College Comparison
UC Berkeley vs Duke University: Which is Better?
Side-by-side comparison of acceptance rates, SAT scores, tuition, earnings, and more, updated with the latest College Scorecard data.
School
UC Berkeley
Berkeley, CA
School
Duke University
Durham, NC
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | UC Berkeley | Duke |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 11.7% | 6.8%wins |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | N/A | 1510–1570wins |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | N/A | 34–35 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $45,627wins | $65,805 |
| Avg Net Price | $14,979wins | $34,454 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $92,446 | $97,800wins |
| Graduation Rate | 92.9% | 95.8%wins |
| Retention Rate | 96.8%wins | 96.2% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 18:1 | 6:1wins |
| Total Enrollment | 33,073wins | 6,417 |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Duke edges out UC Berkeley on 5 of 9 measurable categories, including key factors like acceptance rate, earnings, and graduation rate. That said, the right choice depends heavily on your major, financial situation, and campus culture fit.
UC Berkeley Strengths
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $45,627
- ✓Avg Net Price: $14,979
- ✓Retention Rate: 96.8%
- ✓Total Enrollment: 33,073
Duke Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 6.8%
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1510–1570
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $97,800
- ✓Graduation Rate: 95.8%
Want a deeper comparison?
Our interactive compare tool lets you add more schools, filter by major, and see financial aid breakdowns by income level.