College Comparison
Duke University vs UNC Chapel Hill: 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
UNC Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NC
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Duke | UNC Chapel Hill |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 6.8%wins | 18.7% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1510–1570wins | 1370–1530 |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 34–35wins | 30–34 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $65,805 | $39,330wins |
| Avg Net Price | $34,454 | $12,983wins |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $97,800wins | $72,200 |
| Graduation Rate | 95.8%wins | 92.1% |
| Retention Rate | 96.2% | 97.2%wins |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 6:1wins | 15:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 6,417 | 20,556wins |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Duke edges out UNC Chapel Hill 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.
Duke Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 6.8%
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1510–1570
- ✓ACT Range (25th–75th): 34–35
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $97,800
UNC Chapel Hill Strengths
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $39,330
- ✓Avg Net Price: $12,983
- ✓Retention Rate: 97.2%
- ✓Total Enrollment: 20,556
Want a deeper comparison?
Our interactive compare tool lets you add more schools, filter by major, and see financial aid breakdowns by income level.