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Auburn University vs Duke University

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

75.0% Auburn acceptance
5.0% Duke acceptance
$144,632 Auburn cheaper over 4 years
Updated 2026 · Data: NCES, College Scorecard, IPEDS All figures in USD unless noted

School Overview

Auburn
Auburn, Alabama
Public
Founded
1856
Enrollment
33,015
Setting
Suburban
Duke
Durham, North Carolina
Private
Founded
1838
Enrollment
17,620
Setting
Suburban

At a Glance

Tuition Auburn saves $30,010
Auburn
$33,044
Duke
$63,054
Acceptance Rate Duke more selective
Auburn
75.0%
Duke
5.0%
Graduation Rate Duke higher
Auburn
78%
Duke
96%
Avg SAT Score Duke higher
Auburn
1270
Duke
1530
Starting Salary Duke higher
Auburn
$60,200
Duke
$85,400

Detailed Comparison

Metric Auburn Duke Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$33,044$63,054Auburn
Tuition (In-State)$12,168$63,054Auburn
Room & Board$13,040$19,188Auburn
Acceptance Rate75.0%5.0%Duke
Graduation Rate78%96%Duke
Average SAT12701530Duke
Student-Faculty Ratio19:16:1Duke
Enrollment33,01517,620-
Avg Financial Aid$11,600$52,350Duke
Starting Salary$60,200$85,400Duke
Endowment$1.1B$12.1BDuke
Campus Size1,841 acres8,709 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

Auburn
$184,336
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
Duke
$328,968
4-year total (private)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Auburn = $137,936 | Duke = $119,568. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

Auburn Top Majors

EngineeringBusinessBiologyNursingAgriculture

Duke Top Majors

Computer ScienceEconomicsBiologyPublic PolicyEngineering

Campus & Student Life

Setting
AuburnSuburban
DukeSuburban
Campus Size
Auburn1,841 ac
Duke8,709 ac
Athletics
AuburnNCAA D1
DukeNCAA D1
Region
AuburnSouth
DukeSouth
Founded
Auburn1856
Duke1838
Enrollment
Auburn33,015
Duke17,620

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Auburn or Duke harder to get into?+
Duke is more selective with an acceptance rate of 5.0% compared to 75.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Auburn or Duke?+
At sticker price, Auburn costs less over 4 years ($184,336 vs $328,968). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Auburn offers an average of $11,600/year in aid while Duke offers $52,350/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Auburn and Duke?+
The average SAT score at Auburn is 1270 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 Auburn or Duke graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Duke have a higher average starting salary ($85,400 vs $60,200). 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?+
Auburn has a 19:1 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 Auburn and Duke compare for campus life?+
Auburn is located in Auburn, Alabama (suburban setting) with a 1,841-acre campus. Duke is in Durham, North Carolina (suburban setting) with 8,709 acres. Auburn competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Duke in NCAA D1.