particularly in fields like Engineering, Health Professions, and Business & Marketing. The university's acceptance rate of 79% suggests a welcoming environment, which can be reassuring for students looking for a place where they can thrive academically. Many students appreciate the strong focus on experiential learning, including co-op programs that allow them to gain real-world experience while they study.

After graduation, students from Drexel can expect impressive earning potential, with graduates reporting a median income of $84,648 ten years after completing their degree. This financial outcome is particularly appealing, given how many graduates find themselves in well-paying fields. Affordability is a significant factor too, with a net price of $38,509 after aid, making it accessible for many families. Although the Pell Grant rate sits at 27%, it reflects the university’s commitment to supporting students from diverse financial backgrounds.

When considering the practical aspects, Drexel’s median debt of $25,325 is relatively manageable, especially when balanced against the earning potential. Students who tend to thrive here are often those ready to engage fully in their education, taking advantage of the co-op experiences and networking opportunities available. This proactive approach can really pay off, leading to successful careers and a solid return on investment for their education.

Duke University

Durham, NC · Private nonprofit

6% accept 96% grad $97,800 earnings $29,612 net

With an acceptance rate of just 6%, Duke University is a place where ambitious students thrive. It attracts those who are serious about their education and want to dive deep into areas like Social Sciences, Computer Science, Biology, Engineering, and Health Professions. The community here is vibrant, and students often find themselves surrounded by peers who share a passion for learning and a drive to make an impact.

Looking ahead to life after graduation, students from Duke can expect strong earning potential, with a median salary of $97,800 a decade after they leave. That’s a solid return on investment, especially considering the affordable nature of the education relative to earnings. Graduates tend to find good job opportunities, reflecting the high graduation rate of 96%. This means that most students not only complete their degrees but also enter the workforce prepared and competitive.

On the financial side, the net price for students, after aid, stands at $29,612, which is manageable given the earnings potential. The typical debt load is $13,000, which is relatively low and suggests that many students can graduate without being weighed down by heavy financial burdens. This creates an environment where motivated individuals can thrive, especially those who are eager to leverage their education into successful careers.

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