Princeton University vs Duke University: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for Princeton University and Duke University, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Princeton University vs Duke University at a glance
Princeton University admits 4.6% of applicants and Duke University 5.7% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $7,815 at Princeton University and $23,706 at Duke University. Six-year graduation rates are 97.4% and 96.1%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- Princeton University admits 4.6% of applicants and Duke University 5.7%, so Princeton University is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $7,815 a year at Princeton University and $23,706 at Duke University; Princeton University costs $15,891 less a year.
- 97.4% of students graduate within six years at Princeton University, against 96.1% at Duke University.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $133,523 for Princeton University and $113,937 for Duke University; Princeton University is $19,586 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $12,400 at Princeton University and $13,000 at Duke University.
- Princeton University enrolls 5,709 students (small city) and Duke University 6,442 (large city).
Side by side
Princeton 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 | Princeton University | Duke University |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 4.6% | 5.7% |
| Applicants | 37,601 | 49,703 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1510–1580 | 1500–1570 |
| ACT middle 50% | 34–35 | 34–35 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $7,815 | $23,706 |
| Tuition, in state | $65,510 | $72,795 |
| Tuition, out of state | $65,510 | $72,795 |
| Cost of attendance | $87,888 | $90,696 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | Not reported | $6,652 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $795 | Not reported |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $1,346 | $4,608 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $4,761 | $16,813 |
| Over $110,000 | $38,927 | $48,954 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 97.4% | 96.1% |
| First-year retention | 98.4% | 97.9% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $133,523 | $113,937 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $12,400 | $13,000 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $141 | $148 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 5,709 | 6,442 |
| Type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Setting | City: Small | City: Large |
| Location | Princeton, NJ | 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
Princeton University reports 36 bachelor's programs and Duke University 63; 31 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about Princeton University vs Duke University
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into Princeton University or Duke University?
Princeton University is harder to get into by acceptance rate: Princeton University admits 4.6% of applicants and Duke University admits 5.7%. Middle 50% SAT scores: Princeton University 1510–1580; Duke University 1500–1570.
Which is cheaper, Princeton University or Duke University?
Princeton University has the lower average net price after grants: $7,815 a year at Princeton University against $23,706 at Duke University. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do Princeton University or Duke University graduates earn more?
Princeton University graduates earn more at the median: $133,523 ten years after entry for Princeton University and $113,937 for Duke University. Median federal debt at graduation is $12,400 and $13,000.
Which has a higher graduation rate, Princeton University or Duke University?
Princeton University does: 97.4% of Princeton University students graduate within six years, against 96.1% at Duke University.
How big are Princeton University and Duke University?
Princeton University has 5,709 students in Princeton, NJ and Duke University has 6,442 students in Durham, NC.