Duke University vs Colby College
Duke University is extremely selective with a 6.8% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than Colby College (6.8%). Graduates of Duke University earn $17,310 more per year at the 10-year mark ($97,800 vs $80,490). For families earning $48k–$75k, Colby College is more affordable at $2,247 net price vs $6,901. Students at Duke University graduate with less debt ($13,000 vs $19,157).
Admissions & Outcomes
Duke University has a higher yield rate (55.4%), 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 1510).
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), Duke University is more affordable at $3,295 per year. At higher incomes ($110k+), the gap narrows — $54,375 vs $52,893.
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. Colby College enrolls more Pell Grant recipients (13%), 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.
Duke University
- 1 Computer Science$106,898
- 2 Computer Engineering$97,071
- 3 Economics$90,856
- 4 Statistics$83,546
- 5 Mathematics$81,333
Colby College
- 1 Economics$57,995
- 2 Political Science and Government$47,118
- 3 Anthropology$44,971
- 4 International/Global Studies$42,682
- 5 English Language and Literature, General$41,193
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.
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
Colby College
- 1 Economics
- 2 Political Science and Government
- 3 Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- 4 Computer Science
- 5 International/Global Studies
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.
Duke University
- International students25%
- Tuition (international)$55,880
- Est. total cost/year$75,418
- School typePublic
Colby College
- International students11%
- Tuition (international)$56,930
- Est. total cost/year$74,725
- 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 25% international enrollment, Duke University likely has a well-established international student community.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Duke University or Colby College?
Duke University is more selective with a 6.8% acceptance rate, compared to 6.8%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.
Which school has higher earnings: Duke University or Colby College?
Duke University graduates earn more at the 10-year mark, with median earnings of $97,800 compared to $80,490. Earnings vary significantly by major — STEM fields typically produce the highest returns at both schools.
Which is cheaper: Duke University or Colby College?
For middle-income families ($48k–$75k), Colby College has a lower net price at $2,247 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 Duke University vs Colby College?
Duke University has a higher 6-year graduation rate at 95.8%, compared to 90.2%. A high graduation rate signals strong academic support, student engagement, and a campus culture where students thrive.
Which school has more international students: Duke University or Colby College?
Duke University has a larger international student population at 25% 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 Duke University and Colby College?
At Duke University, Computer Science graduates earn a median of $106,898 within two years. At Colby College, the top-earning major is Economics at $57,995. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on earnings than which school you attend.