Duke University vs Wake Forest University: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for Duke University and Wake Forest University, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Duke University vs Wake Forest University at a glance
Duke University admits 5.7% of applicants and Wake Forest University 21.7% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $23,706 at Duke University and $28,165 at Wake Forest University. Six-year graduation rates are 96.1% and 90.3%, 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 Wake Forest University 21.7%, so Duke University is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $23,706 a year at Duke University and $28,165 at Wake Forest University; Duke University costs $4,459 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $6,652 at Duke University and $6,242 at Wake Forest University.
- 96.1% of students graduate within six years at Duke University, against 90.3% at Wake Forest University.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $113,937 for Duke University and $104,443 for Wake Forest University; Duke University is $9,494 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $13,000 at Duke University and $19,500 at Wake Forest University.
- Duke University enrolls 6,442 students (large city) and Wake Forest University 5,485 (midsize city).
Side by side
Duke University and Wake Forest 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 | Duke University | Wake Forest University |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 5.7% | 21.7% |
| Applicants | 49,703 | 15,156 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1500–1570 | 1410–1520 |
| ACT middle 50% | 34–35 | 32–34 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $23,706 | $28,165 |
| Tuition, in state | $72,795 | $70,332 |
| Tuition, out of state | $72,795 | $70,332 |
| Cost of attendance | $90,696 | $91,202 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $6,652 | $6,242 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | Not reported | $6,576 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $4,608 | $14,876 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $16,813 | $13,571 |
| Over $110,000 | $48,954 | $65,247 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 96.1% | 90.3% |
| First-year retention | 97.9% | 92.6% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $113,937 | $104,443 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $13,000 | $19,500 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $148 | $222 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 6,442 | 5,485 |
| Type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Setting | City: Large | City: Midsize |
| Location | Durham, NC | Winston-Salem, 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 Wake Forest University 39; 26 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about Duke University vs Wake Forest University
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into Duke University or Wake Forest University?
Duke University is harder to get into by acceptance rate: Duke University admits 5.7% of applicants and Wake Forest University admits 21.7%. Middle 50% SAT scores: Duke University 1500–1570; Wake Forest University 1410–1520.
Which is cheaper, Duke University or Wake Forest University?
Duke University has the lower average net price after grants: $23,706 a year at Duke University against $28,165 at Wake Forest University. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $6,652 and $6,242. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do Duke University or Wake Forest University graduates earn more?
Duke University graduates earn more at the median: $113,937 ten years after entry for Duke University and $104,443 for Wake Forest University. Median federal debt at graduation is $13,000 and $19,500.
Which has a higher graduation rate, Duke University or Wake Forest University?
Duke University does: 96.1% of Duke University students graduate within six years, against 90.3% at Wake Forest University.
How big are Duke University and Wake Forest University?
Duke University has 6,442 students in Durham, NC and Wake Forest University has 5,485 students in Winston-Salem, NC.