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Duke University and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill are both private nonprofit institutions — Duke University in Durham, NC and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in Chapel Hill, NC. This page compares published admission, cost, and outcome data from federal sources so you can see the tradeoffs before you add either school to your list.
Durham, NC · Private
Acceptance rate: 5.7%
Undergrad enrollment: 6,442
Tuition: $68,758/year
Student-faculty ratio: 5.0:1
Graduation rate: 96.8%
Top programs: Engineering, Social sciences, Biological sciences
Best for: Students who want a private campus in Durham, NC with published program strength in Engineering and Social sciences.
Chapel Hill, NC · Public
Acceptance rate: 15.3%
Undergrad enrollment: 20,752
Tuition: $41,203/year
Student-faculty ratio: 15.0:1
Graduation rate: 91.2%
Top programs: Biological sciences, Social sciences, Business and marketing
Best for: Students who want a public campus in Chapel Hill, NC with published program strength in Biological sciences and Social sciences.
| Factor | Duke University | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 5.7% | 15.3% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) |
| 1500–1570 |
| 1390–1530 |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | 34–35 | 28–34 |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 6,442 | 20,752 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $68,758/year | $41,203/year |
| Average net price after aid | $29,612 | $11,655 |
| Graduation rate | 96.8% | 91.2% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | $97,800 | $72,200 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 5.0:1 | 15.0:1 |
| Institution type | Private nonprofit | Public |
| Location | Durham, NC | Chapel Hill, NC |
| Largest program areas | Engineering, Social sciences, Biological sciences | Biological sciences, Social sciences, Business and marketing |
Duke University is more selective (5.7% vs 15.3% acceptance rate). University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has a lower average net price after grant aid ($11,655 vs $29,612). Duke University reports the higher graduation rate (96.8% vs 91.2%). University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is the larger undergraduate campus (20,752 students). Use the free side-by-side comparison tool to weigh cost, program fit, location, and outcomes for your own list — and verify deadlines and requirements with each college.
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Common questions when choosing between Duke University and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Duke University has an acceptance rate of 5.7%; University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is around 15.3%. Selectivity is only one factor — GPA, essays, major, and residency (for publics) all change the odds.
Duke University tuition is $68,758/year. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is $41,203/year. Compare net price after aid, not sticker price — especially for private schools and out-of-state publics.
Use College Decider's free comparison tool at /compare — add both schools to see tuition, acceptance rates, graduation outcomes, and more in one table.
Add both schools to our free side-by-side comparison tool — tuition, outcomes, and more.
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