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Wake Forest University and Duke University are both private nonprofit institutions — Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, NC and Duke University in Durham, 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.
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.
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.
| Factor | Wake Forest University | Duke University |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 21.7% | 5.7% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) |
| 1410–1520 |
| 1500–1570 |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | 32–34 | 34–35 |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 5,485 | 6,442 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $67,642/year | $68,758/year |
| Average net price after aid | $28,719 | $29,612 |
| Graduation rate | 89.1% | 96.8% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | $78,158 | $97,800 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 10.0:1 | 5.0:1 |
| Institution type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Location | Winston-Salem, NC | Durham, NC |
| Largest program areas | Business and marketing, Social sciences, Communication | Engineering, Social sciences, Biological sciences |
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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Wake Forest University vs Saint Augustine's University
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Common questions when choosing between Wake Forest University and Duke University
Wake Forest University has an acceptance rate of 21.7%; Duke University is around 5.7%. Selectivity is only one factor — GPA, essays, major, and residency (for publics) all change the odds.
Wake Forest University tuition is $67,642/year. Duke University is $68,758/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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