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College Comparison

Duke University vs Harvard University

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

Duke University
#6
Duke University
Durham, NC
Private
Harvard University
#1
Harvard University
Cambridge, MA
Private
At a Glance

Type

Private

Private

Location

Durham, NC

Cambridge, MA

Total Enrollment

17,499

30,259

Undergrad Enrollment

6,523

8,844

Student-Faculty Ratio

5:1

7:1


Admissions

Acceptance Rate

5.7%

3.6%

Average GPA

4.00

4.00

SAT Range

1500–1570

1510–1580

ACT Range

34–35

34–36

Test Policy

Optional

Optional

Application Fee

$85

$85

Total Applicants

51,795

54,008


Cost & Value

Sticker Price

$78,563

$73,849

Avg Net Price

$34,454

$16,816

Tuition (In-State)

$60,435

$52,659

Tuition (Out-of-State)

$60,435

$52,659

Room & Board

$18,128

$21,190

% Receiving Aid

43.0%

56.0%

Avg Grant Amount

$65,522

$68,015


Outcomes

6-Year Grad Rate

96.0%

97.0%

4-Year Grad Rate

90.0%

87.0%

Retention Rate

98.0%

98.0%

Median Earnings (10yr)

$97,800

$101,817

More Comparisons
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Harvard is in Cambridge, MA

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Frequently Asked Questions

Duke University has an acceptance rate of 6%, while Harvard University has an acceptance rate of 4%. This means Harvard University is more selective than Duke University.

The average net price at Duke University is $34,454 per year, compared to $16,816 at Harvard University. Harvard University is $17,638 less expensive on average after financial aid.

Admitted students at Duke University typically score between 1500-1570 on the SAT (25th-75th percentile). At Harvard University, the typical SAT range is 1510-1580. Scoring within or above these ranges will make you a competitive applicant.

Duke University has a graduation rate of 96%, while Harvard University has a graduation rate of 97%. Harvard University has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.

Duke University has a student-to-faculty ratio of 5:1, while Harvard University has a ratio of 7:1. Duke University offers smaller class sizes on average, which typically means more individual attention from professors.

At Duke University, 43% of students receive financial aid with an average grant of $65,522. At Harvard University, 56% of students receive aid with an average grant of $68,015.

The median earnings for Duke University graduates 10 years after enrollment is $97,800, compared to $101,817 for Harvard University graduates. Graduates from Harvard University tend to earn more on average, though individual outcomes vary by major and career path.

Duke University is located in Durham, NC in a city: large setting. Harvard University is located in Cambridge, MA in a city: midsize setting.