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College comparison
Brown vs Duke
A side-by-side of acceptance rate, test scores, and cost — source-cited estimates, not guarantees. Want the number that actually matters for your student? Model your admit odds at each.
| Metric |  Brown Providence, RI |  Duke Durham, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rateBrown University is more selective | 5% | 6% |
| SAT (25–75) | 1510–1580 | 1500–1570 |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 7,226 | 6,442 |
| Avg net price | $25,184 | $29,612 |
| Median earnings (10 yr)Duke reports higher median earnings | $93,487 | $97,800 |
| Graduation rate | 96% | 97% |
| Median debt | $11,428 | $13,000 |
| Economic mobility | 1.5% | 1.6% |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Private (nonprofit) | Private (nonprofit) |
Brown vs Duke: how they compare
Brown and Duke are both highly selective universities with strong outcomes, but they cater to distinct student temperaments and campus cultures.
By the numbers Both are comparably selective (Brown 5% vs. Duke 6% acceptance) with near-identical SAT ranges (Brown 1510–1580, Duke 1500–1570). Outcomes are strong: Duke's 10-year median earnings are slightly higher ($98k vs. $93k), but Brown offers a better financial value, delivering 3.7x earnings per dollar of net price versus Duke's 3.3x, partly due to Brown's lower average net price ($25k vs. $30k). On economic mobility, Duke has a slight edge (160% vs. 155% rate). Brown shows higher admit-rate volatility (48% vs. 32%) but a stronger DOE financial health score (3.0/3 vs. 2.3/3). Both have stellar graduation rates (Brown 96%, Duke 97%), and Brown produces slightly more future science/engineering PhDs per capita (8.4 vs. 7.9 yield).
Where they overlap They share a city setting, a strong undergraduate focus within a research university, and a commitment to student support, evidenced by high graduation rates and significant economic mobility.
How they differ The campus cultures diverge sharply. Duke is described as high-energy, school-spirited, and socially centralized, with a "work hard, play hard" ethos and a strong athletic presence. Brown’s culture is characterized as more relaxed, artsy, and politically engaged, with a focus on creative projects and activism over organized social scenes.
Who each suits Duke suits students who thrive in a vibrant, spirited campus community with a blend of top-tier academics and a strong social pulse. Brown is ideal for independent, self-directed students who prefer a less prescriptive, open curriculum in a laid-back, intellectually curious environment where activism and the arts are prominent.
Editorial overview — a qualitative summary of culture and fit, reviewed for accuracy. Not a ranking or a guarantee.
Quick answers
- Is Brown University or Duke University harder to get into?
- Brown University is more selective: Brown University's acceptance rate is approximately 5% and Duke University's is approximately 6% (estimates from public and primary sources).
- What SAT score do you need for Brown University vs Duke University?
- The middle-50% SAT range is 1510–1580 at Brown University and 1500–1570 at Duke University. Scores outside these bands are still admitted, especially with strong applications.
Figures are estimates compiled from public datasets (College Scorecard / IPEDS) and primary sources; verify with each institution before relying on them.
These outputs are estimates from a baseline model — not guarantees of admission, cost, or outcome.