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Duke University vs Vanderbilt 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%5.4%
Early decision rate—14.1%
SAT middle 50%1510–15701510–1560
ACT middle 50%34–3534–35
Applicant reports on our site940781

Cost and aid

Tuition$73,740$69,822
Food and housing$20,222$23,690
Sticker price per year$96,597$96,896
Average need-based grant$76,455$77,563
Average % of need met100%100%

Outcomes

First-year retention97%97%
6-year graduation rate96.1%92.6%
Undergraduates6,5257,366

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 Vanderbilt University?

Is Duke University harder to get into than Vanderbilt University?

They are about equally selective: Duke University admitted 5.2% of first-year applicants (2025-26) and Vanderbilt University admitted 5.4% (2025-26).

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

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

Which is cheaper, Duke University or Vanderbilt University?

Before aid, Duke University costs about $96,597 a year in tuition, fees, food and housing, against $96,896 at Vanderbilt University (out-of-state tuition for public universities). The average need-based grant is $76,455 at Duke University and $77,563 at Vanderbilt University.

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

96.1% of Duke University students graduate within six years, compared with 92.6% at Vanderbilt University.

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