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Duke University vs University of Virginia-Main Campus

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

19
Duke Wins
15
Tied / N/A
12
University Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Public
Urban
Setting
Suburban
Southeast
Region
Southeast
6,442
Enrollment
17,597
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

6%
Acceptance Rate
17%
1548
SAT Average
1480
34
ACT Midpoint
34
1500-1570
SAT Range
1410-1540

Cost & Financial Aid

$68,758
In-State Tuition
$21,803
$68,758
Out-of-State Tuition
$59,512
$29,612
Average Net Price
$21,565
$735
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$8,174
$-361
Net Price ($30-48K)
$9,696
$5,706
Net Price ($48-75K)
$13,283
$54,230
Net Price ($110K+)
$35,402
14%
Pell Grant Rate
16%
14%
Federal Loan Rate
20%

Academics

96%
Graduation Rate
95%
98%
Retention Rate
98%
94%
Full-Time Faculty
96%
$19,001
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$17,428
13%
First-Gen Students
16%

Student Body

55%
Female
55%
35%
White
49%
11%
Hispanic
8%
9%
Black
8%
22%
Asian
20%
0.79
Diversity Index
0.71

Outcomes

$85,792
Earnings (6yr)
$72,359
$95,882
Earnings (8yr)
$80,156
$97,800
Earnings (10yr)
$86,863
$13,000
Median Debt
$17,500
0.13x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.2x
89%
Earning Above HS
80%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

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

Social Capital

1.72
Economic Connectedness
1.82
0.03
Friending Bias
-0.01
8.3%
Volunteering Rate
8.6%

Research (Times HE)

#24
World Rank
N/A
66.8
Teaching Score
N/A
71.5
Research Score
N/A
92.3
Citations Score
N/A

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.

University of Virginia-Main Campus

Charlottesville, VA · Public

17% accept 95% grad $86,863 earnings $21,565 net

With an acceptance rate of just 17%, the University of Virginia-Main Campus attracts students who are ready for an academically rigorous environment. It’s a great fit for those interested in a wide range of disciplines, particularly in humanities, social sciences, engineering, business, and computer science. Students here are not just looking for a degree; they’re aiming for a transformative college experience that prepares them for real-world challenges.

After graduation, students typically see solid returns on their investment. With a median earning of $86,863 ten years post-graduation, many graduates find themselves in a stable financial position. The affordable net price of $21,565 means that with careful planning and support, students can graduate with manageable debt, averaging around $17,500. This financial outlook is encouraging, especially for those who may worry about student loans impacting their future.

Ultimately, the practical aspects of attending UVA-Main Campus play a crucial role in student success. With a supportive environment, it’s a place where driven students can thrive, particularly those who are proactive about taking advantage of the resources available. This community fosters not just academic excellence but also personal growth, making it a smart choice for those ready to engage deeply in their education.

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