Duke University vs Santa Clara University
Duke University is extremely selective with a 6.8% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than Santa Clara University (43.8%). Both schools produce similar 10-year median earnings around $93,291. For families earning $48k–$75k, Duke University is more affordable at $7,160 net price vs $29,618. Students at Duke University graduate with less debt ($13,500 vs $19,500).
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 1420).
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 $371 per year. At higher incomes ($110k+), the gap narrows — $49,939 vs $53,699.
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. Duke University 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
Santa Clara University
- 1 Computer Engineering$103,449
- 2 Management Information Systems and Services$80,391
- 3 Civil Engineering$79,473
- 4 Mechanical Engineering$74,576
- 5 Finance and Financial Management Services$70,456
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 Computer Science
- 2 Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- 3 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- 4 Biology, General
- 5 Economics
Santa Clara University
- 1 Finance and Financial Management Services
- 2 Communication and Media Studies
- 3 Psychology, General
- 4 Mathematics and Computer Science
- 5 Computer Engineering
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
Santa Clara University
- International students16%
- Tuition (international)$52,998
- Est. total cost/year$69,624
- 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 Santa Clara University?
Duke University is more selective with a 6.8% acceptance rate, compared to 43.8%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.
Which school has higher earnings: Duke University or Santa Clara University?
Santa Clara University graduates earn more at the 10-year mark, with median earnings of $93,291 compared to $93,115. Earnings vary significantly by major — STEM fields typically produce the highest returns at both schools.
Which is cheaper: Duke University or Santa Clara University?
For middle-income families ($48k–$75k), Duke University has a lower net price at $7,160 per year vs $29,618. 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 Santa Clara University?
Duke University has a higher 6-year graduation rate at 95.5%, compared to 92.0%. 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 Santa Clara University?
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 Santa Clara University?
At Duke University, Computer Science graduates earn a median of $106,898 within two years. At Santa Clara University, the top-earning major is Computer Engineering at $103,449. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on earnings than which school you attend.