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Davidson College vs Duke University

Davidson College is a private college in Davidson, NC, and Duke University is a private university in Durham, NC. Duke University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 6% of applicants against 13% at Davidson College. Davidson College is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $17,379 a year against $29,612 at Duke University. About 96% of students graduate at Duke University, compared with 91% at Davidson College. Ten years after enrolling, Duke University alumni earn a median of about $97,800, against $81,400 for Davidson College.

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Davidson College

Davidson, NC · Private

Duke University

Durham, NC · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Davidson, NC
Durham, NC
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
1,867
6,442
Acceptance rate
13%
6%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.5–4
3.55–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1400–1530
1500–1570
ACT (middle 50%)
31–34
34–35
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$17,379
$29,612
Full cost / yr
$79,475
$87,072
In-state tuition
$64,410
$68,758
Out-of-state tuition
$64,410
$68,758
Application fee
$50
$85
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$9,497
$735
$30k - $48k
$5,354
$0*
$48k - $75k
$6,759
$5,706
$75k - $110k
$18,616
$17,100
Over $110k
$42,346
$54,230
Outcomes
Graduation rate
91%
96%
Freshman retention
95%
98%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$62,866
$85,792
Median earnings (10 yr)
$81,400
$97,800
Median debt at graduation
$18,688
$13,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
18%
14%
First-generation students
16%
13%
International students
11%
11%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 15
Nov 2
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 11
Jan 4

* Reported aid for this income range averaged above the billed cost.

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Davidson College or Duke University harder to get into?
Duke University is harder to get into. It admits about 6% of applicants, compared with 13% at Davidson College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Davidson College or Duke University?
Davidson College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $17,379 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $29,612 at Duke University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Davidson College and Duke University?
Before aid, Davidson College costs about $79,475 a year and Duke University about $87,072. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Davidson College or Duke University?
Duke University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $735 there, against about $9,497 at Davidson College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Davidson College or Duke University?
Duke University is the larger of the two, with about 6,442 undergraduates against 1,867 at Davidson College.
Does Davidson College or Duke University have a better graduation rate?
Duke University has the higher graduation rate, at about 96% against 91% at Davidson College.
Do graduates of Davidson College or Duke University earn more?
Duke University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $97,800 ten years after enrolling, against about $81,400 for Davidson College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Davidson College and Duke University require SAT or ACT scores?
Davidson College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Duke University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Davidson College and Duke University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1400–1530 at Davidson College and 1500–1570 at Duke University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school