College Comparison
Duke University vs University of Colorado Boulder: Which is Better?
Side-by-side comparison of acceptance rates, SAT scores, tuition, earnings, and more, updated with the latest College Scorecard data.
School
Duke University
Durham, NC
School
University of Colorado Boulder
Boulder, CO
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Duke | CU Boulder |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 6.8%wins | 83.3% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1510–1570wins | 1230–1420 |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 34–35wins | 28–33 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $65,805 | $41,943wins |
| Avg Net Price | $34,454 | $21,480wins |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $97,800wins | $69,738 |
| Graduation Rate | 95.8%wins | 75.0% |
| Retention Rate | 96.2%wins | 89.2% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 6:1wins | 19:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 6,417 | 31,578wins |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Duke edges out CU Boulder 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.
Duke Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 6.8%
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1510–1570
- ✓ACT Range (25th–75th): 34–35
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $97,800
CU Boulder Strengths
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $41,943
- ✓Avg Net Price: $21,480
- ✓Total Enrollment: 31,578
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