Duke vs. University of Richmond

Comparable Facts

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

Duke University is larger than University of Richmond based on total student enrollment (17,499 students vs. 3,722 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Duke University is located in Durham, NC (Midsize City setting); University of Richmond is in University of Richmond, VA (Midsize City setting).
• Duke University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Richmond is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Duke University 5:1; University of Richmond 7:1.

Duke vs. University of Richmond Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Duke or University of Richmond? 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 University of Richmond ($21,981 vs. $30,037).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Richmond are 5.5% lower than at Duke University ($17,140 vs. $18,128).
• Duke University is 5.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of Richmond (about $3,528 more per year; $68,758.00 vs. $65,230.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 5.4% higher at Duke than at University of Richmond (about $3,528 more per year; $68,758.00 vs. $65,230.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Richmond than at Duke University (56% vs. 43%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Duke University students is 28.4% larger than aid received by University of Richmond students ($65,522 vs. $51,039).

Duke vs. University of Richmond Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Duke or University of Richmond? 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 University of Richmond and Duke.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Duke University (1540) is 70 points higher than at University of Richmond (1470).
• Incoming Duke students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 34) as students at University of Richmond (34).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Duke University 1500/1570; University of Richmond 1410/1530.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Duke University 34/35; University of Richmond 33/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Duke - Test optional; University of Richmond - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Duke Jan 3, 2027; University of Richmond Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Duke students have a 0.23 point higher average high school GPA (3.94) than students at University of Richmond (3.71).
• University of Richmond has a higher acceptance rate (22.2%) than Duke (5.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 58.8% at Duke vs. 23.5% at University of Richmond.

Duke vs. University of Richmond Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Duke and University of Richmond? 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 University of Richmond's (83%).
• Graduates from Duke University earn a median of about $35,000 more per year than University of Richmond graduates about ten years after starting college ($108,900 vs. $73,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Duke University graduates have a $13,648 lower median loan debt than University of Richmond graduates ($7,500 vs. $21,148).
• Among borrowers, Duke graduates have an estimated $141 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Richmond graduates ($77 vs. $218).
• More Duke graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Richmond students, three years after graduation. (89% vs. 75%)

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.