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Duke University vs Princeton University

Odds, test scores, cost, aid and graduation rates, side by side from each school's own Common Data Set. Add more schools

Getting in

Acceptance rate5.2%4.4%
Early decision rate—No ED
SAT middle 50%1510–15701490–1560
ACT middle 50%34–3534–35
Applicant reports on our site9401,089

Cost and aid

Tuition$73,740—
Food and housing$20,222—
Sticker price per year$96,597—
Average need-based grant$76,455$79,320
Average % of need met100%100%

Outcomes

First-year retention97%99%
6-year graduation rate96.1%97%
Undergraduates6,5255,916

Best value in each row is highlighted. Sticker price uses out-of-state tuition for public universities and leaves out books, travel and aid. "—" means the school left the item blank in its Common Data Set.

Duke University or Princeton University?

Is Duke University harder to get into than Princeton University?

They are about equally selective: Duke University admitted 5.2% of first-year applicants (2025-26) and Princeton University admitted 4.4% (2025-26).

What SAT scores do Duke University and Princeton University students have?

The middle 50% of enrolled first-years scored 1510–1570 at Duke University and 1490–1560 at Princeton University.

Does Duke University or Princeton University have a higher graduation rate?

96.1% of Duke University students graduate within six years, compared with 97% at Princeton University.

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