Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University vs Duke University

Blacksburg, VA — Durham, NC

Metric
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Blacksburg, VA
Duke University
Durham, NC
Location Blacksburg, VA Durham, NC
Type Public Private Nonprofit
Total Enrollment 30,923 6,442
Acceptance Rate 54.8% 5.7%
SAT Average 1,364 1,548
In-State Tuition $15,948 $68,758
Out-of-State Tuition $37,764 $68,758
Avg Net Price $24,953 $29,612
Median Debt at Graduation $21,500 $13,000
4-Year Graduation Rate 86.3% 96.3%
Retention Rate 93.1% 97.9%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $67,377 $85,792
Median Earnings (10 yr) $81,698 $97,800
Loan Repayment Rate 661700.0% 124100.0%

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

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Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Blacksburg, VA
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Duke University
Durham, NC
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and Duke University compare?
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Blacksburg, VA) has an acceptance rate of 54.8%, in-state tuition of $15,948, and median 10-year earnings of $81,698. 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, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University or Duke University?
Duke University graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $97,800 vs $81,698. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University or Duke University?
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University is the more affordable option at $24,953 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 86.3%.

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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