University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill vs Duke University
Duke University reports the higher median earnings ten years after entry ($97,800 vs $72,200). University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill recoups its four-year net cost faster (about 1.2 yrs vs 1.9 yrs).
| Measure | University of North Carolina at Chapel HillNC | Duke UniversityNC |
|---|---|---|
| Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry | $72,200 | $97,800 |
| Years to recoup four-year net cost | 1.2 yrs | 1.9 yrs |
| Average net price per year | $11,655 | $29,612 |
| Sticker cost of attendance per year | $26,055 | $87,072 |
| Share earning above a high-school grad | 74.7% | 87.4% |
| Six-year graduation rate | 91.2% | 96.8% |
| First-year retention (full-time) | 96.6% | 97.9% |
| Admission rate | 15.3% | 5.7% |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $14,000 | $13,000 |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 20,752 | 6,442 |
| Financial health (NACUBO CFI) | 7.4 | 5.2 |
Highlighted cells mark the stronger figure on measures with a clear better direction (admission rate and enrollment are shown for context only, with no winner). “Years to recoup” divides four-year net cost by the annual earnings premium over a state high-school graduate. A transparent data comparison, not an Ibex endorsement or a guarantee of any individual outcome; your program and aid package will differ.
Is University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill or Duke University a better value?
On the transparent payback measure, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill recoups its four-year net cost faster (about 1.2 yrs vs 1.9 yrs).. Value depends on your program, your net price after aid, and your goals; use the table as a starting point and check each school's profile for peer context.
Which costs more, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill or Duke University?
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's average net price is $11,655 per year and Duke University's is $29,612 (College Scorecard). Net price is what students actually pay after grant aid, and varies by family income.
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Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard & IPEDS (2024-25); earnings baselines from the U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year. Compiled by Ibex Insights. For informational planning only, not financial advice. See the methodology.