Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)
Estimated sticker price before financial aid.
Duke
$328,968
4-year total (private)
VS
Harvard
$318,672
4-year total (private)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Duke = $119,568 | Harvard = $78,044. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.
Duke Top Majors
Computer ScienceEconomicsBiologyPublic PolicyEngineeringHarvard Top Majors
EconomicsComputer SciencePolitical ScienceMathematicsHistory
Need Help Choosing Between Duke & Harvard?
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 Duke or Harvard harder to get into?+
Harvard is more selective with an acceptance rate of 3.2% compared to 5.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Duke or Harvard?+
At sticker price, Harvard costs less over 4 years ($318,672 vs $328,968). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Duke offers an average of $52,350/year in aid while Harvard offers $60,157/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Duke and Harvard?+
The average SAT score at Duke is 1530 and at Harvard it is 1550. 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 Harvard graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Harvard have a higher average starting salary ($95,500 vs $85,400). 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?+
Duke has a 6:1 student-to-faculty ratio while Harvard has 5:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do Duke and Harvard compare for campus life?+
Duke is located in Durham, North Carolina (suburban setting) with a 8,709-acre campus. Harvard is in Cambridge, Massachusetts (urban setting) with 5,076 acres. Duke competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Harvard in NCAA D1.