North Carolina State University vs Duke University

Duke University vs University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Subject Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026)

Duke always scores above UNC–CH in international university rankings. In the QS World University Rankings 2026, Duke stands at 62nd position and UNC at 140th. Even in the Times Higher Education 2025 rankings, Duke is at 27th position, while UNC is at 70th. Duke is exceptionally good in Engineering, Medicine, and Law, with top 20 rankings in domestic and international rankings. UNC–CH, on the other hand, is a Public Health powerhouse (in the top 10 worldwide) and has strong reputation in Medicine, Law, Journalism, and Social Sciences as well. Overall, while Duke shows more widespread subject excellence, UNC's area of strength is in fields with a clear public service and community focus.

General Information

UNC–CH is much larger than Duke in terms of enrollment, with a total of 32,200 students compared to Duke's 17,100. Both schools have a multitude of programs, but their focus is distinct. UNC has 67 undergraduate and 73 graduate programs through its 14 schools based on its general purpose as a flagship public university. Duke, which has 93 undergraduate majors and 50+ graduate programs, focuses on interdisciplinary study and professional schools like the Fuqua School of Business and Pratt School of Engineering. Setting-wise, Duke offers an energetic urban environment connected to Durham's research and tech industries, while UNC–CH offers a traditional college town setting that strengthens its status as a public university deeply embedded in community life.

Acceptance Rate & Admissions

Admission at Duke is considerably more competitive compared to UNC–CH. For the Class of 2029, Duke accepted only 4.8% of applicants, with even lower acceptance in Regular Decision (~3.7%). Its enrolled students usually have scores of 1520–1570 on the SAT or 34–35 on the ACT and an average GPA of approximately 3.94. Conversely, UNC–CH's overall acceptance rate is between 15–18%, and for the Class of 2028 was 15.3%. Nevertheless, UNC has a split admissions criterion: in-state applicants have an acceptance rate of about 43%, while out-of-state applicants have a much stricter ~8% acceptance rate, because of a court-imposed cap on out-of-state enrollment. Admitted students typically have scores of 1370–1530 SAT or 30–34 ACT, and a mean GPA of 3.83. In short, Duke draws from the highest rung of academic resumes, and UNC strikes a balance between selectivity and openness, particularly for North Carolinians.

Research Impact & Facilities

Both schools are ranked as R1 research universities, but their focus is not the same. Duke, with 4,280 faculty members, puts a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary research, especially in medicine, engineering, and social sciences, and capitalizes on Durham's expanding reputation as a tech and biotech center. UNC–CH, boasting 1,960 faculty members, is internationally renowned for its scholarship in public health, medicine, and policy studies. It also has one of the country's largest academic library networks, adding to its role as a prominent public research university. Although Duke research is characterized by creativity and private funding, UNC–CH is distinguished by its community-focused and policy-based research closely linked to public service.

Cost & Financial Aid

The financial structures at Duke and UNC also vary greatly because of their private/public nature. Duke pays $63,450 in tuition and around $17,458 for room and board but gives generous financial assistance, with an average aid of $59,327. Around 41% of students get aid, and Duke meets 100% of demonstrated financial need, including that of international students. UNC–CH, being a public university, is much cheaper for in-state students, with tuition coming in at only $7,019 and room/board at $13,016. Out-of-state students, on the other hand, are charged $37,360 in tuition. UNC's average award of aid is $15,365, and approximately 38% of students receive aid. Therefore, UNC is cheapest for in-state students, and Duke suddenly becomes surprisingly affordable for students who need financial aid.

Career Outcomes & Alumni Success

Duke alumni have some of the highest salaries in U.S. universities, with median salaries of $108,900 (~INR 90.1 Lakh) ten years after graduation compared to UNC–CH's $66,100 (~INR 54.7 Lakh). Duke also has a higher six-year graduation rate (95% compared to UNC's ~90%). Duke's alumni network of 170,000+ is exceptionally strong in Business, Medicine, Law, and Global Policy, with many graduates going on to have international careers and leadership positions. UNC–CH, boasting a significantly larger alumni network of 340,000+, is famous for graduating leaders in Public Health, Journalism, Government, and Regional Industries, reflective of its role as a flagship public institution. Although Duke provides a more select, international professional advantage, UNC–CH offers a wider, community-based career trajectory, particularly strong within North Carolina and the southeastern United States.

Duke University is most appropriate for students wanting a top, internationally ranked private education with high points in business, law, medicine, and engineering, with fine career prospects and strong financial aid.

UNC–Chapel Hill is most appropriate for students desiring a world-class public education at a reasonable price, especially for in-state students, with special strengths in public health, journalism, and liberal arts, with an overriding mission of public service.