University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill vs Duke University

Chapel Hill, NC — Durham, NC

Metric
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NC
Duke University
Durham, NC
Location Chapel Hill, NC Durham, NC
Type Public Private Nonprofit
Total Enrollment 20,752 6,442
Acceptance Rate 15.3% 5.7%
SAT Average 1,439 1,548
In-State Tuition $8,994 $68,758
Out-of-State Tuition $41,203 $68,758
Avg Net Price $11,655 $29,612
Median Debt at Graduation $14,000 $13,000
4-Year Graduation Rate 91.6% 96.3%
Retention Rate 96.6% 97.9%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $57,057 $85,792
Median Earnings (10 yr) $72,200 $97,800
Loan Repayment Rate 364700.0% 124100.0%

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

Full Profile
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NC
View full college profile →
Full Profile
Duke University
Durham, NC
View full college profile →

Frequently Asked Questions

How do University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Duke University compare?
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Chapel Hill, NC) has an acceptance rate of 15.3%, in-state tuition of $8,994, and median 10-year earnings of $72,200. 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, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill or Duke University?
Duke University graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $97,800 vs $72,200. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill or Duke University?
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is the more affordable option at $11,655 per year versus $29,612.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?
Duke University has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 96.3% vs 91.6%.

More Comparisons

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