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Duke University vs University of Chicago

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%4.5%
Early decision rate——
SAT middle 50%1510–15701500–1560
ACT middle 50%34–3534–35
Applicant reports on our site940633

Cost and aid

Tuition$73,740$75,960
Food and housing$20,222$21,414
Sticker price per year$96,597$100,089
Average need-based grant$76,455$78,651
Average % of need met100%100%

Outcomes

First-year retention97%99%
6-year graduation rate96.1%95%
Undergraduates6,5257,453

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 University of Chicago?

Is Duke University harder to get into than University of Chicago?

They are about equally selective: Duke University admitted 5.2% of first-year applicants (2025-26) and University of Chicago admitted 4.5% (2025-26).

What SAT scores do Duke University and University of Chicago students have?

The middle 50% of enrolled first-years scored 1510–1570 at Duke University and 1500–1560 at University of Chicago.

Which is cheaper, Duke University or University of Chicago?

Before aid, Duke University costs about $96,597 a year in tuition, fees, food and housing, against $100,089 at University of Chicago (out-of-state tuition for public universities). The average need-based grant is $76,455 at Duke University and $78,651 at University of Chicago.

Does Duke University or University of Chicago have a higher graduation rate?

96.1% of Duke University students graduate within six years, compared with 95% at University of Chicago.

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