Universities / Compare / Duke University vs University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Duke University vs University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Side-by-side comparison of tuition, graduate earnings, acceptance rate, graduation rate, student debt and more. Data automatically aggregated from public sources — errors may occur. Always verify with institutions.

Duke University
Durham, NC · Private Nonprofit · 6,442 students
$98k
Earnings 10yr
97%
Grad Rate
5.7%
Accept Rate
$30k
Net Price/yr
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University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NC · Public · 20,752 students
$72k
Earnings 10yr
91%
Grad Rate
15.3%
Accept Rate
$12k
Net Price/yr
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Duke University vs University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill — Full Comparison

MetricDuke UniversityUniversity of North Carolina
Median Earnings (10yr)$97,800$72,200
Median Earnings (6yr)$85,792$57,057
Median Earnings (8yr)$95,882$65,584
% Earning >$25k (6yr)88.5%77.6%
Graduation Rate96.8%91.2%
Retention Rate97.9%96.6%
Acceptance Rate5.7%15.3%
SAT Average1,5481,439
In-State Tuition$68,758$8,994
Out-of-State Tuition$68,758$41,203
Avg Net Price (after aid)$29,612$11,655
Median Student Debt$13,000$14,000
Pell Grant Recipients14.0%20.0%
First-Gen Students13.5%19.9%
Total Students6,44220,752
Avg Faculty Salary$19,001$15,046
Spend per Student$87,044$33,767
Endowment$11.9B$5.7B
⚠️ This comparison does not imply overall superiority. Green/red indicators reflect individual metrics only. Many critical factors are NOT captured: teaching quality, research output, campus safety, mental health resources, career placement rates, alumni networks, class sizes, and individual program strength.
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Estimated Return on Investment

⚠️ This is a rough, simplified estimate only — we may have made errors in this calculation. Actual ROI depends on your major, career path, scholarships, loan interest, and individual circumstances. Always consult a qualified financial advisor before any financial decision.
Duke University
83%
Estimated ROI ratio
$97,800 earnings ÷ $118,448 est. cost
University of North Carolina
155%
Estimated ROI ratio
$72,200 earnings ÷ $46,620 est. cost
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Most Popular Programs

Duke University
Social Sciences13%
Computer Science13%
Biological Sciences13%
Engineering13%
University of North Carolina
Biological Sciences15%
Social Sciences14%
Business & Marketing9%
Communications9%

Top Earning Programs

Duke University
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing$155k⚠️ small sample
Business Administration, Management and Operations$121k⚠️ small sample
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing$112k⚠️ small sample
Student Counseling and Personnel Services$99k
Student Counseling and Personnel Services$99k0
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas$96k⚠️ small sample
University of North Carolina
Program earnings data not available
⚠️ Figures marked "small sample" are based on fewer than 30 graduates and may not be statistically representative. Interpret with caution and verify directly with the institution.

Duke University vs University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill — Overview

Duke University is a Private Nonprofit located in Durham, North Carolina. It enrolls approximately 6,442 students with a graduation rate of 96.8%. Graduates earn a median salary of $97,800 ten years after starting college. The acceptance rate is 5.7%.

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is a Public located in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. It enrolls approximately 20,752 students with a graduation rate of 91.2%. Graduates earn a median salary of $72,200 ten years after starting college. The acceptance rate is 15.3%.

🎓 This comparison reflects publicly available data points only and may contain errors. Choosing a university involves many personal factors no dataset can capture. We strongly encourage you to visit both campuses in person, speak with current students and recent alumni, consult qualified academic advisors and financial aid officers, and seek independent professional advice before making any enrollment or financial decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Duke University or University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill harder to get into?+

Based on available data, Duke University has an acceptance rate of 5.7% while University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has an acceptance rate of 15.3%. Duke University is slightly more selective based on this metric alone. Acceptance rates vary by program, year, and applicant profile. Always verify directly with each institution.

Which university has better graduate earnings?+

According to available data, Duke University graduates earn a median salary of $97,800 ten years after starting college, while University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill graduates earn $72,200. Earnings vary significantly by major, career path, and individual circumstances. These are median estimates from public sources and may contain errors.

Which is more affordable — Duke University or University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill?+

After financial aid, the average net price at Duke University is $29,612 per year compared to $11,655 at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Net price varies significantly based on family income and financial aid eligibility. These are averages — your actual cost may differ substantially. Contact each university's financial aid office for personalized estimates.

Which offers better return on investment?+

Using a simplified ROI estimate (10yr median earnings ÷ estimated 4-year cost), Duke University shows approximately 83% and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill shows approximately 155%. This is a rough calculation that may contain errors — we make mistakes. Actual ROI depends on your major, career path, scholarships, loan interest, and individual circumstances. Always consult a qualified financial advisor before making any financial decisions.

What factors should I consider beyond this comparison?+

Data comparisons capture only a fraction of what makes a university the right fit. Critical factors not reflected here include campus culture, social life, research opportunities, internship networks, geographic location, specific program quality within departments, faculty mentorship, alumni connections, mental health resources, campus safety, and your personal career goals. We strongly encourage campus visits, conversations with current students, and consultation with academic and financial advisors.

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Important Disclaimer
Data displayed on this page is automatically aggregated from publicly available sources through large-scale automation. While we strive for accuracy, errors may occur and we make mistakes — data may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. UniOutcomes is an independent data aggregation platform and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or partnered with any educational institution. This information is for informational purposes only and should not be the sole basis for enrollment, financial, or career decisions. Many factors that define a university experience — campus culture, faculty quality, research opportunities, location, alumni networks, and personal fit — are not captured here. Always verify data directly with the institution. Always consult a qualified professional before making any major academic or financial decision.
Data is automatically aggregated from public government sources and may be inaccurate. For informational purposes only. Always verify from official sources before making any decision. Terms of Use