College Comparison
USC 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
USC
Los Angeles, CA
School
Duke University
Durham, NC
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | USC | Duke |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 10.0% | 6.8%wins |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1440–1550 | 1510–1570wins |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 32–35 | 34–35wins |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $68,237 | $65,805wins |
| Avg Net Price | $31,927wins | $34,454 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $92,498 | $97,800wins |
| Graduation Rate | 92.0% | 95.8%wins |
| Retention Rate | 96.5%wins | 96.2% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 9:1 | 6:1wins |
| Total Enrollment | 20,817wins | 6,417 |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Duke edges out USC 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.
USC Strengths
- ✓Avg Net Price: $31,927
- ✓Retention Rate: 96.5%
- ✓Total Enrollment: 20,817
Duke Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 6.8%
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1510–1570
- ✓ACT Range (25th–75th): 34–35
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $65,805
Want a deeper comparison?
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