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College comparison
Cornell 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 |  Cornell Ithaca, NY |  Duke Durham, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rateDuke University is more selective | 9% | 6% |
| SAT (25–75) | 1500–1570 | 1500–1570 |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 15,995 | 6,442 |
| Avg net price | $28,690 | $29,612 |
| Median earnings (10 yr)Cornell reports higher median earnings | $104,043 | $97,800 |
| Graduation rate | 95% | 97% |
| Median debt | $14,000 | $13,000 |
| Economic mobility | 2.9% | 1.6% |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Private (nonprofit) | Private (nonprofit) |
Cornell vs Duke: how they compare
Two premier private universities with distinct personalities, where the numbers reveal a trade-off between economic mobility and selectivity.
By the numbers Cornell offers a higher return on investment, with a 10-year median earnings figure of $104k and a value multiplier of 3.6x earnings per dollar of net price ($29k), outperforming Duke's $98k earnings and 3.3x multiplier on a $30k net price. Cornell also excels in economic mobility, with a rate of 291% versus Duke's 160%. Duke is more selective (6% vs. 9% acceptance) and has slightly higher graduation rates (97% vs. 95%). Both share identical SAT midranges (1500–1570). Cornell shows greater stability in admissions (39% admit-rate volatility vs. 32%) and a stronger institutional financial health score (2.7/3 vs. 2.3/3). For producing future STEM PhDs, Cornell's yield of 9 edges out Duke's 7.9.
Where they overlap Both are highly selective, research-intensive universities with strong pre-professional outcomes. They provide comparable financial value and security services, and both feed graduates into high-earning careers.
How they differ Culturally, they diverge significantly. Cornell is frequently described as having an intense academic environment with a pronounced pre-professional focus. Duke is often perceived as having a more relaxed social atmosphere. Cornell's larger, more varied student body differs from Duke's social scene. Their settings also differ: Cornell is in a classic college town (Ithaca), while Duke is in a midsize city (Durham) with a warmer climate.
Who each suits Cornell suits the driven student who prioritizes high economic mobility and a powerful return on investment and thrives in a rigorous academic setting within a classic college town. Duke is a match for the high-achieving student who seeks a collegiate experience with a strong social scene and prefers a warmer climate within a growing city.
Editorial overview — a qualitative summary of culture and fit, reviewed for accuracy. Not a ranking or a guarantee.
Quick answers
- Is Cornell University or Duke University harder to get into?
- Duke University is more selective: Cornell University's acceptance rate is approximately 9% and Duke University's is approximately 6% (estimates from public and primary sources).
- What SAT score do you need for Cornell University vs Duke University?
- The middle-50% SAT range is 1500–1570 at Cornell 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.