Duke University vs North Carolina State University at Raleigh
Duke University is a private university in Durham, NC, and North Carolina State University at Raleigh is a public university in Raleigh, NC. Duke University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 6% of applicants against 42% at North Carolina State University at Raleigh. North Carolina State University at Raleigh is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $17,303 a year against $29,612 at Duke University. About 96% of students graduate at Duke University, compared with 85% at North Carolina State University at Raleigh. Ten years after enrolling, Duke University alumni earn a median of about $97,800, against $68,758 for North Carolina State University at Raleigh.
See which of these two fits you, and what each would actually cost you.
Start the free quiz
* 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.
- Is Duke University or North Carolina State University at Raleigh harder to get into?
- Duke University is harder to get into. It admits about 6% of applicants, compared with 42% at North Carolina State University at Raleigh. 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 North Carolina State University at Raleigh?
- North Carolina State University at Raleigh is cheaper on average. Students pay about $17,303 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 North Carolina State University at Raleigh?
- Before aid, North Carolina State University at Raleigh costs about $26,425 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 North Carolina State University at Raleigh?
- Duke University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $735 there, against about $6,382 at North Carolina State University at Raleigh. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, Duke University or North Carolina State University at Raleigh?
- North Carolina State University at Raleigh is the larger of the two, with about 27,371 undergraduates against 6,442 at Duke University.
- Does Duke University or North Carolina State University at Raleigh have a better graduation rate?
- Duke University has the higher graduation rate, at about 96% against 85% at North Carolina State University at Raleigh.
- Do graduates of Duke University or North Carolina State University at Raleigh earn more?
- Duke University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $97,800 ten years after enrolling, against about $68,758 for North Carolina State University at Raleigh. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Duke University and North Carolina State University at Raleigh require SAT or ACT scores?
- Duke University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. North Carolina State University at Raleigh considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
- What SAT scores do Duke University and North Carolina State University at Raleigh look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1500–1570 at Duke University and 1300–1470 at North Carolina State University at Raleigh. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
Which of these is the better fit for you?
These lists are a great start, but the one list that actually matters is yours. Blueprint builds it in two free steps.