Duke University vs Georgetown University: A Data-Driven Comparison
Admission Difficulty: Duke is significantly more selective with a 6.35% acceptance rate compared to Georgetown's 12.23%, making Duke nearly twice as difficult to enter.
Cost and Value: Both universities charge similar tuition around $65,000, but Duke offers better financial aid with an average net price of $34,454 versus Georgetown's $39,433. Georgetown graduates earn higher median salaries at $103,494 compared to Duke's $97,800 ten years post-graduation. Duke graduates carry less debt ($13,000 vs $15,500 median).
Academic Strengths: Duke provides more intimate learning with a 6:1 student-faculty ratio compared to Georgetown's 11:1. Duke's smaller enrollment (6,417 vs 7,462) creates a more close-knit academic environment. Both maintain high retention rates above 96%.
Campus Experience: Georgetown's Washington, DC location offers unparalleled access to internships, government positions, and cultural opportunities. Duke's Durham campus provides a traditional college town atmosphere with strong school spirit, particularly around its Division I basketball program.
Outcomes: Both schools deliver strong results with graduation rates above 94%. Georgetown edges ahead in earning potential, while Duke graduates face lower debt burdens.
Duke suits students seeking a traditional campus experience with smaller classes, strong athletics culture, and excellent financial aid in a college town setting. Georgetown fits students prioritizing urban opportunities, government connections, and higher earning potential who can manage slightly higher costs and larger class sizes.
Admission Difficulty: Duke is significantly more selective with a 6.35% acceptance rate compared to Georgetown's 12.23%, making Duke nearly twice as difficult to enter.
Cost and Value: Both universities charge similar tuition around $65,000, but Duke offers better financial aid with an average net price of $34,454 versus Georgetown's $39,433. Georgetown graduates earn higher median salaries at $103,494 compared to Duke's $97,800 ten years post-graduation. Duke graduates carry less debt ($13,000 vs $15,500 median).
Academic Strengths: Duke provides more intimate learning with a 6:1 student-faculty ratio compared to Georgetown's 11:1. Duke's smaller enrollment (6,417 vs 7,462) creates a more close-knit academic environment. Both maintain high retention rates above 96%.
Campus Experience: Georgetown's Washington, DC location offers unparalleled access to internships, government positions, and cultural opportunities. Duke's Durham campus provides a traditional college town atmosphere with strong school spirit, particularly around its Division I basketball program.
Outcomes: Both schools deliver strong results with graduation rates above 94%. Georgetown edges ahead in earning potential, while Duke graduates face lower debt burdens.
Duke suits students seeking a traditional campus experience with smaller classes, strong athletics culture, and excellent financial aid in a college town setting. Georgetown fits students prioritizing urban opportunities, government connections, and higher earning potential who can manage slightly higher costs and larger class sizes.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Duke University | Georgetown University | |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 6.4% | 12.2% |
| SAT Average | 1,530 | 1,485 |
| Enrollment | 6,417 | 7,462 |
| In-State Tuition | $65,805 | $65,081 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $65,805 | $65,081 |
| Net Price | $34,454 | $39,433 |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 95.8% | 94.3% |
| Retention Rate | 96.2% | 97.1% |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $97,800 | $103,494 |
| Median Debt | $13,000 | $15,500 |
Top Programs by Earnings
Top 5 bachelor's programs at each school, ranked by median graduate earnings.
| Duke University | Georgetown University | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Program | Earnings | Program | Earnings |
| Computer Science. | $106,898 | Computer Science. | $88,639 |
| Computer Engineering. | $97,071 | Finance and Financial Management Services. | $85,538 |
| Economics. | $90,856 | Accounting and Related Services. | $77,715 |
| Statistics. | $83,546 | Management Information Systems and Services. | $75,989 |
| Mathematics. | $81,333 | Economics. | $74,702 |