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Duke University vs Georgia Tech

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

5.0% Duke acceptance
16.0% Georgia Tech acceptance
$143,224 Georgia Tech cheaper over 4 years
Updated 2026 · Data: NCES, College Scorecard, IPEDS All figures in USD unless noted

School Overview

Duke
Durham, North Carolina
Private
Founded
1838
Enrollment
17,620
Setting
Suburban
Georgia Tech
Atlanta, Georgia
Public
Founded
1885
Enrollment
47,285
Setting
Urban

At a Glance

Tuition Georgia Tech saves $29,260
Duke
$63,054
Georgia Tech
$33,794
Acceptance Rate Duke more selective
Duke
5.0%
Georgia Tech
16.0%
Graduation Rate Duke higher
Duke
96%
Georgia Tech
90%
Avg SAT Score Duke higher
Duke
1530
Georgia Tech
1450
Starting Salary Duke higher
Duke
$85,400
Georgia Tech
$83,600

Detailed Comparison

Metric Duke Georgia Tech Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$63,054$33,794Georgia Tech
Tuition (In-State)$63,054$12,682Georgia Tech
Room & Board$19,188$12,642Georgia Tech
Acceptance Rate5.0%16.0%Duke
Graduation Rate96%90%Duke
Average SAT15301450Duke
Student-Faculty Ratio6:115:1Duke
Enrollment17,62047,285-
Avg Financial Aid$52,350$16,280Duke
Starting Salary$85,400$83,600Duke
Endowment$12.1B$4.2BDuke
Campus Size8,709 acres400 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

Duke
$328,968
4-year total (private)
VS
Georgia Tech
$185,744
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Duke = $119,568 | Georgia Tech = $120,624. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

Duke Top Majors

Computer ScienceEconomicsBiologyPublic PolicyEngineering

Georgia Tech Top Majors

Computer ScienceEngineeringBusinessIndustrial EngineeringBiology

Campus & Student Life

Setting
DukeSuburban
Georgia TechUrban
Campus Size
Duke8,709 ac
Georgia Tech400 ac
Athletics
DukeNCAA D1
Georgia TechNCAA D1
Region
DukeSouth
Georgia TechSouth
Founded
Duke1838
Georgia Tech1885
Enrollment
Duke17,620
Georgia Tech47,285

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Duke or Georgia Tech harder to get into?+
Duke is more selective with an acceptance rate of 5.0% compared to 16.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Duke or Georgia Tech?+
At sticker price, Georgia Tech costs less over 4 years ($185,744 vs $328,968). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Duke offers an average of $52,350/year in aid while Georgia Tech offers $16,280/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Duke and Georgia Tech?+
The average SAT score at Duke is 1530 and at Georgia Tech it is 1450. 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 Duke or Georgia Tech graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Duke have a higher average starting salary ($85,400 vs $83,600). 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?+
Duke has a 6:1 student-to-faculty ratio while Georgia Tech has 15:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do Duke and Georgia Tech compare for campus life?+
Duke is located in Durham, North Carolina (suburban setting) with a 8,709-acre campus. Georgia Tech is in Atlanta, Georgia (urban setting) with 400 acres. Duke competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Georgia Tech in NCAA D1.