Head-to-Head Comparison
Duke University vs University of Massachusetts-Amherst
- Duke Wins
- 24
- Tied
- 17
- Massachusetts-Amherst Wins
- 13
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of Massachusetts-Amherst offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Duke University achieves a higher graduation rate (96% vs 83%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $29,612 compared to University of Massachusetts-Amherst's $22,383 for in-state paths. Students who choose University of Massachusetts-Amherst benefit from a cost structure that keeps debt manageable while maintaining competitive graduate earnings of $71,631 at ten years.
54 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Duke
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $97,800 ten years after enrollment, 37% more than University of Massachusetts-Amherst
- Higher grad rate: 96% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $13,000, the lower of the two
- More selective: Admits 6% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
Massachusetts-Amherst
- Lower cost: Average net price of $22,383, roughly $7,229 a year less
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Duke graduates concentrate in Engineering (15% of degrees); Massachusetts-Amherst in Business & Marketing (17%). If you already know the field you want, the choice is mostly made for you.
Based on each school's share of degrees by field (College Scorecard). It shows where graduates actually concentrate, not the only path a school offers.
Which School Fits You?
Pick Duke University over University of Massachusetts-Amherst. Median earnings of $97,800 ten years after enrollment vs $71,631.
Pick University of Massachusetts-Amherst over Duke University. Net price $22,383 vs $29,612.
Pick Duke University over University of Massachusetts-Amherst. 96% completion rate vs 83%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Duke University and University of Massachusetts-Amherst are close on paper, but Duke University wins the head-to-head, leading on 4 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
Duke University is the harder admit. It takes 6% of applicants, while University of Massachusetts-Amherst takes 60%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,548 to 1,423.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Duke University sets the higher bar. The less selective school is easier to get into, which can work in your favor rather than against it.
What it costs
On price, University of Massachusetts-Amherst comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $22,383, about $7,229 a year below Duke University's $29,612. Graduates of Duke University also borrow less: median debt of $13,000, against $22,763.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $28,916 before any change in aid. Choosing University of Massachusetts-Amherst leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Duke University graduates report median earnings of $97,800, compared with $71,631 at University of Massachusetts-Amherst. That is a 37% advantage. Set against borrowing, Duke University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.13x to 0.32x.
So what: An earnings gap of 37% this early in a career tends to widen, since raises build on the higher base. Of the measures on this page, this one carries the most financial weight.
Finishing the degree
Duke University graduates a larger share of its students, 96% versus 83%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 13% is a risk measure. Students at the school with the lower rate face higher odds of leaving with debt and no degree, the most expensive outcome in higher education.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick University of Massachusetts-Amherst to keep costs and debt down; pick Duke University for the higher earnings ceiling.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 5 of 6 core signals used here; where one school is missing a figure, that row is left out of the comparison rather than estimated.
Counterintuitive Insights
The cheaper school is not the lower-earning one here. University of Massachusetts-Amherst saves about $7,229 a year, yet Duke University graduates earn $26,169 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
Their academic identities diverge. Duke University concentrates enrollment in Engineering, while University of Massachusetts-Amherst leans toward Business & Marketing. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $29,612 runs well above University of Massachusetts-Amherst's $22,383.
- Business and consulting-track students: Duke University has less business program depth, and University of Massachusetts-Amherst offers the stronger options.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $22,763, against $13,000 at Duke University.
- Engineering-focused students: Duke University has the stronger engineering programs.
- Students who want a smaller campus: University of Massachusetts-Amherst's enrollment of 23,671 far exceeds Duke University's 6,442.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Duke holds onto its admits more tightly: 59% of admitted students enroll, versus 17% at Massachusetts-Amherst — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Duke offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Massachusetts-Amherst does not, so there is no early-commitment lever to pull there. Test scores matter less at Massachusetts-Amherst, where only about 28% of enrolled freshmen submitted any SAT or ACT.
Source: each school's published Common Data Set, via collegedata.fyi.
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 4 metrics
Admissions Strategy (Common Data Set) 6 metrics
Cost & Financial Aid 9 metrics
Academics 5 metrics
Student Body 6 metrics
Outcomes 6 metrics
Social Mobility (Chetty) 4 metrics
Social Capital 3 metrics
Research (Times HE) 4 metrics
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
Duke University
Durham, NC · Private nonprofit
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.
University of Massachusetts-Amherst
Amherst, MA · Public
With an enrollment of 23,671 students, the University of Massachusetts-Amherst is a great fit for those looking for a diverse and vibrant campus life. It stands out for its strong programs in Business & Marketing, Social Sciences, Biology & Biomedical, Psychology, and Engineering. Students here are often engaged in a wide range of studies, reflecting both academic rigor and practical application. The acceptance rate of 60% means that while it’s accessible, there’s still a competitive edge that can stimulate personal growth.
Graduates from UMass-Amherst can expect solid outcomes, with a median earning of $71,631 ten years after graduation. This figure speaks volumes about the potential return on investment. It’s encouraging to know that students can find rewarding careers, especially considering the affordability of education here. The net price after aid is $22,383, which positions the school as a reasonable choice for many families.
When it comes to finances, the median debt stands at $22,763, which is manageable given the earning potential. UMass-Amherst tends to attract students who are motivated and ready to embrace the opportunities that come with a public university experience. With 20% of students receiving Pell Grants, there’s a commitment to supporting diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. Overall, this school nurtures those who are eager to thrive both academically and professionally after graduation.
Rankings They Appear On
Duke University is featured on the Best Colleges in North Carolina ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Duke's top program is Mechanical Engineering (15% of enrollment), while Massachusetts-Amherst leads with Business Administration (17%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Duke) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Massachusetts-Amherst).
The two schools feed different job markets. Duke University is strongest in Engineering, while University of Massachusetts-Amherst concentrates in Business & Marketing. Those concentrations determine which recruiters show up on campus and where alumni cluster by industry. Match the school's program strengths to the field you plan to enter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Duke University or University of Massachusetts-Amherst?
Duke University is harder to get into, admitting 6% of applicants compared with 60% at University of Massachusetts-Amherst.
Which is more affordable, Duke University or University of Massachusetts-Amherst?
University of Massachusetts-Amherst is more affordable, with an average net price of $22,383 after aid versus $29,612 at Duke University.
Do Duke University or University of Massachusetts-Amherst graduates earn more?
Duke University graduates earn more: median earnings of $97,800 ten years after enrollment, versus $71,631 at University of Massachusetts-Amherst.
Which has a better graduation rate, Duke University or University of Massachusetts-Amherst?
Duke University has the higher graduation rate, 96% versus 83%.
Should you choose Duke University or University of Massachusetts-Amherst?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose University of Massachusetts-Amherst if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Duke University if you're optimizing for post-grad earnings. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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