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Duke University vs Washington and Lee University

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

25
Duke Wins
11
Tied / N/A
10
Washington Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Private nonprofit
Urban
Setting
Town
Southeast
Region
Southeast
6,442
Enrollment
1,881
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

6%
Acceptance Rate
14%
1548
SAT Average
1498
34
ACT Midpoint
34
1500-1570
SAT Range
1430-1540

Cost & Financial Aid

$68,758
In-State Tuition
$68,045
$68,758
Out-of-State Tuition
$68,045
$29,612
Average Net Price
$23,781
$735
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$-1,777
$-361
Net Price ($30-48K)
$75
$5,706
Net Price ($48-75K)
$4,497
$54,230
Net Price ($110K+)
$40,646
14%
Pell Grant Rate
11%
14%
Federal Loan Rate
14%

Academics

96%
Graduation Rate
94%
98%
Retention Rate
97%
94%
Full-Time Faculty
88%
$19,001
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$14,155
13%
First-Gen Students
N/A

Student Body

55%
Female
44%
35%
White
68%
11%
Hispanic
9%
9%
Black
5%
22%
Asian
5%
0.79
Diversity Index
0.52

Outcomes

$85,792
Earnings (6yr)
$76,516
$95,882
Earnings (8yr)
$89,772
$97,800
Earnings (10yr)
$94,810
$13,000
Median Debt
$19,500
0.13x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.21x
89%
Earning Above HS
83%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

160.26%
Mobility Rate
57.09%
5039.1%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
5102.3%
318.0%
From Bottom 20%
111.9%
$196,000
Parent Median Income
$226,700

Social Capital

1.72
Economic Connectedness
1.82
0.03
Friending Bias
0.00
8.3%
Volunteering Rate
6.9%

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.

Washington and Lee University

Lexington, VA · Private nonprofit

14% accept 94% grad $94,810 earnings $23,781 net

With an acceptance rate of just 14%, Washington and Lee University draws students who are serious about their education and ready to engage deeply in their studies. This private institution, located in Lexington, Virginia, is known for strong programs in Business & Marketing, Social Sciences, Biology & Biomedical, Psychology, and Physical Sciences. If you’re looking for a place that encourages critical thinking and a close-knit community, this might just be the right fit for you.

Graduates from Washington and Lee see impressive earnings, with a median income of $94,810 ten years after graduation. This kind of financial outcome suggests that students who excel here are well-prepared for the job market and often find themselves in higher-paying positions. The strong graduation rate of 94% also points to a supportive environment that helps students succeed academically and transition smoothly into their careers.

When it comes to the practicalities of attending Washington and Lee, the net price after aid stands at $23,781, which is relatively manageable given the high earning potential post-graduation. With a median debt of $19,500, students can graduate with a reasonable amount of loans, especially considering the high salaries many alumni achieve. Those who thrive here are typically driven, engaged, and ready to make the most of their educational experience.

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