Duke University vs University of Pennsylvania

This page compares Duke University and University of Pennsylvania across admissions data, cost of attendance, and employment outcomes — plus cross-admit decision data from 72 applicants admitted to both.

Based on 72 applicants admitted to both schools, 82% chose to attend University of Pennsylvania. This cross-admit data reflects real enrollment decisions from verified law school applicants on LSD.Law.

Both schools are closely ranked in U.S. News: #5 and #6, separated by just 1 positions, making cross-admit data especially useful for deciding between them.

University of Pennsylvania is significantly more selective, with an acceptance rate of 8.1% compared to Duke University's 12.9%.

Duke University is located in Durham, North Carolina, while University of Pennsylvania is in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Regional placement matters: graduates tend to find employment near their law school, so location should factor into your decision alongside rankings and cost.

Among cross-admitted applicants, University of Pennsylvania offered a median scholarship of $148,500 compared to $114,000, a difference of $34,500 that may factor into enrollment decisions.