In this article, we will compare two renowned universities, Duke and Vanderbilt, to help prospective students make an informed decision about which institution best fits their needs. We will cover various aspects of both schools, including costs, admissions, academics, diversity, rankings, and outcomes.
Duke Overview
Duke University, a private research institution located in Durham, North Carolina, is known for its rigorous academics, cutting-edge research, and competitive athletic programs. Established in 1838, Duke offers undergraduate and graduate degrees across numerous disciplines.
Duke Costs & Tuition
Duke’s tuition for the 2021-2022 academic year was $60,244, with the total cost of attendance estimated at around $80,000, including room and board, books, and personal expenses. However, Duke is committed to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students, offering need-based financial aid packages comprising grants, work-study, and loans.
Duke Admissions
Duke is highly selective, with an acceptance rate of 7.9% for the class of 2025. The middle 50% of admitted students scored between 33 and 35 on the ACT and between 1490 and 1570 on the SAT. The university values intellectual curiosity, ambition, and a commitment to community service.
Duke Degrees Offered
Duke has ten schools and colleges, offering undergraduate and graduate degrees in numerous fields such as engineering, business, public policy, and the arts. The university also has a strong focus on interdisciplinary studies, allowing students to create their own academic paths.
Duke Academics
With a 6:1 student-faculty ratio, Duke offers personalized education and opportunities for research and collaboration. Professors are renowned in their fields and are committed to fostering a supportive learning environment.
Duke Diversity
Duke is dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive community, with 52% of the class of 2025 identifying as students of color. The university offers numerous programs and resources to support underrepresented students, including scholarships and academic support.
Duke Students
Duke students are ambitious, innovative, and engaged in their communities. The university offers over 400 student organizations, including clubs, sports teams, and community service opportunities, allowing students to pursue their passions outside of the classroom.
Duke Campus
Duke’s campus spans 8,600 acres and features stunning gothic architecture and extensive green spaces. The university’s state-of-the-art facilities include research centers, libraries, and athletic facilities.
Duke Alumni
Duke has a strong alumni network, with graduates excelling in various fields such as business, law, medicine, and public service. Alumni include Apple CEO Tim Cook, author Ann Patchett, and former US Senator Elizabeth Dole.
Duke Rankings
According to the 2022 U.S. News & World Report, Duke is ranked 9th among national universities. The university consistently ranks highly for its undergraduate and graduate programs, including engineering, business, and public policy.
Duke Outcomes
Duke has a strong record of success in placing graduates in competitive positions across various industries. According to the Class of 2020 outcomes data, 92% of graduates were employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation, with an average starting salary of $72,000.
Vanderbilt University Overview
Vanderbilt University, a private research university located in Nashville, Tennessee, is known for its rigorous academics, vibrant campus life, and commitment to research. Founded in 1873, Vanderbilt offers undergraduate and graduate degrees across several disciplines.
Vanderbilt Costs & Tuition
Vanderbilt’s tuition for the 2021-2022 academic year is $54,840, with the total cost of attendance estimated at around $76,000, including room and board, books, and personal expenses. Like Duke, Vanderbilt is committed to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students, offering need-based financial aid packages.
Vanderbilt Admissions
Vanderbilt is also highly selective, with an acceptance rate of 9.0% for the class of 2025. The middle 50% of admitted students scored between 33 and 35 on the ACT and between 1460 and 1560 on the SAT. The university values leadership, intellectual curiosity, and a commitment to making a difference in the world.
Vanderbilt Degrees Offered
Vanderbilt has ten schools and colleges, offering undergraduate and graduate degrees in fields such as engineering, education, business, and medicine. The university emphasizes interdisciplinary learning and collaboration.
Vanderbilt Academics
With a 7:1 student-faculty ratio, Vanderbilt offers personalized education and a strong emphasis on undergraduate research. Professors are dedicated to providing a supportive and challenging learning environment.
Vanderbilt Diversity
Vanderbilt is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive community, with 47% of the class of 2025 identifying as students of color. The university offers numerous programs and resources to support underrepresented students.
Vanderbilt Students
Vanderbilt students are intellectually curious, ambitious, and engaged in their communities. The university offers over 500 student organizations, including clubs, sports teams, and community service opportunities.
Vanderbilt Campus
Vanderbilt’s campus spans 330 acres and features a mix of gothic and modern architecture. The university’s state-of-the-art facilities include research centers, libraries, and recreational facilities.
Vanderbilt Alumni
Vanderbilt has an extensive alumni network, with graduates excelling in various fields such as business, law, medicine, and public service. Notable alumni include former Vice President Al Gore, author James Patterson, and ESPN reporter Buster Olney.
Vanderbilt Rankings
According to the 2022 U.S. News & World Report, Vanderbilt is ranked 14th among national universities. The university consistently ranks highly for its undergraduate and graduate programs, including engineering, business, and medicine.
Vanderbilt Outcomes
Vanderbilt has an impressive track record of success in placing graduates in competitive positions across various industries. According to the Class of 2020 outcomes data, 93% of graduates were employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation, with an average starting salary of $70,000.
Duke vs Vanderbilt Cost Comparison
While both Duke and Vanderbilt are considered expensive, their commitment to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students helps alleviate the burden for many families. Duke’s tuition is slightly higher at $60,244 compared to Vanderbilt’s $54,840. However, when considering the total cost of attendance, both schools are relatively similar, with Duke’s estimated cost at around $80,000 and Vanderbilt’s at $76,000.
Duke vs Vanderbilt Admissions Difficulty
Both Duke and Vanderbilt are highly selective institutions, with acceptance rates of 7.9% and 9.0%, respectively. Although the acceptance rates and SAT/ACT score ranges are similar, Duke may be slightly more competitive to gain admission due to its lower acceptance rate.
Duke vs Vanderbilt Academic Difficulty
Duke and Vanderbilt both offer rigorous academic programs and challenging curricula. Both schools have low student-faculty ratios (6:1 at Duke and 7:1 at Vanderbilt), allowing for personalized attention and support from professors. The level of academic difficulty will largely depend on the chosen major and individual student’s abilities.
Duke vs Vanderbilt Outcome Comparison
Duke and Vanderbilt both have strong outcomes for their graduates, with similar percentages of students employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation (92% at Duke and 93% at Vanderbilt). The average starting salary is also comparable, with Duke graduates earning an average of $72,000 and Vanderbilt graduates earning an average of $70,000. Ultimately, the choice between these two universities will depend on factors such as personal fit, academic interests, and financial considerations.
