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College comparison
Duke vs Northeastern
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 |  Northeastern Boston, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rateNortheastern University is more selective | 6% | 5% |
| SAT (25–75) | 1500–1570 | 1440–1540 |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 6,442 | 17,326 |
| Avg net price | $29,612 | $30,915 |
| Median earnings (10 yr)Duke reports higher median earnings | $97,800 | $92,538 |
| Graduation rate | 97% | 91% |
| Median debt | $13,000 | $24,250 |
| Economic mobility | 1.6% | 2.4% |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Private (nonprofit) | Private (nonprofit) |
Duke vs Northeastern: how they compare
Duke and Northeastern offer distinct pathways: one is a selective, established research university with deep traditions, while the other is a highly innovative, career-focused institution with exceptional economic mobility.
By the numbers Duke demonstrates higher median outcomes and stability. Its 10-year median earnings are $98k versus Northeastern's $93k, and it delivers a greater return on investment with a value of 3.3× earnings per dollar of net price versus 3.0×. Duke is more selective for its core class, with a 6% acceptance rate and a higher SAT 25-75th percentile range (1500–1570 vs. 1440–1540). However, Northeastern excels in economic mobility, with a rate of 244% compared to Duke's 160%, and boasts a perfect 3.0/3 DOE financial health score versus Duke's 2.3. Duke shows far greater stability in admissions (32% admit-rate volatility) than Northeastern (284%). Duke also has a higher graduation rate (97% vs. 91%).
Where they overlap Both are private, urban universities with strong pre-professional orientations, particularly in fields like business, engineering, and health sciences. They attract ambitious, career-minded students and offer city settings that provide extensive internship and networking opportunities.
How they differ Duke is a highly selective research university, with a campus culture that emphasizes intellectual exploration and collegiate traditions. Northeastern’s identity is built around its pioneering co-op model, creating a pre-professional and cyclical campus atmosphere where academic terms alternate with full-time work experiences. This makes student life less centered on a continuous, traditional campus rhythm.
Who each suits Duke suits a student seeking a balanced college experience with robust academics and strong research opportunities. Northeastern is ideal for a highly independent, career-focused student who prioritizes gaining professional work experience through co-ops and values innovation and economic mobility.
Editorial overview — a qualitative summary of culture and fit, reviewed for accuracy. Not a ranking or a guarantee.
Quick answers
- Is Duke University or Northeastern University harder to get into?
- Northeastern University is more selective: Duke University's acceptance rate is approximately 6% and Northeastern University's is approximately 5% (estimates from public and primary sources).
- What SAT score do you need for Duke University vs Northeastern University?
- The middle-50% SAT range is 1500–1570 at Duke University and 1440–1540 at Northeastern 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.