Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)
Estimated sticker price before financial aid.
Brown
$333,344
4-year total (private)
VS
Duke
$328,968
4-year total (private)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Brown = $122,064 | Duke = $119,568. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.
Brown Top Majors
Computer ScienceEconomicsBiologyApplied MathematicsHistoryDuke Top Majors
Computer ScienceEconomicsBiologyPublic PolicyEngineering
Need Help Choosing Between Brown & Duke?
Get free personalized guidance from college admissions experts. Application strategy, essay reviews, and financial aid help.
Get Free College Guidance →
✓ 100% free consultation
✓ Expert admissions advisors
✓ No obligation
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Brown or Duke harder to get into?+
Duke is more selective with an acceptance rate of 5.0% compared to 5.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Brown or Duke?+
At sticker price, Duke costs less over 4 years ($328,968 vs $333,344). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Brown offers an average of $52,820/year in aid while Duke offers $52,350/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Brown and Duke?+
The average SAT score at Brown is 1530 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 Brown or Duke graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Duke have a higher average starting salary ($85,400 vs $77,400). 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?+
Brown has a 6:1 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 Brown and Duke compare for campus life?+
Brown is located in Providence, Rhode Island (urban setting) with a 146-acre campus. Duke is in Durham, North Carolina (suburban setting) with 8,709 acres. Brown competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Duke in NCAA D1.