Verified data from IPEDS & College Scorecard

Duke University vs Wake Forest University

Durham, NC · Winston-Salem, NC · Source: IPEDS federal database

Duke UniversityWake Forest University
Acceptance Rate5.7%21.7%
In-State Tuition$68,758$67,642
Out-of-State Tuition$68,758$67,642
Average Net Price$21,981$24,401
Graduation Rate97.0%89.0%
Total Enrollment17,4999,322
Student-Faculty Ratio510

GradFax Analysis

Duke University accepts 5.7% of applicants. Wake Forest University accepts 21.7%. Tuition is close: $68,758 at Duke University, $67,642 at Wake Forest University. Duke University graduates 97% of students in 6 years. Wake Forest University graduates 89%.

Bottom Line

Both are solid options. Get the actual aid estimates from each school and compare them side by side. The averages above won't tell your specific story.

Source: IPEDS: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System

Full interactive comparison →Duke University profileWake Forest University profile

Common Questions

Which is harder to get into, Duke University or Wake Forest University?

Duke University. It accepts 5.7% of applicants, per IPEDS data.

Source: IPEDS

Is Duke University or Wake Forest University more affordable?

Duke University, on average. After aid, students pay $21,981/year versus $24,401/year. Your number depends on your aid package.

Source: IPEDS

Which has a better graduation rate?

Duke University: 97% of students finish in 6 years. Wake Forest University is at 89%.

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.