Head-to-head comparison
University of Chicago vs. Duke University
Real published data on acceptance rates, cost, and outcomes. Side by side.
Calculate your odds at bothIs UChicago or Duke harder to get into?
Duke is harder to get into than UChicago. Duke's 5.1% acceptance rate is lower than UChicago's 5.4%.
Which is cheaper, UChicago or Duke?
UChicago costs less on average. After grants and scholarships, UChicago's average net price is $14,860 vs $29,612 at Duke.
Which has higher post-graduation earnings?
Duke graduates earn more on average. Median earnings 10 years after entry are $91,885 at UChicago and $97,800 at Duke.
Full Comparison
| Metric | UChicago | Duke |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 5.4% | 5.1% |
| SAT mid-50% | 1510–1580 | 1490–1570 |
| ACT mid-50% | 34–35 | 34–35 |
| Cost of attendance | $89,040 | $90,222 |
| Avg net price (after aid) | $14,860 | $29,612 |
| Undergrad enrollment | 7,559 | 6,717 |
| 6-yr graduation rate | 95.9% | 96.8% |
| Median earnings (10yr) | $91,885 | $97,800 |
| Setting | Chicago, Illinois | Durham, North Carolina |
Sources: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (IPEDS) and school-published admit cycle data. Last verified May 2026.
The Real Differences
Selectivity is essentially the same. UChicago's 5.4% acceptance rate and Duke's 5.1% are within a percentage point of each other. For an unhooked applicant, the difference is statistical noise. Apply to whichever you genuinely prefer.
UChicago is significantly cheaper after aid. The average net price gap is $14,752 per year, $59,008 over four years. For most families that difference is the deciding factor when both schools admit you.
Geographic difference matters more than the campus tour suggests. UChicago is in Chicago, Illinois; Duke is in Durham, North Carolina. Climate, cost-of-living, and proximity to job markets in your target field shape the four-year experience and post-grad pipeline more than most prospective students realize.
UChicago has a more international student body (17.6% non-resident students vs 10.5%). For applicants who value global exposure or have international academic interests, that mix shows up in classroom culture and alumni network.
Student Body Composition
The two schools have different student body compositions. UChicago is 45.8% women, 17.6% international, and 19.3% Asian-American. Duke is 53.7% women, 10.5% international, and 21.8% Asian-American.
| Demographic | UChicago | Duke |
|---|---|---|
| Women | 45.8% | 53.7% |
| International | 17.6% | 10.5% |
| White | 29.5% | 35.2% |
| Asian | 19.3% | 21.8% |
| Hispanic | 16.9% | 10.7% |
| Black | 6.9% | 8.7% |
Personalized estimate
What are your odds at UChicago vs. Duke?
Get a probability for both schools calibrated to your full profile, not the headline rate.
Run the calculatorThe Verdict
Pick UChicago if
- Your odds are realistic at UChicago (slightly easier admit)
- Net price matters: UChicago costs $14,752 less per year on average
- the Core
Pick Duke if
- Higher median post-grad earnings ($97,800 vs $91,885)
- Higher 6-year graduation rate
- Trinity College and Pratt Engineering
Headline numbers favor one school or the other on each axis, but neither is unambiguously “better.” The right answer depends on your major fit, geographic preference, financial need, and personal odds at each. Most applicants who get into one of these schools also get into the other.
Full School Pages
For complete admissions data, supplemental essay strategy, and class profile breakdowns:
Full profile
University of Chicago
5.4% accept · Chicago, Illinois
Full profile
Duke University
5.1% accept · Durham, North Carolina
Sources
- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard for acceptance rates, test ranges, financial aid, demographics, completion, and earnings.
- IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System) for the underlying federal data.
- Each school's most recent published Common Data Set for cycle-specific admissions stats.
Last verified May 2026. Stats reflect each school's most recent publicly published admit cycle.