HomeCompare › Duke vs Texas A&M

Duke University vs Texas A&M University

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

5.0% Duke acceptance
63.0% Texas A&M acceptance
$116,868 Texas A&M 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
Texas A&M
College Station, Texas
Public
Founded
1876
Enrollment
74,829
Setting
Suburban

At a Glance

Tuition Texas A&M saves $22,967
Duke
$63,054
Texas A&M
$40,087
Acceptance Rate Duke more selective
Duke
5.0%
Texas A&M
63.0%
Graduation Rate Duke higher
Duke
96%
Texas A&M
83%
Avg SAT Score Duke higher
Duke
1530
Texas A&M
1290
Starting Salary Duke higher
Duke
$85,400
Texas A&M
$66,300

Detailed Comparison

Metric Duke Texas A&M Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$63,054$40,087Texas A&M
Tuition (In-State)$63,054$12,413Texas A&M
Room & Board$19,188$12,938Texas A&M
Acceptance Rate5.0%63.0%Duke
Graduation Rate96%83%Duke
Average SAT15301290Duke
Student-Faculty Ratio6:119:1Duke
Enrollment17,62074,829-
Avg Financial Aid$52,350$13,700Duke
Starting Salary$85,400$66,300Duke
Endowment$12.1B$17.1BTexas A&M
Campus Size8,709 acres5,200 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

Duke
$328,968
4-year total (private)
VS
Texas A&M
$212,100
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Duke = $119,568 | Texas A&M = $157,300. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

Duke Top Majors

Computer ScienceEconomicsBiologyPublic PolicyEngineering

Texas A&M Top Majors

EngineeringBusinessBiologyAgricultureBiomedical Science

Campus & Student Life

Setting
DukeSuburban
Texas A&MSuburban
Campus Size
Duke8,709 ac
Texas A&M5,200 ac
Athletics
DukeNCAA D1
Texas A&MNCAA D1
Region
DukeSouth
Texas A&MSouth
Founded
Duke1838
Texas A&M1876
Enrollment
Duke17,620
Texas A&M74,829

Need Help Choosing Between Duke & Texas A&M?

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

Helpful Resources

Tools and services to help with your college journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Duke or Texas A&M harder to get into?+
Duke is more selective with an acceptance rate of 5.0% compared to 63.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Duke or Texas A&M?+
At sticker price, Texas A&M costs less over 4 years ($212,100 vs $328,968). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Duke offers an average of $52,350/year in aid while Texas A&M offers $13,700/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Duke and Texas A&M?+
The average SAT score at Duke is 1530 and at Texas A&M it is 1290. 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 Texas A&M graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Duke have a higher average starting salary ($85,400 vs $66,300). 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?+
Duke has a 6:1 student-to-faculty ratio while Texas A&M has 19:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do Duke and Texas A&M compare for campus life?+
Duke is located in Durham, North Carolina (suburban setting) with a 8,709-acre campus. Texas A&M is in College Station, Texas (suburban setting) with 5,200 acres. Duke competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Texas A&M in NCAA D1.