Degree Dividend
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Duke University vs Chamberlain University-North Carolina: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Durham NC · vs · Private for-profit, Charlotte NC

The verdict

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.)

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Head to head
MeasureDuke UniversityChamberlain 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
Payback2.4 yrs3.5 yrs
20-year net return$870,352$727,156

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

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.

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.

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.

Duke University vs Chamberlain University-North Carolina: frequently asked questions

Is Duke University or Chamberlain University-North Carolina a better value?
Duke University. It clears its $118,448 net cost in about 2.4 years versus 3.5 years at Chamberlain University-North Carolina, on median earnings of $97,800 vs $92,405 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Duke University or Chamberlain University-North Carolina?
Duke University: $29,612/yr net price after aid versus $38,436/yr at Chamberlain University-North Carolina — a difference of $8,824 a year, or about $35,296 over four years.
Do Duke University or Chamberlain University-North Carolina graduates earn more?
Duke University graduates earn a median $97,800 ten years after entry, versus $92,405 at Chamberlain University-North Carolina — a $5,395 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.