Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)
Estimated sticker price before financial aid.
BU
$337,752
4-year total (private)
VS
Duke
$328,968
4-year total (private)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: BU = $185,352 | Duke = $119,568. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.
BU Top Majors
BusinessCommunicationEngineeringBiologyComputer ScienceDuke Top Majors
Computer ScienceEconomicsBiologyPublic PolicyEngineering
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is BU or Duke harder to get into?+
Duke is more selective with an acceptance rate of 5.0% compared to 11.3%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, BU or Duke?+
At sticker price, Duke costs less over 4 years ($328,968 vs $337,752). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. BU offers an average of $38,100/year in aid while Duke offers $52,350/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for BU and Duke?+
The average SAT score at BU is 1450 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 BU or Duke graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Duke have a higher average starting salary ($85,400 vs $72,300). 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?+
BU has a 10:1 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 BU and Duke compare for campus life?+
BU is located in Boston, Massachusetts (urban setting) with a 136-acre campus. Duke is in Durham, North Carolina (suburban setting) with 8,709 acres. BU competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Duke in NCAA D1.