Duke vs. EMU

Comparable Facts

Compare Duke University in Durham, NC with Eastern Mennonite University in Harrisonburg, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Duke University is larger than EMU based on total student enrollment (17,499 students vs. 1,154 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Duke University is located in Durham, NC (Midsize City setting); Eastern Mennonite University is in Harrisonburg, VA (Small City setting).
• Duke University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Eastern Mennonite University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Duke University 5:1; Eastern Mennonite University 9:1.

Duke vs. EMU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Duke or EMU? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Duke University than EMU ($21,981 vs. $25,021).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Eastern Mennonite University are 27.3% lower than at Duke University ($13,170 vs. $18,128).
• Duke University is 56.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than EMU (about $24,838 more per year; $68,758.00 vs. $43,920.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 56.6% higher at Duke than at Eastern Mennonite University (about $24,838 more per year; $68,758.00 vs. $43,920.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Eastern Mennonite University than at Duke University (96% vs. 43%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Duke University students is 102.4% larger than aid received by Eastern Mennonite University students ($65,522 vs. $32,378).

Duke vs. EMU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Duke or EMU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between EMU and Duke.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Duke University (1540) is 220 points higher than at EMU (1320).
• Incoming Duke students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 29 at EMU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Duke University 1500/1570; Eastern Mennonite University 1040/1590.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Duke University 34/35; Eastern Mennonite University 25/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Duke - Test optional; EMU - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Duke Jan 3, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Duke students have a 0.24 point higher average high school GPA (3.94) than students at EMU (3.7).
• EMU has a higher acceptance rate (100%) than Duke (5.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 58.8% at Duke vs. 12.4% at EMU.

Duke vs. EMU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Duke and EMU? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Duke University's six-year graduation rate (94%) is higher than Eastern Mennonite University's (66%).
• Graduates from Duke University earn a median of about $65,000 more per year than EMU graduates about ten years after starting college ($108,900 vs. $43,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Duke University graduates have a $15,950 lower median loan debt than EMU graduates ($7,500 vs. $23,450).
• Among borrowers, Duke graduates have an estimated $165 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than EMU graduates ($77 vs. $242).
• More Duke graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former EMU students, three years after graduation. (89% vs. 80%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.