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Duke University vs University of Florida

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

5.0% Duke acceptance
23.0% UF acceptance
$167,736 UF 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
UF
Gainesville, Florida
Public
Founded
1853
Enrollment
55,211
Setting
Suburban

At a Glance

Tuition UF saves $34,396
Duke
$63,054
UF
$28,658
Acceptance Rate Duke more selective
Duke
5.0%
UF
23.0%
Graduation Rate Duke higher
Duke
96%
UF
90%
Avg SAT Score Duke higher
Duke
1530
UF
1390
Starting Salary Duke higher
Duke
$85,400
UF
$64,200

Detailed Comparison

Metric Duke UF Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$63,054$28,658UF
Tuition (In-State)$63,054$6,380UF
Room & Board$19,188$11,650UF
Acceptance Rate5.0%23.0%Duke
Graduation Rate96%90%Duke
Average SAT15301390Duke
Student-Faculty Ratio6:117:1Duke
Enrollment17,62055,211-
Avg Financial Aid$52,350$12,860Duke
Starting Salary$85,400$64,200Duke
Endowment$12.1B$2.7BDuke
Campus Size8,709 acres2,000 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

Duke
$328,968
4-year total (private)
VS
UF
$161,232
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Duke = $119,568 | UF = $109,792. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

Duke Top Majors

Computer ScienceEconomicsBiologyPublic PolicyEngineering

UF Top Majors

BusinessBiologyEngineeringComputer SciencePsychology

Campus & Student Life

Setting
DukeSuburban
UFSuburban
Campus Size
Duke8,709 ac
UF2,000 ac
Athletics
DukeNCAA D1
UFNCAA D1
Region
DukeSouth
UFSouth
Founded
Duke1838
UF1853
Enrollment
Duke17,620
UF55,211

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Duke or UF harder to get into?+
Duke is more selective with an acceptance rate of 5.0% compared to 23.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Duke or UF?+
At sticker price, UF costs less over 4 years ($161,232 vs $328,968). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Duke offers an average of $52,350/year in aid while UF offers $12,860/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Duke and UF?+
The average SAT score at Duke is 1530 and at UF it is 1390. 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 UF graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Duke have a higher average starting salary ($85,400 vs $64,200). 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 UF has 17:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do Duke and UF compare for campus life?+
Duke is located in Durham, North Carolina (suburban setting) with a 8,709-acre campus. UF is in Gainesville, Florida (suburban setting) with 2,000 acres. Duke competes in NCAA D1 athletics and UF in NCAA D1.