Head-to-head comparison
Duke University vs Chamberlain University-North Carolina: which has better ROI?
Option A Durham, NC
Duke University
- Net price / year
- $29,612
- Earnings, 10 years
- $97,800
- Payback
- 2.4 yrs
Option B Charlotte, NC
Chamberlain University-North Carolina
- Net price / year
- $38,436
- Earnings, 10 years
- $92,405
- Payback
- 3.5 yrs
Duke University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $118,448 in 2.4 years versus 3.5 years at Chamberlain University-North Carolina, on median earnings of $97,800 vs $92,405 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Duke University | Chamberlain University-North Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $29,612 | $38,436 |
| Total net cost | $118,448 | $153,744 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $97,800 | $92,405 |
| Median debt | $13,000 | $20,919 |
| Payback | 2.4 yrs | 3.5 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $870,352 | $727,156 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
The short answer
Which is cheaper, Duke University or Chamberlain University-North Carolina?
Duke University, at $29,612 a year after aid versus $38,436 — a gap of $8,824 a year, or $35,296 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
The short answer
Do Duke University or Chamberlain University-North Carolina graduates earn more?
Duke University graduates report a median $97,800 ten years after entry, $5,395 more than the $92,405 at Chamberlain University-North Carolina. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
The short answer
Which leaves students with less debt, Duke University or Chamberlain University-North Carolina?
Duke University: its completers carry a median $13,000 in federal loans versus $20,919 at Chamberlain University-North Carolina, a difference of $7,919. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.