UPenn vs Duke University: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for University of Pennsylvania and Duke University, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
UPenn vs Duke University at a glance
UPenn admits 5.4% of applicants and Duke University 5.7% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $29,577 at UPenn and $23,706 at Duke University. Six-year graduation rates are 96.9% and 96.1%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- UPenn admits 5.4% of applicants and Duke University 5.7%, so both are about equally selective.
- The average net price after grants is $29,577 a year at UPenn and $23,706 at Duke University; Duke University costs $5,871 less a year.
- 96.9% of students graduate within six years at UPenn, against 96.1% at Duke University.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $121,687 for UPenn and $113,937 for Duke University; UPenn is $7,750 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $15,000 at UPenn and $13,000 at Duke University.
- UPenn enrolls 10,650 students (large city) and Duke University 6,442 (large city).
Side by side
UPenn 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 | UPenn | Duke University |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 5.4% | 5.7% |
| Applicants | 56,332 | 49,703 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1510–1570 | 1500–1570 |
| ACT middle 50% | 34–36 | 34–35 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $29,577 | $23,706 |
| Tuition, in state | $71,236 | $72,795 |
| Tuition, out of state | $71,236 | $72,795 |
| Cost of attendance | $92,288 | $90,696 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | Not reported | $6,652 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $234 | Not reported |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $12,421 | $4,608 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $25,263 | $16,813 |
| Over $110,000 | $61,455 | $48,954 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 96.9% | 96.1% |
| First-year retention | 98.9% | 97.9% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $121,687 | $113,937 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $15,000 | $13,000 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $170 | $148 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 10,650 | 6,442 |
| Type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Setting | City: Large | City: Large |
| Location | Philadelphia, PA | 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
UPenn reports 77 bachelor's programs and Duke University 63; 43 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about UPenn vs Duke University
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into UPenn or Duke University?
UPenn is harder to get into by acceptance rate: UPenn admits 5.4% of applicants and Duke University admits 5.7%. Middle 50% SAT scores: UPenn 1510–1570; Duke University 1500–1570.
Which is cheaper, UPenn or Duke University?
Duke University has the lower average net price after grants: $29,577 a year at UPenn against $23,706 at Duke University. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do UPenn or Duke University graduates earn more?
UPenn graduates earn more at the median: $121,687 ten years after entry for UPenn and $113,937 for Duke University. Median federal debt at graduation is $15,000 and $13,000.
Which has a higher graduation rate, UPenn or Duke University?
UPenn does: 96.9% of UPenn students graduate within six years, against 96.1% at Duke University.
How big are UPenn and Duke University?
UPenn has 10,650 students in Philadelphia, PA and Duke University has 6,442 students in Durham, NC.