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Arizona State University vs Duke University

A comprehensive side-by-side comparison of academics, cost, admissions, campus life and career outcomes to help you choose.

88.0% ASU acceptance
5.0% Duke acceptance
$148,168 ASU cheaper over 4 years
Updated 2026 · Data: NCES, College Scorecard, IPEDS All figures in USD unless noted

School Overview

ASU
Tempe, Arizona
Public
Founded
1885
Enrollment
83,446
Setting
Urban
Duke
Durham, North Carolina
Private
Founded
1838
Enrollment
17,620
Setting
Suburban

At a Glance

Tuition ASU saves $31,854
ASU
$31,200
Duke
$63,054
Acceptance Rate Duke more selective
ASU
88.0%
Duke
5.0%
Graduation Rate Duke higher
ASU
69%
Duke
96%
Avg SAT Score Duke higher
ASU
1230
Duke
1530
Starting Salary Duke higher
ASU
$60,100
Duke
$85,400

Detailed Comparison

Metric ASU Duke Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$31,200$63,054ASU
Tuition (In-State)$12,479$63,054ASU
Room & Board$14,000$19,188ASU
Acceptance Rate88.0%5.0%Duke
Graduation Rate69%96%Duke
Average SAT12301530Duke
Student-Faculty Ratio18:16:1Duke
Enrollment83,44617,620-
Avg Financial Aid$12,400$52,350Duke
Starting Salary$60,100$85,400Duke
Endowment$1.5B$12.1BDuke
Campus Size1,695 acres8,709 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

ASU
$180,800
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
Duke
$328,968
4-year total (private)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: ASU = $131,200 | Duke = $119,568. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

ASU Top Majors

BusinessEngineeringPsychologyBiologySupply Chain

Duke Top Majors

Computer ScienceEconomicsBiologyPublic PolicyEngineering

Campus & Student Life

Setting
ASUUrban
DukeSuburban
Campus Size
ASU1,695 ac
Duke8,709 ac
Athletics
ASUNCAA D1
DukeNCAA D1
Region
ASUWest
DukeSouth
Founded
ASU1885
Duke1838
Enrollment
ASU83,446
Duke17,620

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is ASU or Duke harder to get into?+
Duke is more selective with an acceptance rate of 5.0% compared to 88.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, ASU or Duke?+
At sticker price, ASU costs less over 4 years ($180,800 vs $328,968). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. ASU offers an average of $12,400/year in aid while Duke offers $52,350/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for ASU and Duke?+
The average SAT score at ASU is 1230 and at Duke it is 1530. Keep in mind that admitted students often score across a range, and many schools practice holistic admissions where test scores are just one factor.
Do ASU or Duke graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Duke have a higher average starting salary ($85,400 vs $60,100). Salary outcomes vary significantly by major, industry, and location — so this is a general average across all graduates.
What is the student-to-faculty ratio at each school?+
ASU has a 18:1 student-to-faculty ratio while Duke has 6:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do ASU and Duke compare for campus life?+
ASU is located in Tempe, Arizona (urban setting) with a 1,695-acre campus. Duke is in Durham, North Carolina (suburban setting) with 8,709 acres. ASU competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Duke in NCAA D1.