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Duke University vs University of North Carolina Wilmington

Duke University is a private university in Durham, NC. University of North Carolina Wilmington is a public university in Wilmington, NC. Duke University admits about 6% of applicants and University of North Carolina Wilmington about 64%, making Duke University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $20,109 a year at University of North Carolina Wilmington after aid, and about $29,612 at Duke University. About 96% of students graduate at Duke University, compared with 71% at University of North Carolina Wilmington. Ten years after enrolling, Duke University alumni earn a median of about $97,800, against $54,967 for University of North Carolina Wilmington.

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Duke University

Durham, NC · Private

University of North Carolina Wilmington

Wilmington, NC · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Durham, NC
Wilmington, NC
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
6,442
14,922
Acceptance rate
6%
64%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.55–4
3.49–3.99
SAT (middle 50%)
1500–1570
1230–1340
ACT (middle 50%)
34–35
24–29
Test policy
Test optional
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$29,612
$20,109
Full cost / yr
$87,072
$26,547
In-state tuition
$68,758
$7,277
Out-of-state tuition
$68,758
$24,152
Application fee
$85
$80
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$735
$10,778
$30k - $48k
$0*
$12,572
$48k - $75k
$5,706
$17,378
$75k - $110k
$17,100
$24,046
Over $110k
$54,230
$25,573
Outcomes
Graduation rate
96%
71%
Freshman retention
98%
88%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$85,792
$46,972
Median earnings (10 yr)
$97,800
$54,967
Median debt at graduation
$13,000
$19,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
14%
24%
First-generation students
13%
26%
International students
11%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 2
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Nov 1
Regular decision
Jan 4
Jan 15

* 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 Wilmington harder to get into?
Duke University is harder to get into. It admits about 6% of applicants, compared with 64% at University of North Carolina Wilmington. 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 Wilmington?
University of North Carolina Wilmington is cheaper on average. Students pay about $20,109 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 Wilmington?
Before aid, University of North Carolina Wilmington costs about $26,547 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 Wilmington?
Duke University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $735 there, against about $10,778 at University of North Carolina Wilmington. 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 Wilmington?
University of North Carolina Wilmington is the larger of the two, with about 14,922 undergraduates against 6,442 at Duke University.
Does Duke University or University of North Carolina Wilmington have a better graduation rate?
Duke University has the higher graduation rate, at about 96% against 71% at University of North Carolina Wilmington.
Do graduates of Duke University or University of North Carolina Wilmington earn more?
Duke University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $97,800 ten years after enrolling, against about $54,967 for University of North Carolina Wilmington. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Duke University and University of North Carolina Wilmington 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 Wilmington considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
What SAT scores do Duke University and University of North Carolina Wilmington look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1500–1570 at Duke University and 1230–1340 at University of North Carolina Wilmington. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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