Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus vs Duke University

University Park, PA — Durham, NC

Metric
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
University Park, PA
Duke University
Durham, NC
Location University Park, PA Durham, NC
Type Public Private Nonprofit
Total Enrollment 42,284 6,442
Acceptance Rate 60.6% 5.7%
SAT Average 1,337 1,548
In-State Tuition $20,644 $68,758
Out-of-State Tuition $41,790 $68,758
Avg Net Price $32,875 $29,612
Median Debt at Graduation $25,000 $13,000
4-Year Graduation Rate 85.9% 96.3%
Retention Rate 92.6% 97.9%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $55,620 $85,792
Median Earnings (10 yr) $63,435 $97,800
Loan Repayment Rate 3192600.0% 124100.0%

Values highlighted in green indicate the better metric. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.

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Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
University Park, PA
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Duke University
Durham, NC
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus and Duke University compare?
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus (University Park, PA) has an acceptance rate of 60.6%, in-state tuition of $20,644, and median 10-year earnings of $63,435. Duke University (Durham, NC) has an acceptance rate of 5.7%, in-state tuition of $68,758, and median 10-year earnings of $97,800.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus or Duke University?
Duke University graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $97,800 vs $63,435. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus or Duke University?
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), Duke University is the more affordable option at $29,612 per year versus $32,875.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?
Duke University has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 96.3% vs 85.9%.

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All data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. PlainCollege is not affiliated with any government agency.

Related

Source: U.S. Department of Education — College Scorecard College Scorecard institution outcomes (earnings, completion, debt) · 2025