Duke vs. Case Western

Comparable Facts

Compare Duke University in Durham, NC with Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, OH on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Duke University is larger than Case Western based on total student enrollment (17,499 students vs. 12,475 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Duke University is located in Durham, NC (Midsize City setting); Case Western Reserve University is in Cleveland, OH (Large City setting).
• Duke University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Case Western Reserve University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Duke University 5:1; Case Western Reserve University 9:1.

Duke vs. Case Western Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Duke or Case Western? 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 Case Western ($21,981 vs. $44,000).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Duke University are 3.4% lower than at Case Western Reserve University ($18,128 vs. $18,762).
• Duke University is 3.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Case Western (about $2,150 more per year; $68,758.00 vs. $66,608.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 3.2% higher at Duke than at Case Western Reserve University (about $2,150 more per year; $68,758.00 vs. $66,608.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Case Western Reserve University than at Duke University (88% vs. 43%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Duke University students is 56.3% larger than aid received by Case Western Reserve University students ($65,522 vs. $41,913).

Duke vs. Case Western Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Duke or Case Western? 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 Case Western and Duke.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Duke University (1540) is 50 points higher than at Case Western (1490).
• Incoming Duke students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 33 at Case Western).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Duke University 1500/1570; Case Western Reserve University 1430/1540.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Duke University 34/35; Case Western Reserve University 32/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Duke - Test optional; Case Western - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Duke Jan 3, 2027; Case Western Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Duke students have a 0.08 point higher average high school GPA (3.94) than students at Case Western (3.86).
• Case Western has a higher acceptance rate (36.5%) than Duke (5.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 58.8% at Duke vs. 11.9% at Case Western.

Duke vs. Case Western Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Duke and Case Western? 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 Case Western Reserve University's (78%).
• Graduates from Duke University earn a median of about $24,200 more per year than Case Western graduates about ten years after starting college ($108,900 vs. $84,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Duke University graduates have a $16,566 lower median loan debt than Case Western graduates ($7,500 vs. $24,066).
• Among borrowers, Duke graduates have an estimated $171 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Case Western graduates ($77 vs. $248).
• More Duke graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Case Western students, three years after graduation. (89% vs. 84%)

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.