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College comparison
Duke vs UChicago
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 |  UChicago Chicago, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rateUniversity of Chicago is more selective | 6% | 4% |
| SAT (25–75) | 1500–1570 | 1510–1580 |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 6,442 | 7,569 |
| Avg net price | $29,612 | $14,860 |
| Median earnings (10 yr)Duke reports higher median earnings | $97,800 | $91,885 |
| Graduation rate | 97% | 96% |
| Median debt | $13,000 | $15,000 |
| Economic mobility | 1.6% | 1.9% |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Private (nonprofit) | Private (nonprofit) |
Duke vs UChicago: how they compare
Duke and Chicago represent two distinct approaches to elite education, one blending collegiate spirit with top-tier research, the other offering intense intellectualism and strong financial value.
By the numbers AdmitQuant's verified data shows a clear quantitative contrast. University of Chicago is more selective (4% vs. 6% acceptance) with a slightly higher test-score band (SAT 1510–1580 vs. 1500–1570). It delivers strong financial value, with an average net price of $15k generating 6.2x earnings per dollar, compared to Duke University's $30k net price and 3.3x multiplier. Chicago also shows a higher economic-mobility rate (194% vs. 160%) and a stronger future-scholar yield (12 vs. 7.9 S&E PhDs per 100 grads). Duke shows higher 10-year median earnings ($98k vs. $92k), a slightly higher graduation rate (97% vs. 96%), and more stable admissions (32% vs. 56% admit-rate volatility). Duke also holds a DOE financial-health score of 2.3 out of 3.
Where they overlap Both are highly selective private research universities located in major city settings, offering rigorous academics and strong outcomes. They attract high-achieving students and produce graduates with solid earning potential and trajectories into advanced scholarship.
How they differ The campus cultures are distinct. Duke is noted for a school-spirit culture anchored by basketball and a more conventional collegiate social environment. The University of Chicago is characterized by its intense academic focus, attracting students with strong intellectual interests, and has a more limited sports culture. The social atmosphere at Chicago is often seen as less mainstream.
Who each suits Consider Duke University if you seek an experience where academics coexist with a vibrant, school-spirited campus life. Consider the University of Chicago if you prioritize a fiercely intellectual atmosphere where academic rigor is central, and if the financial value and scholarly pipeline are important factors.
Editorial overview — a qualitative summary of culture and fit, reviewed for accuracy. Not a ranking or a guarantee.
Quick answers
- Is Duke University or University of Chicago harder to get into?
- University of Chicago is more selective: Duke University's acceptance rate is approximately 6% and University of Chicago's is approximately 4% (estimates from public and primary sources).
- What SAT score do you need for Duke University vs University of Chicago?
- The middle-50% SAT range is 1500–1570 at Duke University and 1510–1580 at University of Chicago. 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.