Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)
Estimated sticker price before financial aid.
Cornell
$331,176
4-year total (private)
VS
Duke
$328,968
4-year total (private)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Cornell = $146,576 | Duke = $119,568. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.
Cornell Top Majors
EngineeringComputer ScienceBusinessBiologyHotel AdministrationDuke Top Majors
Computer ScienceEconomicsBiologyPublic PolicyEngineering
Need Help Choosing Between Cornell & 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 Cornell or Duke harder to get into?+
Duke is more selective with an acceptance rate of 5.0% compared to 7.9%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Cornell or Duke?+
At sticker price, Duke costs less over 4 years ($328,968 vs $331,176). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Cornell offers an average of $46,150/year in aid while Duke offers $52,350/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Cornell and Duke?+
The average SAT score at Cornell is 1520 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 Cornell or Duke graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Duke have a higher average starting salary ($85,400 vs $83,100). 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?+
Cornell has a 9:1 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 Cornell and Duke compare for campus life?+
Cornell is located in Ithaca, New York (rural setting) with a 2,300-acre campus. Duke is in Durham, North Carolina (suburban setting) with 8,709 acres. Cornell competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Duke in NCAA D1.