Academic Comparison between UNC and Duke University

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Duke University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. UNC is a four-year, public school located in Chapel Hill, NC and Duke University is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Durham, NC.

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • UNC is a public and Duke University is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • Duke University has more expensive tuition & fees ($65,805) than UNC ($39,330).
  • It is harder to admit to Duke University than UNC.
  • Duke University has a higher submitted SAT score (1,470) than UNC (1,470).
  • Duke University has higher submitted ACT score (32) than UNC (32).
  • UNC has more students with 31,705 students while Duke University has 18,023 students.
  • Duke University has a lower number of students per faculty with 6 to 1 while UNC's ratio is 17 to 1.
  • Duke University has more full-time faculties with 4,074 faculties while UNC has 1,910 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hillvs.Duke University
Chapel Hill, North CarolinaLocationDurham, North Carolina
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Research University (very high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationResearch University (very high research activity)
In-State$8,989
Out-Of-State$39,330
2024 Tuition & Fees$65,805
52%% Receiving Financial Aid53%
$16,747Average Amount of Financial Aid$50,142
19.00 %Acceptance Rates7.00 %
43.00 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)54.99 %
1,470SAT Score1,550
32ACT Score34
91 %Graduation Rate96 %
5 %Transfer-out Rate-
96 %Retention Rate97 %
31,705Student Population18,023
1,910Number of Faculties4,074
17 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio6 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services
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