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Duke University vs Galen Health Institutes-Asheville: which has better ROI?

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

The verdict

Duke University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $118,448 in 2.4 years versus 4.4 years at Galen Health Institutes-Asheville, on median earnings of $97,800 vs $61,480 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureDuke UniversityGalen Health Institutes-Asheville
Net price / yr$29,612$28,602
Total net cost$118,448$57,204
Median earnings, 10 yrs$97,800$61,480
Median debt$13,000$24,166
Payback2.4 yrs4.4 yrs
20-year net return$870,352$205,196

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

Which is cheaper, Duke University or Galen Health Institutes-Asheville?

Galen Health Institutes-Asheville, at $28,602 a year after aid versus $29,612 — a gap of $1,010 a year, or $61,244 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 Galen Health Institutes-Asheville graduates earn more?

Duke University graduates report a median $97,800 ten years after entry, $36,320 more than the $61,480 at Galen Health Institutes-Asheville. 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 Galen Health Institutes-Asheville?

Duke University: its completers carry a median $13,000 in federal loans versus $24,166 at Galen Health Institutes-Asheville, a difference of $11,166. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Duke University vs Galen Health Institutes-Asheville: frequently asked questions

Is Duke University or Galen Health Institutes-Asheville a better value?
Duke University. It clears its $118,448 net cost in about 2.4 years versus 4.4 years at Galen Health Institutes-Asheville, on median earnings of $97,800 vs $61,480 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Duke University or Galen Health Institutes-Asheville?
Galen Health Institutes-Asheville: $28,602/yr net price after aid versus $29,612/yr at Duke University — a difference of $1,010 a year, or about $61,244 over four years.
Do Duke University or Galen Health Institutes-Asheville graduates earn more?
Duke University graduates earn a median $97,800 ten years after entry, versus $61,480 at Galen Health Institutes-Asheville — a $36,320 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.