College Comparison
Cornell 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
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY
School
Duke University
Durham, NC
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Cornell | Duke |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 8.2% | 6.8%wins |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1480–1560 | 1510–1570wins |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 33–35 | 34–35wins |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $66,014 | $65,805wins |
| Avg Net Price | $32,337wins | $34,454 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $104,043wins | $97,800 |
| Graduation Rate | 95.1% | 95.8%wins |
| Retention Rate | 97.8%wins | 96.2% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 9:1 | 6:1wins |
| Total Enrollment | 15,935wins | 6,417 |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Duke edges out Cornell on 6 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.
Cornell Strengths
- ✓Avg Net Price: $32,337
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $104,043
- ✓Retention Rate: 97.8%
- ✓Total Enrollment: 15,935
Duke Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 6.8%
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1510–1570
- ✓ACT Range (25th–75th): 34–35
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $65,805
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