Duke vs Cornell University

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Choosing the right college or university can be a challenging task. Various factors, such as tuition costs, academic programs, and campus life, play a crucial role in making the right decision. In this article, we will compare two renowned institutions, Duke University and Cornell University, to help you make an informed decision for your higher education.

CollegeRanker is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

Duke Overview

Duke University, located in Durham, North Carolina, is a private research university known for its strong academic programs, rigorous research, and competitive sports teams. Established in 1838, Duke has grown into a highly respected institution with a global reputation for excellence in various fields.

Duke Costs & Tuition

The total cost of attending Duke University, including tuition, fees, room, and board, is approximately $78,608 per year. However, the university offers a range of financial aid options, including grants, scholarships, and loans, to help students cover the costs.

Duke Admissions

Duke University has a highly competitive admissions process. For the class of 2025, the acceptance rate was 5.8%. The university considers various factors, including transcripts, test scores, extracurricular activities, and letters of recommendation, while evaluating applicants.

Duke Degrees Offered

Duke offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs. The university has ten schools, including the renowned Pratt School of Engineering and Fuqua School of Business. In addition, it offers various interdisciplinary programs that allow students to tailor their education according to their interests.

Duke Academics

Academic life at Duke is challenging and rewarding, with a low student-faculty ratio of 6:1 and an average class size of 19 students. The university’s faculty members are renowned experts in their fields, dedicated to both teaching and research.

Duke Diversity

Duke University is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion among its students, faculty, and staff. The university offers numerous programs and resources to support underrepresented groups and foster a culture of inclusivity on campus.

Duke Students

With over 6,600 undergraduate students and 9,000 graduate and professional students, Duke boasts a diverse and talented student body. Student life at Duke is vibrant, with various clubs, organizations, and extracurricular activities to choose from.

Duke Campus

Duke’s picturesque campus spans over 8,600 acres and features Gothic architecture and beautiful gardens. The university offers state-of-the-art facilities, including cutting-edge research labs, modern classrooms, and a wide range of athletic facilities.

Duke Alumni

Duke University has an extensive network of successful alumni, including notable figures in business, politics, academia, and entertainment. Some well-known Duke alumni include Apple CEO Tim Cook, journalist Charlie Rose, and basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski.

Duke Rankings

Duke consistently ranks among the top universities in the United States and globally. According to the 2021 U.S. News & World Report rankings, Duke is ranked 9th among National Universities.

Duke Outcomes

Duke University has a strong reputation for producing successful graduates. According to the university’s data, 95% of the class of 2019 was employed, pursuing further education, or engaged in other meaningful activities within six months of graduation.

Cornell University Overview

Cornell University, located in Ithaca, New York, is an Ivy League research university with a reputation for academic excellence and a strong focus on research and innovation. Founded in 1865, Cornell has grown to become one of the most prestigious universities in the United States.

Cornell Costs & Tuition

The total cost of attending Cornell University, including tuition, fees, room, and board, is approximately $76,258 per year. Like Duke, Cornell offers a range of financial aid options, including grants, scholarships, and loans, to help students cover the costs.

Cornell Admissions

Cornell University has a competitive admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 10.9% for the class of 2025. The university evaluates applicants based on various factors, including academic performance, test scores, extracurricular activities, and letters of recommendation.

Cornell Degrees Offered

Cornell offers a variety of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs across its seven undergraduate colleges and seven graduate divisions. The university is particularly well-known for its programs in engineering, business, and hotel administration.

Cornell Academics

With a student-faculty ratio of 9:1 and an average class size of 15 students, academic life at Cornell is challenging and engaging. The university’s faculty members are renowned experts in their fields, dedicated to both teaching and research.

Cornell Diversity

Cornell University is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion on its campus, offering various programs and resources to support underrepresented groups and foster a culture of inclusivity.

Cornell Students

Cornell has a diverse student body of over 15,000 undergraduate students and 8,000 graduate and professional students. The university offers a rich student life experience, with numerous clubs, organizations, and extracurricular activities to choose from.

Cornell Campus

Cornell’s stunning campus covers more than 2,300 acres in the Finger Lakes region of New York, offering breathtaking views and a range of recreational activities. The university provides state-of-the-art facilities, including cutting-edge research labs, modern classrooms, and extensive athletic facilities.

Cornell Alumni

Cornell University has an extensive network of successful alumni, including notable figures in business, politics, academia, and entertainment. Some well-known Cornell alumni include former U.S. Attorney General Janet Reno, author E.B. White, and astronomer Carl Sagan.

Cornell Rankings

Cornell consistently ranks among the top universities in the United States and globally. According to the 2021 U.S. News & World Report rankings, Cornell is ranked 18th among National Universities.

Cornell Outcomes

Cornell University has a strong track record of producing successful graduates. According to the university’s data, 93% of the class of 2019 was employed, pursuing further education, or engaged in other meaningful activities within six months of graduation.

Duke vs Cornell Cost Comparison

Both Duke and Cornell have similar tuition costs, with Duke’s total cost being approximately $78,608 per year and Cornell’s being approximately $76,258 per year. However, both universities offer financial aid options to help students cover these costs, making them more affordable options for those who qualify.

Duke vs Cornell Admissions Difficulty

Admissions at both Duke and Cornell are highly competitive, with Duke having an acceptance rate of 5.8% and Cornell having an acceptance rate of 10.9%. While both universities are challenging to get into, Duke’s lower acceptance rate indicates that it may be slightly more difficult to gain admission.

Duke vs Cornell Academic Difficulty

Both universities are known for their rigorous academic programs and low student-faculty ratios, indicating that students at both institutions will face challenging academic experiences. While it is difficult to compare the academic rigor of individual programs or majors, both Duke and Cornell have strong reputations for providing a demanding and rewarding academic environment.

Duke vs Cornell Outcome Comparison

Duke and Cornell have similar outcome measures, with 95% of Duke’s class of 2019 and 93% of Cornell’s class of 2019 employed, pursuing further education, or engaged in other meaningful activities within six months of graduation. While both universities have strong track records of producing successful graduates, Duke appears to have a slightly higher success rate in the short term following graduation.