Loading…
College comparison
Duke vs Vanderbilt
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 |  Vanderbilt Nashville, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rateDuke University is more selective | 6% | 6% |
| SAT (25–75) | 1500–1570 | 1500–1570 |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 6,442 | 7,208 |
| Avg net price | $29,612 | $15,846 |
| Median earnings (10 yr)Duke reports higher median earnings | $97,800 | $91,565 |
| Graduation rate | 97% | 94% |
| Median debt | $13,000 | $14,000 |
| Economic mobility | 1.6% | 1.5% |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Private (nonprofit) | Private (nonprofit) |
Duke vs Vanderbilt: how they compare
Two elite, highly selective private universities with distinct cultures and financial profiles.
By the numbers Based on AdmitQuant’s verified data, both universities share a 6% acceptance rate and identical SAT 25–75 percentile ranges (1500–1570), indicating near-identical selectivity. Financially, Vanderbilt’s average net price of $16k is notably lower than Duke’s $30k, translating to a value multiplier of 5.8× earnings per dollar of net price (vs. Duke’s 3.3×). Post-graduation, Duke’s 10-year median earnings are $98k compared to Vanderbilt’s $92k. Duke shows stronger upward-mobility metrics (economic-mobility rate 160% vs. 147%) and greater institutional stability (admit-rate volatility 32% vs. Vanderbilt’s 91%). Duke also graduates a slightly higher percentage of students (97% vs. 94%) and holds a DOE financial-health score of 2.3/3 (Vanderbilt’s not provided).
Where they overlap Both are highly collaborative, residential research universities located in city settings. They attract academically driven, socially engaged students and offer strong pre-professional pathways, particularly in pre-med and business.
How they differ Culturally, Duke is described as more campus-centric and school-spirit-driven, heavily shaped by basketball and residential life, with Greek life playing a role. Vanderbilt, while also socially active, integrates more with its vibrant hometown of Nashville, marketing the city as a key part of the student experience, and maintains non-residential Greek houses.
Who each suits Duke suits students seeking a tight-knit, spirited campus community where tradition and athletics are central, and who may prioritize very high graduation rates and strong economic-mobility outcomes. Vanderbilt is ideal for students wanting a dynamic urban college experience in a major music and business hub, often at a significantly lower net price, valuing metropolitan access alongside a rigorous academic environment.
Quick answers
- Is Duke University or Vanderbilt University harder to get into?
- Duke University is more selective: Duke University's acceptance rate is approximately 6% and Vanderbilt University's is approximately 6% (estimates from public and primary sources).
- What SAT score do you need for Duke University vs Vanderbilt University?
- The middle-50% SAT range is 1500–1570 at Duke University and 1500–1570 at Vanderbilt 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.