Skip to content
CollegeRanker

Compare

Duke University vs Northeastern University

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

25
Duke Wins
8
Tied / N/A
13
Northeastern Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Private nonprofit
Urban
Setting
Urban
Southeast
Region
New England
6,442
Enrollment
17,326
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

6%
Acceptance Rate
5%
1548
SAT Average
1497
34
ACT Midpoint
34
1500-1570
SAT Range
1440-1540

Cost & Financial Aid

$68,758
In-State Tuition
$66,162
$68,758
Out-of-State Tuition
$66,162
$29,612
Average Net Price
$30,915
$735
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$2,264
$-361
Net Price ($30-48K)
$2,436
$5,706
Net Price ($48-75K)
$5,301
$54,230
Net Price ($110K+)
$47,696
14%
Pell Grant Rate
12%
14%
Federal Loan Rate
27%

Academics

96%
Graduation Rate
90%
98%
Retention Rate
97%
94%
Full-Time Faculty
70%
$19,001
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$16,218
13%
First-Gen Students
19%

Student Body

55%
Female
54%
35%
White
40%
11%
Hispanic
10%
9%
Black
5%
22%
Asian
22%
0.79
Diversity Index
0.76

Outcomes

$85,792
Earnings (6yr)
$78,413
$95,882
Earnings (8yr)
$82,813
$97,800
Earnings (10yr)
$92,538
$13,000
Median Debt
$24,250
0.13x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.26x
89%
Earning Above HS
85%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

160.26%
Mobility Rate
243.76%
5039.1%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
4736.7%
318.0%
From Bottom 20%
514.6%
$196,000
Parent Median Income
$108,300

Social Capital

1.72
Economic Connectedness
1.79
0.03
Friending Bias
0.03
8.3%
Volunteering Rate
8.4%

Research (Times HE)

#24
World Rank
#201-225
66.8
Teaching Score
30.4
71.5
Research Score
18.9
92.3
Citations Score
70

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.

Northeastern University

Boston, MA · Private nonprofit

5% accept 90% grad $92,538 earnings $30,915 net

Northeastern University in Boston is an excellent fit for students who are driven and ready to engage in a highly competitive academic environment. With an acceptance rate of just 5%, it attracts those who excel in their studies and seek a dynamic campus experience. Students here often dive into popular programs like Business & Marketing, Engineering, Computer Science & IT, Biology & Biomedical, and Social Sciences. This variety allows for a rich educational experience and a chance to connect with peers across different fields.

Looking at life after graduation, the numbers tell a promising story. Graduates can expect to earn an average of $92,538 within ten years of completing their degree. This figure highlights the potential for upward mobility, especially considering the strong graduation rate of 90%. While affordability can be a concern for many students, the financial landscape here is manageable, with a net price of $30,915 after aid. This balance between cost and earning potential is a significant advantage for graduates.

When it comes to practical considerations, the typical debt load for students at Northeastern is around $24,250. This is relatively low compared to their earning potential, making it easier for graduates to pay off loans while enjoying their careers. The environment here tends to suit those who are ambitious and ready to take advantage of the university's extensive resources and networking opportunities. If you're someone who thrives in a fast-paced setting and values real-world experience alongside academic rigor, Northeastern could be a great choice for you.

Sponsored

Compare Accredited Programs Accepting Applicants

Matched to high-demand fields — request info, free.

Ad