College Comparison
Duke University vs Wake Forest 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
Duke University
Durham, NC
School
Wake Forest University
Winston-Salem, NC
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Duke | Wake Forest |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 6.8%wins | 21.6% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1510–1570wins | 1390–1510 |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 34–35wins | 32–34 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $65,805 | $64,758wins |
| Avg Net Price | $34,454 | $28,746wins |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $97,800wins | $78,158 |
| Graduation Rate | 95.8%wins | 90.9% |
| Retention Rate | 96.2%wins | 94.7% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 6:1wins | 9:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 6,417wins | 5,471 |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Duke edges out Wake Forest on 8 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
Wake Forest Strengths
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $64,758
- ✓Avg Net Price: $28,746
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