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Duke University vs Wellesley College

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

20
Duke Wins
10
Tied / N/A
16
Wellesley Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Private nonprofit
Urban
Setting
Suburban
Southeast
Region
New England
6,442
Enrollment
2,300
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

6%
Acceptance Rate
14%
1548
SAT Average
1520
34
ACT Midpoint
33
1500-1570
SAT Range
1460-1560

Cost & Financial Aid

$68,758
In-State Tuition
$67,176
$68,758
Out-of-State Tuition
$67,176
$29,612
Average Net Price
$25,496
$735
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$2,546
$-361
Net Price ($30-48K)
$2,836
$5,706
Net Price ($48-75K)
$6,587
$54,230
Net Price ($110K+)
$54,188
14%
Pell Grant Rate
21%
14%
Federal Loan Rate
16%

Academics

96%
Graduation Rate
91%
98%
Retention Rate
97%
94%
Full-Time Faculty
80%
$19,001
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$14,120
13%
First-Gen Students
17%

Student Body

55%
Female
N/A
35%
White
30%
11%
Hispanic
14%
9%
Black
8%
22%
Asian
26%
0.79
Diversity Index
0.79

Outcomes

$85,792
Earnings (6yr)
$65,961
$95,882
Earnings (8yr)
$72,216
$97,800
Earnings (10yr)
$84,803
$13,000
Median Debt
$10,000
0.13x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.12x
89%
Earning Above HS
76%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

160.26%
Mobility Rate
240.83%
5039.1%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
4361.1%
318.0%
From Bottom 20%
552.2%
$196,000
Parent Median Income
$142,500

Social Capital

1.72
Economic Connectedness
1.84
0.03
Friending Bias
-0.00
8.3%
Volunteering Rate
16.7%

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.

Wellesley College

Wellesley, MA · Private nonprofit

14% accept 91% grad $84,803 earnings $25,496 net

Wellesley College is a great fit for students who are focused on a strong academic experience and personal growth. With an acceptance rate of just 14%, this school attracts motivated individuals who are passionate about subjects like Social Sciences, Biology, and Computer Science. The environment here is tailored for those who thrive in a rigorous, supportive setting, making it a solid choice for anyone serious about their studies.

After graduation, Wellesley alumni see impressive outcomes, with a median earnings figure of $84,803 after ten years. This reflects the value of a Wellesley education in the job market. While the cost of attendance can be a concern, the school’s commitment to affordability helps many students manage their financial futures. The relatively low median debt of $10,000 for graduates suggests that most leave with manageable financial obligations.

When it comes to the practicalities, the net price after aid sits at $25,496, which is reasonable for a private institution. Students who tend to thrive here are often those who appreciate a close-knit community and seek a challenging academic environment. With a graduation rate of 91%, it’s clear that Wellesley supports its students well, helping them not just to finish their degrees, but to succeed afterward.

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