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College comparison
Duke vs Yale
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 |  Yale New Haven, CT |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rateYale University is more selective | 6% | 4% |
| SAT (25–75) | 1500–1570 | 1470–1570 |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 6,442 | 6,758 |
| Avg net price | $29,612 | $23,777 |
| Median earnings (10 yr)Yale reports higher median earnings | $97,800 | $100,533 |
| Graduation rate | 97% | 96% |
| Median debt | $13,000 | $12,975 |
| Economic mobility | 1.6% | 2.1% |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Private (nonprofit) | Private (nonprofit) |
Duke vs Yale: how they compare
Both are elite, intensely selective private universities offering distinct undergraduate experiences.
By the numbers Yale is more selective (4% vs. 6% acceptance) and demonstrates superior financial strength (DOE score 3.0/3 vs. 2.3/3). It also offers stronger economic mobility (208% vs. 160% rate) and a higher return on investment (4.2x vs. 3.3x earnings per dollar of net price), partly due to a lower average net price ($24k vs. $30k). Post-graduation, Yale’s 10-year median earnings are slightly higher ($101k vs. $98k), and it produces future STEM PhDs at a marginally higher rate (8.4 vs. 7.9 yield). Duke’s admit rate is less volatile (32% vs. 52% volatility) and it edges Yale in graduation rate (97% vs. 96%). Both have nearly identical, top-tier SAT ranges (Duke 1500–1570, Yale 1470–1570).
Where they overlap They are peer institutions with world-class resources, strong graduation outcomes, and a shared commitment to undergraduate community through residential college systems. Both are located in city settings, providing access to urban amenities alongside a defined campus life.
How they differ Culturally, they diverge significantly. Duke’s environment is often described as high-energy and campus-centered, with a social scene built around basketball and warm-weather outdoor activities. Yale’s culture is often characterized as more eclectic, with a strong emphasis on performing arts and a less dominant athletics scene.
Who each suits Duke suits the student seeking a vibrant, collaborative campus culture with a strong sense of school spirit. Yale is ideal for the intellectually curious student drawn to a more tradition-steeped, arts-rich community where social life is less defined by centralized campus events.
Editorial overview — a qualitative summary of culture and fit, reviewed for accuracy. Not a ranking or a guarantee.
Quick answers
- Is Duke University or Yale University harder to get into?
- Yale University is more selective: Duke University's acceptance rate is approximately 6% and Yale University's is approximately 4% (estimates from public and primary sources).
- What SAT score do you need for Duke University vs Yale University?
- The middle-50% SAT range is 1500–1570 at Duke University and 1470–1570 at Yale 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.