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Duke University and Wake Forest University are both private nonprofit institutions — Duke University in Durham, NC and Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, 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.
Winston-Salem, NC · Private
Acceptance rate: 21.7%
Undergrad enrollment: 5,485
Tuition: $67,642/year
Student-faculty ratio: 10.0:1
Graduation rate: 89.1%
Top programs: Business and marketing, Social sciences, Communication
Best for: Students who want a private campus in Winston-Salem, NC with published program strength in Business and marketing and Social sciences.
| Factor | Duke University | Wake Forest University |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 5.7% | 21.7% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) |
| 1500–1570 |
| 1410–1520 |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | 34–35 | 32–34 |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 6,442 | 5,485 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $68,758/year | $67,642/year |
| Average net price after aid | $29,612 | $28,719 |
| Graduation rate | 96.8% | 89.1% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | $97,800 | $78,158 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 5.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Institution type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Location | Durham, NC | Winston-Salem, NC |
| Largest program areas | Engineering, Social sciences, Biological sciences | Business and marketing, Social sciences, Communication |
Duke University is more selective (5.7% vs 21.7% acceptance rate). Wake Forest University has a lower average net price after grant aid ($28,719 vs $29,612). Duke University reports the higher graduation rate (96.8% vs 89.1%). Duke University is the larger undergraduate campus (6,442 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 Wake Forest University
Duke University has an acceptance rate of 5.7%; Wake Forest University is around 21.7%. Selectivity is only one factor — GPA, essays, major, and residency (for publics) all change the odds.
Duke University tuition is $68,758/year. Wake Forest University is $67,642/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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