Skip to content
CollegeRanker

Compare

Princeton University vs Duke University

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

27
Princeton Wins
9
Tied / N/A
10
Duke Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Private nonprofit
Urban
Setting
Urban
Mid-Atlantic
Region
Southeast
5,709
Enrollment
6,442
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

5%
Acceptance Rate
6%
1553
SAT Average
1548
34
ACT Midpoint
34
1510-1580
SAT Range
1500-1570

Cost & Financial Aid

$62,688
In-State Tuition
$68,758
$62,688
Out-of-State Tuition
$68,758
$6,128
Average Net Price
$29,612
$41
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$735
$352
Net Price ($30-48K)
$-361
$1,217
Net Price ($48-75K)
$5,706
$36,094
Net Price ($110K+)
$54,230
19%
Pell Grant Rate
14%
2%
Federal Loan Rate
14%

Academics

97%
Graduation Rate
96%
98%
Retention Rate
98%
87%
Full-Time Faculty
94%
$25,354
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$19,001
28%
First-Gen Students
13%

Student Body

51%
Female
55%
34%
White
35%
10%
Hispanic
11%
9%
Black
9%
23%
Asian
22%
0.79
Diversity Index
0.79

Outcomes

$87,815
Earnings (6yr)
$85,792
$112,152
Earnings (8yr)
$95,882
$110,066
Earnings (10yr)
$97,800
$10,320
Median Debt
$13,000
0.09x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.13x
83%
Earning Above HS
89%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

134.58%
Mobility Rate
160.26%
6586.5%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
5039.1%
204.3%
From Bottom 20%
318.0%
$218,100
Parent Median Income
$196,000

Social Capital

1.88
Economic Connectedness
1.72
-0.00
Friending Bias
0.03
10.8%
Volunteering Rate
8.3%

Research (Times HE)

#5
World Rank
#24
90.9
Teaching Score
66.8
95.4
Research Score
71.5
99.9
Citations Score
92.3

The Overviews

Princeton University

Princeton, NJ · Private nonprofit

5% accept 97% grad $110,066 earnings $6,128 net

With an acceptance rate of just 5%, Princeton University is not for everyone, but for those who make the cut, it’s a place where ambition meets opportunity. The school attracts bright minds, particularly in fields like Social Sciences, Engineering, Computer Science, and Biology. Students here are often deeply engaged in their studies, working alongside faculty who are leaders in their fields. This kind of environment fosters not just learning but also a strong sense of community among peers.

After graduation, the benefits of attending Princeton are clear. Alumni can expect an impressive average earning of $110,066 within a decade of finishing their degrees. This speaks volumes about the value of a Princeton education, especially when considering the high graduation rate of 97%. The school’s focus on producing skilled graduates who excel in their careers contributes significantly to their long-term success.

When it comes to finances, the net price after aid is manageable at $6,128, and the median debt stands at $10,320. This means many graduates leave with a realistic financial outlook, allowing them to focus on their careers rather than being weighed down by overwhelming debt. Students who thrive here often come from diverse backgrounds, bringing a variety of perspectives that enhance classroom discussions and campus life.

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.

Sponsored

Compare Accredited Programs Accepting Applicants

Matched to high-demand fields — request info, free.

Ad