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Duke University vs Northwestern University

Side-by-side comparison with data from federal sources. Every metric traceable to IPEDS or College Scorecard.

SCHOOL A · PRIVATE

Duke University

Durham, NC

DECISION SCORE

METRICS

SCHOOL B · PRIVATE

Northwestern University

Evanston, IL

DECISION SCORE

Metric-by-metric

winner highlighted

Metric	Duke University	Northwestern University	Edge
Acceptance Rate	6.8%	7.1%	Northwestern University (easier)
Average SAT	1540	1525	Duke University
Enrollment	20,664	26,993	Northwestern University larger
Median Earnings (10yr)	$97,800	$89,363	Duke University
Median Debt	$13,000	$15,000	Duke University lower
Pell Grant Rate	13.0%	19.0%	Higher = more low-income students

Decision scores

Duke University

Northwestern University

Top majors

Duke University

Computer Science 14.7%

Social Sciences 13.0%

Biological Sciences 11.3%

Multidisciplinary 11.3%

Engineering 11.1%

Northwestern University

Social Sciences 20.3%

Communication 11.3%

Engineering 11.0%

Psychology 8.6%

Biological Sciences 8.5%

Which Should You Choose?

Both Duke University and Northwestern University are outstanding institutions. The right choice depends on your priorities:

If location matters: Duke University is in Durham, NC while Northwestern University is in Evanston, IL
If cost is a factor: Compare net prices for your family income bracket above
If career outcomes are the priority: Look at the salary data by major for each school
If getting in is the concern: Check which school's acceptance rate and profile better match yours

Duke University vs Northwestern University FAQs

Which is harder to get into, Duke University or Northwestern University?

Duke University is harder to get into, with a 6.8% acceptance rate vs Northwestern University's 7.1%. Lower acceptance rate means more competitive admission, but admission profile (GPA, SAT, course rigor) matters more than the rate alone.

Which is more expensive, Duke University or Northwestern University?

Northwestern University has a higher sticker cost of attendance ($91,250/yr) vs Duke University ($87,072/yr) — a difference of $4,178/yr at sticker price. But after financial aid, the average family pays $15,482/yr at Duke University vs $16,564/yr at Northwestern University.

Which has higher graduate earnings, Duke University or Northwestern University?

Duke University graduates earn more — a median of $97,800 10 years post-grad, vs $89,363 at Northwestern University. Note this is school-wide median; major choice impacts earnings far more than school choice.

Which should I choose, Duke University or Northwestern University?

It depends on your priorities. Duke University is in Durham, NC; Northwestern University is in Evanston, IL. Weigh acceptance odds against your profile, net cost for your family income, salary outcomes for your intended major, and campus fit (location, size, urban vs rural).

Which has better programs, Duke University or Northwestern University?

Both Duke University and Northwestern University have multiple top-ranked programs. The right answer depends on your major. Compare the salary-by-major tables on each school's salary page — Duke University's salary page and Northwestern University's salary page — to see which school's grads in your target major earn more.

Explore each school

DUKE UNIVERSITY

Acceptance Rate Tuition & Cost Salary & ROI

NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY

Acceptance Rate Tuition & Cost Salary & ROI

Data source: College Scorecard, IPEDS.