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College comparison
Duke vs Harvard
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 |  Duke Durham, NC |  Harvard Cambridge, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rateHarvard University is more selective | 6% | 4% |
| SAT (25–75) | 1500–1570 | 1510–1580 |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 6,442 | 7,601 |
| Avg net price | $29,612 | $19,066 |
| Median earnings (10 yr)Harvard reports higher median earnings | $97,800 | $101,817 |
| Graduation rate | 97% | 98% |
| Median debt | $13,000 | $14,000 |
| Economic mobility | 1.6% | 1.8% |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Private (nonprofit) | Private (nonprofit) |
Duke vs Harvard: how they compare
Duke and Harvard are both highly selective private universities, but they offer distinct campus experiences.
By the numbers Harvard demonstrates a stronger financial proposition and slightly higher outcomes. Its value ratio (5.3x earnings per dollar of net price) significantly outpaces Duke's (3.3x), driven by a lower average net price ($19k vs. $30k) and slightly higher 10-year median earnings ($102k vs. $98k). Harvard also edges out Duke in selectivity (4% vs. 6% acceptance), economic mobility (176% vs. 160%), DOE financial health (2.8 vs. 2.3), future-scholar yield (9.5 vs. 7.9), and graduation rate (98% vs. 97%). Their student academic profiles are nearly identical, with Harvard's SAT 25-75 percentile range just 10 points higher (1510–1580 vs. 1500–1570). Duke's admit-rate volatility is lower (32% vs. 48%), suggesting more predictable year-to-year admissions.
Where they overlap Both are located in city settings with very high graduation rates and strong long-term financial health. They produce graduates with high earning potential and a notable pipeline into graduate study.
How they differ Culturally, the environments diverge. Duke is described as having a more campus-centered social life with strong school spirit. Harvard is characterized as more decentralized and urban, integrating more directly into the Boston area.
Who each suits Duke suits a student seeking a traditional, spirited campus experience with a close-knit community. Harvard is the fit for a student drawn to its global recognition and a more independent environment within a major metropolitan area.
Editorial overview — a qualitative summary of culture and fit, reviewed for accuracy. Not a ranking or a guarantee.
Quick answers
- Is Duke University or Harvard University harder to get into?
- Harvard University is more selective: Duke University's acceptance rate is approximately 6% and Harvard University's is approximately 4% (estimates from public and primary sources).
- What SAT score do you need for Duke University vs Harvard University?
- The middle-50% SAT range is 1500–1570 at Duke University and 1510–1580 at Harvard 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.