College Research

CollegesRankingsMajors

College Comparison

Boston University vs Duke University

Compare acceptance rates, costs, test scores, graduation rates, and more to find your best fit.

Boston University
#60
Boston University
Boston, MA
Private
Duke University
#6
Duke University
Durham, NC
Private
At a Glance

Type

Private

Private

Location

Boston, MA

Durham, NC

Total Enrollment

37,737

17,499

Undergrad Enrollment

18,805

6,523

Student-Faculty Ratio

10:1

5:1


Admissions

Acceptance Rate

11.1%

5.7%

Average GPA

3.79

4.00

SAT Range

1420–1530

1500–1570

ACT Range

32–34

34–35

Test Policy

Optional

Optional

Application Fee

$80

$85

Total Applicants

78,769

51,795


Cost & Value

Sticker Price

$80,070

$78,563

Avg Net Price

$26,996

$34,454

Tuition (In-State)

$61,050

$60,435

Tuition (Out-of-State)

$61,050

$60,435

Room & Board

$19,020

$18,128

% Receiving Aid

49.0%

43.0%

Avg Grant Amount

$61,848

$65,522


Outcomes

6-Year Grad Rate

88.0%

96.0%

4-Year Grad Rate

83.0%

90.0%

Retention Rate

95.0%

98.0%

Median Earnings (10yr)

$83,238

$97,800

More Comparisons
Explore by Location

Boston is in Boston, MA

Want to compare different schools?
Frequently Asked Questions

Boston University has an acceptance rate of 11%, while Duke University has an acceptance rate of 6%. This means Duke University is more selective than Boston University.

The average net price at Boston University is $26,996 per year, compared to $34,454 at Duke University. Boston University is $7,458 less expensive on average after financial aid.

Admitted students at Boston University typically score between 1420-1530 on the SAT (25th-75th percentile). At Duke University, the typical SAT range is 1500-1570. Scoring within or above these ranges will make you a competitive applicant.

Boston University has a graduation rate of 88%, while Duke University has a graduation rate of 96%. Duke University has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.

Boston University has a student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1, while Duke University has a ratio of 5:1. Duke University offers smaller class sizes on average, which typically means more individual attention from professors.

At Boston University, 49% of students receive financial aid with an average grant of $61,848. At Duke University, 43% of students receive aid with an average grant of $65,522.

The median earnings for Boston University graduates 10 years after enrollment is $83,238, compared to $97,800 for Duke University graduates. Graduates from Duke University tend to earn more on average, though individual outcomes vary by major and career path.

Boston University is located in Boston, MA in a city: large setting. Duke University is located in Durham, NC in a city: large setting.