Columbia University vs Duke University: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for Columbia University and Duke University, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Columbia University vs Duke University at a glance
Columbia University admits 4% of applicants and Duke University 5.7% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $15,370 at Columbia University and $23,706 at Duke University. Six-year graduation rates are 95.2% and 96.1%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- Columbia University admits 4% of applicants and Duke University 5.7%, so Columbia University is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $15,370 a year at Columbia University and $23,706 at Duke University; Columbia University costs $8,336 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $2,275 at Columbia University and $6,652 at Duke University.
- 95.2% of students graduate within six years at Columbia University, against 96.1% at Duke University.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $109,430 for Columbia University and $113,937 for Duke University; Duke University is $4,507 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $20,500 at Columbia University and $13,000 at Duke University.
- Columbia University enrolls 8,973 students (large city) and Duke University 6,442 (large city).
Side by side
Columbia University and Duke University in numbers
The stronger figure in each cost and outcome row is in bold. Net price is what students who receive aid pay after grants; your own price depends on family income.
| Measure | Columbia University | Duke University |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 4% | 5.7% |
| Applicants | 61,110 | 49,703 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1510–1580 | 1500–1570 |
| ACT middle 50% | 34–35 | 34–35 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $15,370 | $23,706 |
| Tuition, in state | $74,180 | $72,795 |
| Tuition, out of state | $74,180 | $72,795 |
| Cost of attendance | $92,198 | $90,696 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $2,275 | $6,652 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $4,020 | Not reported |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $4,878 | $4,608 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $8,881 | $16,813 |
| Over $110,000 | $40,931 | $48,954 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 95.2% | 96.1% |
| First-year retention | 98% | 97.9% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $109,430 | $113,937 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $20,500 | $13,000 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $233 | $148 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 8,973 | 6,442 |
| Type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Setting | City: Large | City: Large |
| Location | New York, NY | Durham, NC |
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Bachelor's programs both offer
Columbia University reports 69 bachelor's programs and Duke University 63; 43 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about Columbia University vs Duke University
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into Columbia University or Duke University?
Columbia University is harder to get into by acceptance rate: Columbia University admits 4% of applicants and Duke University admits 5.7%. Middle 50% SAT scores: Columbia University 1510–1580; Duke University 1500–1570.
Which is cheaper, Columbia University or Duke University?
Columbia University has the lower average net price after grants: $15,370 a year at Columbia University against $23,706 at Duke University. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $2,275 and $6,652. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do Columbia University or Duke University graduates earn more?
Duke University graduates earn more at the median: $109,430 ten years after entry for Columbia University and $113,937 for Duke University. Median federal debt at graduation is $20,500 and $13,000.
Which has a higher graduation rate, Columbia University or Duke University?
Duke University does: 95.2% of Columbia University students graduate within six years, against 96.1% at Duke University.
How big are Columbia University and Duke University?
Columbia University has 8,973 students in New York, NY and Duke University has 6,442 students in Durham, NC.