Stanford University vs Duke University: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for Stanford University and Duke University, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Stanford University vs Duke University at a glance
Stanford University admits 3.6% of applicants and Duke University 5.7% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $12,307 at Stanford University and $23,706 at Duke University. Six-year graduation rates are 91.6% and 96.1%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- Stanford University admits 3.6% of applicants and Duke University 5.7%, so Stanford University is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $12,307 a year at Stanford University and $23,706 at Duke University; Stanford University costs $11,399 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $1,067 at Stanford University and $6,652 at Duke University.
- 91.6% of students graduate within six years at Stanford University, against 96.1% at Duke University.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $125,340 for Stanford University and $113,937 for Duke University; Stanford University is $11,403 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $10,750 at Stanford University and $13,000 at Duke University.
- Stanford University enrolls 7,554 students (large suburb) and Duke University 6,442 (large city).
Side by side
Stanford 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 | Stanford University | Duke University |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 3.6% | 5.7% |
| Applicants | 55,471 | 49,703 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1510–1580 | 1500–1570 |
| ACT middle 50% | 34–35 | 34–35 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $12,307 | $23,706 |
| Tuition, in state | $68,544 | $72,795 |
| Tuition, out of state | $68,544 | $72,795 |
| Cost of attendance | $92,892 | $90,696 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $1,067 | $6,652 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | Not reported | $4,608 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $6,603 | $16,813 |
| Over $110,000 | $47,575 | $48,954 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 91.6% | 96.1% |
| First-year retention | 98.2% | 97.9% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $125,340 | $113,937 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $10,750 | $13,000 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $122 | $148 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 7,554 | 6,442 |
| Type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Setting | Suburb: Large | City: Large |
| Location | Stanford, CA | 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
Stanford University reports 52 bachelor's programs and Duke University 63; 34 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about Stanford University vs Duke University
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into Stanford University or Duke University?
Stanford University is harder to get into by acceptance rate: Stanford University admits 3.6% of applicants and Duke University admits 5.7%. Middle 50% SAT scores: Stanford University 1510–1580; Duke University 1500–1570.
Which is cheaper, Stanford University or Duke University?
Stanford University has the lower average net price after grants: $12,307 a year at Stanford University against $23,706 at Duke University. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $1,067 and $6,652. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do Stanford University or Duke University graduates earn more?
Stanford University graduates earn more at the median: $125,340 ten years after entry for Stanford University and $113,937 for Duke University. Median federal debt at graduation is $10,750 and $13,000.
Which has a higher graduation rate, Stanford University or Duke University?
Duke University does: 91.6% of Stanford University students graduate within six years, against 96.1% at Duke University.
How big are Stanford University and Duke University?
Stanford University has 7,554 students in Stanford, CA and Duke University has 6,442 students in Durham, NC.