College Comparison
Boston University 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
Boston University
Boston, MA
School
Duke University
Durham, NC
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Boston University | Duke |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 10.8% | 6.8%wins |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1400–1520 | 1510–1570wins |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 32–34 | 34–35wins |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $65,168wins | $65,805 |
| Avg Net Price | $26,996wins | $34,454 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $83,238 | $97,800wins |
| Graduation Rate | 90.0% | 95.8%wins |
| Retention Rate | 94.5% | 96.2%wins |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 10:1 | 6:1wins |
| Total Enrollment | 17,850wins | 6,417 |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Duke edges out Boston University on 7 of 10 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.
Boston University Strengths
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $65,168
- ✓Avg Net Price: $26,996
- ✓Total Enrollment: 17,850
Duke Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 6.8%
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1510–1570
- ✓ACT Range (25th–75th): 34–35
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $97,800
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