Verified data from IPEDS & College Scorecard

Duke University vs UNC Chapel Hill

Durham, NC · Chapel Hill, NC · Source: IPEDS federal database

Duke UniversityUNC Chapel Hill
Acceptance Rate6.8%18.7%
In-State Tuition$65,805$8,989
Out-of-State Tuition$65,805$39,330
Average Net Price$12,801$11,140
Graduation Rate96.0%92.0%

GradFax Analysis

Duke University accepts 6.8% of applicants. UNC Chapel Hill accepts 18.7%. Duke University's tuition is $65,805. UNC Chapel Hill's is $8,989. That's a $56,816 difference per year. Duke University graduates 96% of students in 6 years. UNC Chapel Hill graduates 92%.

Bottom Line

UNC Chapel Hill is public; Duke University is private. If you're an in-state student, UNC Chapel Hill will cost significantly less. Check the net price numbers above before deciding.

Source: IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System

Full interactive comparison →Duke University profileUNC Chapel Hill profile

Common Questions

Which is harder to get into, Duke University or UNC Chapel Hill?

Duke University. It accepts 6.8% of applicants, per IPEDS data.

Source: IPEDS

Is Duke University or UNC Chapel Hill more affordable?

UNC Chapel Hill has lower published tuition: $8,989 versus $65,805. Financial aid can flip this, so compare your actual award letters.

Source: IPEDS

Which has a better graduation rate?

Duke University: 96% of students finish in 6 years. UNC Chapel Hill is at 92%.

Source: IPEDS

Data from IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), a federal database maintained by the U.S. Department of Education. Figures represent the most recent available academic year.

Duke University vs UNC Chapel Hill: Acceptance Rate, Tuition & Outcomes (2026) | GradFax