Duke University vs Harvard University

Duke University vs Harvard University

Subject Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026)

Both Harvard and Duke are universally known universities, although Harvard is always ranked higher on all major systems. Harvard ranks approximately #5 on the QS World University Rankings 2026, whereas Duke is located at around #62. Times Higher Education lists Harvard in the top 3 in the world, while Duke normally ranks between the top 27.

Harvard excels across Arts & Humanities, Natural Sciences, Life Sciences & Medicine, and Social Sciences & Management, consistently holding the top spots. Duke excels in Public Policy, Law, Global Health, and Biomedical Sciences, consistently being in the top 10–20 spots for these fields. Harvard excels in breadth and depth, whereas Duke excels in interdisciplinary performance and health and policy innovation.

General Information

Harvard, established in 1636, is the oldest U.S. university and boasts a student population of about 23,000, divided between several schools such as law, business, medicine, and education. Duke, established in 1838, is situated in Durham, North Carolina, and has a slightly smaller campus with about 17,000 students. Duke provides a intimate academic community with excellent undergraduate emphasis and exceptional graduate programs in law, medicine, and engineering.

Acceptance Rate & Admissions

Both schools are highly selective. Harvard's acceptance rate is roughly 3.5%, whereas Duke's is slightly lower at 6.8%. Harvard has a stronger tendency to receive applicants with excellent academic profiles and has more graduate programs. Duke prioritizes leadership, service, and holistic review and has a strong early decision applicant pool.

Research Impact & Facilities

Harvard has one of the world's largest research communities, with vast labs, institutes, and libraries backing advanced work in fields. Duke is strongest in medicine, public policy, and global health, and invests heavily in interdisciplinary centers with a 6:1 student-faculty ratio that encourages mentorship and collaboration.

Cost & Financial Aid

Both are private and costly, with tuition approximately $63,000/year. Harvard has slightly more lavish average grant aid (~$64,942 compared to Duke's ~$59,327), and both offer international students need-based financial aid. Duke's location in the south could potentially have slightly lower living expenses, while Harvard's urban location offers greater professional exposure.

Career Success & Alumni Achievement

Harvard alums have a median salary of $136,700 ten years after graduation, while Duke alums receive approximately $108,900. Harvard alums have a massive and powerful network of business, law, medicine, and academic alums. Duke alums are successful in consulting, healthcare, policy, and technology, and the university is ranked second on LinkedIn's 2025 ranking of U.S. colleges that lead to long-term career success. Both institutions create leaders, but Harvard's international presence and heritage hold a slight advantage in career impact overall.