Duke University vs UNC: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for Duke University and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Duke University vs UNC at a glance
Duke University admits 5.7% of applicants and UNC 15.3% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $23,706 at Duke University and $11,305 at UNC. Six-year graduation rates are 96.1% and 91.1%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- Duke University admits 5.7% of applicants and UNC 15.3%, so Duke University is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $23,706 a year at Duke University and $11,305 at UNC; UNC costs $12,401 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $6,652 at Duke University and $2,212 at UNC.
- 96.1% of students graduate within six years at Duke University, against 91.1% at UNC.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $113,937 for Duke University and $81,094 for UNC; Duke University is $32,843 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $13,000 at Duke University and $12,086 at UNC.
- Duke University enrolls 6,442 students (large city) and UNC 20,752 (small city).
- Duke University is a private nonprofit college and UNC is a public college.
Side by side
Duke University and UNC 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 | Duke University | UNC |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 5.7% | 15.3% |
| Applicants | 49,703 | 50,729 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1500–1570 | 1390–1530 |
| ACT middle 50% | 34–35 | 28–34 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $23,706 | $11,305 |
| Tuition, in state | $72,795 | $9,095 |
| Tuition, out of state | $72,795 | $45,228 |
| Cost of attendance | $90,696 | $26,949 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $6,652 | $2,212 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | Not reported | $2,989 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $4,608 | $6,761 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $16,813 | $12,883 |
| Over $110,000 | $48,954 | $24,276 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 96.1% | 91.1% |
| First-year retention | 97.9% | 96.6% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $113,937 | $81,094 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $13,000 | $12,086 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $148 | $137 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 6,442 | 20,752 |
| Type | Private nonprofit | Public |
| Setting | City: Large | City: Small |
| Location | Durham, NC | Chapel Hill, 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
Duke University reports 63 bachelor's programs and UNC 51; 32 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about Duke University vs UNC
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into Duke University or UNC?
Duke University is harder to get into by acceptance rate: Duke University admits 5.7% of applicants and UNC admits 15.3%. Middle 50% SAT scores: Duke University 1500–1570; UNC 1390–1530.
Which is cheaper, Duke University or UNC?
UNC has the lower average net price after grants: $23,706 a year at Duke University against $11,305 at UNC. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $6,652 and $2,212. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do Duke University or UNC graduates earn more?
Duke University graduates earn more at the median: $113,937 ten years after entry for Duke University and $81,094 for UNC. Median federal debt at graduation is $13,000 and $12,086.
Which has a higher graduation rate, Duke University or UNC?
Duke University does: 96.1% of Duke University students graduate within six years, against 91.1% at UNC.
How big are Duke University and UNC?
Duke University has 6,442 students in Durham, NC and UNC has 20,752 students in Chapel Hill, NC.