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Duke University vs Fayetteville State University

Duke University is a private university in Durham, NC, and Fayetteville State University is a public university in Fayetteville, NC. Duke University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 6% of applicants against 82% at Fayetteville State University. Fayetteville State University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $7,892 a year against $29,612 at Duke University. About 96% of students graduate at Duke University, compared with 37% at Fayetteville State University. Ten years after enrolling, Duke University alumni earn a median of about $97,800, against $40,144 for Fayetteville State University.

Duke University

Durham, NC · Private

Fayetteville State University

Fayetteville, NC · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Durham, NC
Fayetteville, NC
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
6,442
5,762
Acceptance rate
6%
82%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.55–4
3.26–3.76
SAT (middle 50%)
1500–1570
890–1090
ACT (middle 50%)
34–35
15–19
Test policy
Test optional
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$29,612
$7,892
Full cost / yr
$87,072
$16,652
In-state tuition
$68,758
$4,353
Out-of-state tuition
$68,758
$8,353
Application fee
$85
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$735
$6,233
$30k - $48k
$0*
$6,908
$48k - $75k
$5,706
$8,983
$75k - $110k
$17,100
$13,354
Over $110k
$54,230
$14,112
Outcomes
Graduation rate
96%
37%
Freshman retention
98%
75%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$85,792
$37,831
Median earnings (10 yr)
$97,800
$40,144
Median debt at graduation
$13,000
$22,987
Student body
Pell grant recipients
14%
57%
First-generation students
13%
41%
International students
11%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 2
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 4
Apr 3

* 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 Duke University or Fayetteville State University harder to get into?
Duke University is harder to get into. It admits about 6% of applicants, compared with 82% at Fayetteville State University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Duke University or Fayetteville State University?
Fayetteville State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $7,892 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 Duke University and Fayetteville State University?
Before aid, Fayetteville State University costs about $16,652 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, Duke University or Fayetteville State University?
Duke University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $735 there, against about $6,233 at Fayetteville State University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Duke University or Fayetteville State University?
Duke University is the larger of the two, with about 6,442 undergraduates against 5,762 at Fayetteville State University.
Does Duke University or Fayetteville State University have a better graduation rate?
Duke University has the higher graduation rate, at about 96% against 37% at Fayetteville State University.
Do graduates of Duke University or Fayetteville State University earn more?
Duke University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $97,800 ten years after enrolling, against about $40,144 for Fayetteville State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Duke University and Fayetteville State University require SAT or ACT scores?
Duke University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Fayetteville State University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
What SAT scores do Duke University and Fayetteville State University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1500–1570 at Duke University and 890–1090 at Fayetteville State University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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