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Duke University vs Harvard University

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

10
Duke Wins
8
Tied / N/A
28
Harvard Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Private nonprofit
Urban
Setting
Urban
Southeast
Region
New England
6,442
Enrollment
7,601
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

6%
Acceptance Rate
4%
1548
SAT Average
1553
34
ACT Midpoint
35
1500-1570
SAT Range
1510-1580

Cost & Financial Aid

$68,758
In-State Tuition
$61,676
$68,758
Out-of-State Tuition
$61,676
$29,612
Average Net Price
$19,066
$735
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$8,697
$-361
Net Price ($30-48K)
$2,991
$5,706
Net Price ($48-75K)
$2,091
$54,230
Net Price ($110K+)
$53,337
14%
Pell Grant Rate
16%
14%
Federal Loan Rate
4%

Academics

96%
Graduation Rate
97%
98%
Retention Rate
98%
94%
Full-Time Faculty
87%
$19,001
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$25,048
13%
First-Gen Students
26%

Student Body

55%
Female
50%
35%
White
31%
11%
Hispanic
12%
9%
Black
9%
22%
Asian
22%
0.79
Diversity Index
0.81

Outcomes

$85,792
Earnings (6yr)
$99,572
$95,882
Earnings (8yr)
$101,095
$97,800
Earnings (10yr)
$101,817
$13,000
Median Debt
$14,000
0.13x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.14x
89%
Earning Above HS
88%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

160.26%
Mobility Rate
175.92%
5039.1%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
5774.2%
318.0%
From Bottom 20%
304.7%
$196,000
Parent Median Income
$174,000

Social Capital

1.72
Economic Connectedness
1.69
0.03
Friending Bias
0.02
8.3%
Volunteering Rate
9.6%

Research (Times HE)

#24
World Rank
#1
66.8
Teaching Score
99.7
71.5
Research Score
98.7
92.3
Citations Score
98.8

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.

Harvard University

Cambridge, MA · Private nonprofit

4% accept 97% grad $101,817 earnings $19,066 net

With an acceptance rate of just 4%, Harvard University is a place where the most driven and ambitious students find their footing. It’s especially suitable for those drawn to rigorous academic programs like Social Sciences, Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Mathematics, Computer Science, and Physical Sciences. The environment here encourages intellectual curiosity and a commitment to excellence, attracting a diverse group of scholars who are ready to engage deeply with their studies.

After graduation, the financial outlook is promising, with alumni earning an average of $101,817 within ten years. This level of earning power is a significant motivator for students considering their future. While the cost of education is an important factor, many graduates see a strong return on their investment, which makes the financial commitment worthwhile for those who can navigate the admissions process.

When we look at the practical aspects, the net price after aid stands at $19,066, and the median debt is relatively manageable at $14,000. This financial structure allows students to focus on their education without being overwhelmed by debt. Those who thrive at Harvard often share a passion for learning and a desire to make a difference in the world, making the most of the resources and opportunities available to them.

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