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Duke University vs University of North Carolina at Pembroke

Duke University is a private university in Durham, NC, and University of North Carolina at Pembroke is a public university in Pembroke, NC. Duke University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 6% of applicants against 93% at University of North Carolina at Pembroke. University of North Carolina at Pembroke is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $10,260 a year against $29,612 at Duke University. About 96% of students graduate at Duke University, compared with 44% at University of North Carolina at Pembroke. Ten years after enrolling, Duke University alumni earn a median of about $97,800, against $43,407 for University of North Carolina at Pembroke.

Duke University

Durham, NC · Private

University of North Carolina at Pembroke

Pembroke, NC · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Durham, NC
Pembroke, NC
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
6,442
5,330
Acceptance rate
6%
93%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.55–4
3.16–3.66
SAT (middle 50%)
1500–1570
970–1200
ACT (middle 50%)
34–35
18–23
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$29,612
$10,260
Full cost / yr
$87,072
$17,261
In-state tuition
$68,758
$3,648
Out-of-state tuition
$68,758
$7,648
Application fee
$85
Not reported
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$735
$7,919
$30k - $48k
$0*
$8,892
$48k - $75k
$5,706
$10,932
$75k - $110k
$17,100
$14,564
Over $110k
$54,230
$15,999
Outcomes
Graduation rate
96%
44%
Freshman retention
98%
72%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$85,792
$37,126
Median earnings (10 yr)
$97,800
$43,407
Median debt at graduation
$13,000
$25,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
14%
50%
First-generation students
13%
37%
International students
11%
4%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 2
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 4
Rolling

* 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 University of North Carolina at Pembroke harder to get into?
Duke University is harder to get into. It admits about 6% of applicants, compared with 93% at University of North Carolina at Pembroke. 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 University of North Carolina at Pembroke?
University of North Carolina at Pembroke is cheaper on average. Students pay about $10,260 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 University of North Carolina at Pembroke?
Before aid, University of North Carolina at Pembroke costs about $17,261 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 University of North Carolina at Pembroke?
Duke University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $735 there, against about $7,919 at University of North Carolina at Pembroke. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Duke University or University of North Carolina at Pembroke?
Duke University is the larger of the two, with about 6,442 undergraduates against 5,330 at University of North Carolina at Pembroke.
Does Duke University or University of North Carolina at Pembroke have a better graduation rate?
Duke University has the higher graduation rate, at about 96% against 44% at University of North Carolina at Pembroke.
Do graduates of Duke University or University of North Carolina at Pembroke earn more?
Duke University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $97,800 ten years after enrolling, against about $43,407 for University of North Carolina at Pembroke. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Duke University and University of North Carolina at Pembroke require SAT or ACT scores?
Duke University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. University of North Carolina at Pembroke is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Duke University and University of North Carolina at Pembroke look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1500–1570 at Duke University and 970–1200 at University of North Carolina at Pembroke. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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