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Duke University vs George Washington University

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

27
Duke Wins
5
Tied / N/A
14
George Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Private nonprofit
Urban
Setting
Urban
Southeast
Region
Mid-Atlantic
6,442
Enrollment
11,182
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

6%
Acceptance Rate
47%
1548
SAT Average
1433
34
ACT Midpoint
32
1500-1570
SAT Range
1350-1500

Cost & Financial Aid

$68,758
In-State Tuition
$67,710
$68,758
Out-of-State Tuition
$67,710
$29,612
Average Net Price
$36,586
$735
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$17,440
$-361
Net Price ($30-48K)
$17,292
$5,706
Net Price ($48-75K)
$22,080
$54,230
Net Price ($110K+)
$55,337
14%
Pell Grant Rate
16%
14%
Federal Loan Rate
32%

Academics

96%
Graduation Rate
85%
98%
Retention Rate
92%
94%
Full-Time Faculty
49%
$19,001
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$16,784
13%
First-Gen Students
16%

Student Body

55%
Female
63%
35%
White
48%
11%
Hispanic
14%
9%
Black
8%
22%
Asian
16%
0.79
Diversity Index
0.71

Outcomes

$85,792
Earnings (6yr)
$71,607
$95,882
Earnings (8yr)
$78,974
$97,800
Earnings (10yr)
$90,873
$13,000
Median Debt
$20,449
0.13x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.23x
89%
Earning Above HS
82%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

160.26%
Mobility Rate
215.66%
5039.1%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
4225.2%
318.0%
From Bottom 20%
510.4%
$196,000
Parent Median Income
$137,300

Social Capital

1.72
Economic Connectedness
1.84
0.03
Friending Bias
0.02
8.3%
Volunteering Rate
12.5%

Research (Times HE)

#24
World Rank
#95
66.8
Teaching Score
60.6
71.5
Research Score
43.1
92.3
Citations Score
70.2

The Overviews

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.

George Washington University

Washington, DC · Private nonprofit

47% accept 85% grad $90,873 earnings $36,586 net

George Washington University reports a striking graduation rate of 85%. This figure reflects the university's commitment to student success and its supportive academic environment. With a significant portion of students completing their degrees, GWU stands out for those seeking reliable pathways to graduation.

The earnings potential for graduates is compelling. Alumni earn an average of $90,873 within ten years of graduation. This income level positions graduates well within the job market, contributing to long-term financial stability. Although specific mobility data is not available, the high graduation rate suggests that many students are likely to improve their economic circumstances through their education at GWU.

The net price for attending George Washington University is $36,586, with a median debt of $20,449. This balance makes it an appealing choice for students who can manage costs while aiming for solid post-graduate earnings. GWU attracts those interested in fields like social sciences, health professions, and business, where graduates find ample opportunities to thrive in Washington, D.C.'s dynamic job market.

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