Cornell University vs Duke University
Duke University is extremely selective with a 6.8% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than Cornell University (8.2%). Graduates of Cornell University earn $6,243 more per year at the 10-year mark ($104,043 vs $97,800). For families earning $48k–$75k, Cornell University is more affordable at $6,796 net price vs $6,901.
Admissions & Outcomes
Cornell University has a higher yield rate (66.0%), meaning a larger share of admitted students choose to enroll — a strong signal of student preference. Duke University has a higher median SAT (1550 vs 1520).
Ithaca, NY
Durham, NC
Net Price by Family Income
Net price is what you actually pay after grants and scholarships — often far less than the sticker price. It varies dramatically by family income. For low-income families ($0–$30k), Cornell University is more affordable at $1,776 per year. At higher incomes ($110k+), the gap narrows — $49,992 vs $54,375.
Net price data from College Scorecard. Run each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate based on your family's finances.
Financial Aid
Institutional grants come directly from the school's endowment and don't need to be repaid. A high institutional grant rate means the school is investing its own funds in affordability. Cornell University enrolls more Pell Grant recipients (18%), indicating stronger support for students from lower-income backgrounds.
Highest-Earning Majors
Median earnings within two years of graduation. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on lifetime earnings than the school name on your diploma.
Cornell University
- 1 Computer Science$122,485
- 2 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering$92,277
- 3 Mathematics$91,211
- 4 Operations Research$85,538
- 5 Chemical Engineering$83,351
Duke University
- 1 Computer Science$106,898
- 2 Computer Engineering$97,071
- 3 Economics$90,856
- 4 Statistics$83,546
- 5 Mathematics$81,333
Most Popular Majors
The most popular majors by number of degrees awarded. This gives you a sense of each school's academic strengths and where students concentrate.
Cornell University
- 1 Computer Science
- 2 Hospitality Administration/Management
- 3 Human Resources Management and Services
- 4 Agricultural Business and Management
- 5 Biology, General
Duke University
- 1 Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- 2 Computer Science
- 3 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- 4 Economics
- 5 Biology, General
Campus & Student Body
Enrollment size, diversity, and retention paint a picture of campus culture. A high retention rate means students are satisfied enough to return after freshman year.
For International Students
Key cost and campus considerations for students coming from outside the US.
Cornell University
- International students26%
- Tuition (international)$58,586
- Est. total cost/year$75,038
- School typePublic
Duke University
- International students25%
- Tuition (international)$55,880
- Est. total cost/year$75,418
- School typePublic
What international students should know
- International students pay out-of-state tuition at public universities. Private universities charge the same tuition for all students.
- Most federal financial aid (FAFSA, Pell Grants) is not available to international students. Look for institutional aid and merit scholarships.
- F-1 visa holders can work on-campus during the school year and use CPT/OPT for internships and post-graduation employment.
- Schools with a higher international student percentage typically have stronger support services — dedicated international offices, visa advising, and cultural programs.
- With 26% international enrollment, Cornell University likely has a well-established international student community.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Cornell University or Duke University?
Duke University is more selective with a 6.8% acceptance rate, compared to 8.2%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.
Which school has higher earnings: Cornell University or Duke University?
Cornell University graduates earn more at the 10-year mark, with median earnings of $104,043 compared to $97,800. Earnings vary significantly by major — STEM fields typically produce the highest returns at both schools.
Which is cheaper: Cornell University or Duke University?
For middle-income families ($48k–$75k), Cornell University has a lower net price at $6,796 per year vs $6,901. Net price varies by family income — use each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the graduation rate at Cornell University vs Duke University?
Duke University has a higher 6-year graduation rate at 95.8%, compared to 95.3%. A high graduation rate signals strong academic support, student engagement, and a campus culture where students thrive.
Which school has more international students: Cornell University or Duke University?
Cornell University has a larger international student population at 26% of enrollment. A higher international student percentage often means stronger support services for visa holders, including dedicated international student offices, OPT/CPT guidance, and cultural programming.
What are the highest-paying majors at Cornell University and Duke University?
At Cornell University, Computer Science graduates earn a median of $122,485 within two years. At Duke University, the top-earning major is Computer Science at $106,898. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on earnings than which school you attend.