Selecting the right college can be a challenging and complex task. To aid in your decision-making process, we’ve compiled a detailed comparison of two prominent institutions: Duke University and UC Davis. Here, we provide essential information on various aspects of each school, including costs, admissions, academics, campus life, and outcomes. By examining these factors, you can make an informed decision about which institution best fits your needs and goals.
[Duke University] Overview
Duke University, located in Durham, North Carolina, is a private research university founded in 1838. With a strong commitment to research, education, and service, Duke offers a rich academic environment and a vibrant campus life. The university is widely known for its highly ranked programs, distinguished faculty, and competitive sports teams.
[Duke University] Costs & Tuition
Tuition at Duke University for the 2021-2022 academic year is $60,500, with an additional $18,410 for room, board, and fees. Financial aid is available for eligible students, and Duke is committed to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students.
[Duke University] Admissions
Admission to Duke University is highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of approximately 8.9%. Applicants are expected to have strong academic records, SAT or ACT scores, and extracurricular involvement. Duke offers both Early Decision and Regular Decision application options.
[Duke University] Degrees Offered
Duke University offers undergraduate degrees across a wide range of disciplines, including arts and sciences, engineering, public policy, and nursing. Additionally, Duke’s graduate and professional schools offer degrees in business, divinity, engineering, environmental policy, law, medicine, nursing, and public policy.
[Duke University] Academics
With a student-to-faculty ratio of 6:1, Duke University provides a personalized and collaborative learning environment. The university is known for its interdisciplinary approach to education, allowing students to explore various fields and create unique academic paths.
[Duke University] Diversity
Duke University is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive community. Approximately 51% of undergraduate students identify as students of color, and 12% are international students. Duke has various programs and resources to support diversity and inclusion on campus.
[Duke University] Students
Duke enrolls approximately 6,649 undergraduate students and 9,254 graduate and professional students. The university boasts a strong sense of community and offers over 400 student organizations, fraternities and sororities, and club sports teams for students to join and engage in campus life.
[Duke University] Campus
Duke’s picturesque campus spans 8,709 acres and includes the Gothic-style West Campus, the Georgian East Campus, and the Medical Center. The university provides state-of-the-art facilities, including research labs, libraries, and recreational facilities, to support student success and wellbeing.
[Duke University] Alumni
Duke University has a strong alumni network of over 180,000 individuals worldwide. Notable alumni include Apple CEO Tim Cook, journalist Charlie Rose, and former U.S. Senator Elizabeth Dole. Duke alumni are known for their success and leadership across various fields, including business, education, and public service.
[Duke University] Rankings
Duke University is consistently ranked among the top institutions in the United States and globally. According to the U.S. News & World Report, Duke is ranked #9 in National Universities and #4 in Best Undergraduate Teaching.
[Duke University] Outcomes
Duke University boasts a strong record of student success, with a six-year graduation rate of 95%. Additionally, 91% of graduates are employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation.
[UC Davis] Overview
The University of California, Davis (UC Davis) is a public research university founded in 1905. Located in Davis, California, UC Davis is part of the prestigious University of California system. Known for its commitment to sustainability, research, and innovation, UC Davis offers a diverse range of academic programs and a welcoming campus community.
[UC Davis] Costs & Tuition
The estimated cost of attending UC Davis for the 2021-2022 academic year is $14,597 for California residents and $44,351 for non-residents, including tuition and fees. Room and board costs are an additional $17,324. Financial aid is available for eligible students, with over 70% of undergraduate students receiving some form of financial assistance.
[UC Davis] Admissions
Admission to UC Davis is selective, with an acceptance rate of approximately 39%. Applicants are evaluated based on their academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and personal qualities. UC Davis offers a single application period for fall admission.
[UC Davis] Degrees Offered
UC Davis offers over 100 undergraduate majors across four colleges: Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Biological Sciences, Engineering, and Letters and Science. Additionally, UC Davis has six professional schools, offering graduate and professional degrees in areas such as business, education, law, medicine, nursing, and veterinary medicine.
[UC Davis] Academics
With a student-to-faculty ratio of 20:1, UC Davis provides a supportive and engaging academic environment. The university is known for its strong STEM programs, especially in the areas of agriculture, veterinary medicine, and environmental science.
[UC Davis] Diversity
UC Davis is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive campus community. Approximately 48% of undergraduate students identify as students of color, and 13% are international students. The university offers numerous resources and programs to support and promote diversity and inclusion.
[UC Davis] Students
UC Davis enrolls approximately 30,872 undergraduate students and 8,055 graduate and professional students. The university offers over 900 student clubs and organizations, providing ample opportunities for students to engage in campus life and pursue their passions.
[UC Davis] Campus
The UC Davis campus encompasses 5,300 acres and features a blend of modern and historic architecture. The university is known for its sustainable practices, with numerous LEED-certified buildings and extensive bike paths throughout the campus.
[UC Davis] Alumni
UC Davis has a global alumni network of over 250,000 individuals. Notable alumni include U.S. Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy, astronaut Stephen Robinson, and author John Lescroart. UC Davis graduates are known for their leadership in various fields, including agriculture, science, and the arts.
[UC Davis] Rankings
UC Davis is consistently ranked among the top public universities in the United States. According to the U.S. News & World Report, UC Davis is ranked #39 in National Universities and #11 in Top Public Schools.
[UC Davis] Outcomes
The six-year graduation rate at UC Davis is 87%. Approximately 76% of graduates are employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation.
[Duke University] vs [UC Davis] Cost Comparison
Attending Duke University is significantly more expensive than attending UC Davis, especially for California residents. However, Duke is committed to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need for admitted students, which can reduce the overall cost for eligible students.
[Duke University] vs [UC Davis] Admissions Difficulty
Duke University has a more competitive admissions process than UC Davis, with an acceptance rate of 8.9% compared to UC Davis’s rate of 39%. Applicants should consider their academic profiles and the competitiveness of each institution when deciding where to apply.
[Duke University] vs [UC Davis] Academic Difficulty
Both Duke University and UC Davis offer rigorous academic programs and are renowned for their research and innovation. However, Duke University is generally considered more prestigious and ranks higher in national and global rankings.
[Duke University] vs [UC Davis] Outcome Comparison
Duke University has higher graduation and post-graduation employment rates than UC Davis, reflecting the university’s strong reputation and alumni network. However, both institutions offer valuable educational experiences and opportunities for students to succeed in their chosen fields.
