Head-to-head · 2026
Duke University vs University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Side-by-side ROI breakdown. 5 wins for Duke University, 2 for University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill — Duke University has more metric-level advantages.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric, winner flagged
9 metrics, side by side. The colored cell wins. Green = lower-is-better wins, indigo = higher-is-better wins.
| Metric | Duke University | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 8.26 | 15.49 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $29,612 | $11,655 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $97,800 ✓ | $72,200 |
| Acceptance rate | 5.7% ✓ | 15.3% |
| Graduation rate | 96.8% ✓ | 91.2% |
| Median debt | $13,000 ✓ | $14,000 |
| Enrollment | 6,442 | 20,752 |
| Ownership | Private Non-Profit | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1548 ✓ | 1439 |
| Wins | 5 | 2 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Duke University costs $17,957 more per year than University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill ($29,612 vs $11,655). Duke University graduates report $25,600 higher median earnings after ten years ($97,800 vs $72,200). On EduGradify's model that puts University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill ahead on projected ROI (15.49 vs 8.26, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, Duke University is highly competitive at 5.7% acceptance versus 15.3% (selective) at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Frequently asked
Duke University vs University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Duke University or University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill the better value?
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has the higher EduGradify ROI score (15.49 vs 8.26), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is cheaper — average net price $11,655 per year vs $29,612 at Duke University. The annual difference of $17,957 adds up to about $71,828 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Duke University reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $97,800 vs $72,200 at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The annual gap in the federal data is $25,600.
Which school is harder to get into?
Duke University is more selective at 5.7% acceptance vs 15.3% at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
What should I compare beyond ROI?
Use the ROI score as a value screen, then compare aid letters, program fit, graduation rate, location, campus size, and debt. Duke University reports a B value grade; University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill reports A.