Duke University vs. Vanderbilt University
Side by side: median LSAT, median GPA, estimated tuition, and selectivity rank for two of the most compared law schools. Medians from ABA Standard 509 disclosures via ILRG, Fall 2025 entering class.
| Measure | Duke University | Vanderbilt University |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Durham, NC | Nashville, TN |
| Selectivity rank | #13 | #18 |
| Median LSAT | 171 | 170 |
| Median GPA | 3.91 | 3.91 |
| Est. annual tuition | $80,100 | $76,440 |
| Est. 3-year tuition | $240,300 | $229,320 |
Pros and cons, from the data
Duke University
Pros
- More selective (rank #13), which can mean stronger outcomes for graduates
Cons
- Higher sticker tuition than Vanderbilt University
- Higher median LSAT (171 vs. 170) — harder to clear
Vanderbilt University
Pros
- Lower sticker tuition than Duke University
- Lower median LSAT (170 vs. 171) — easier to be at or above
Cons
Pros and cons are computed from the medians and sticker prices above, not from reviews. Scholarships can erase a sticker-price gap.
How to choose between them
Start with your numbers. If your LSAT sits at or above 171, Duke University is a target for you; if it sits below, it is a reach. Do the same math against 170 for Vanderbilt University. Then weigh the cost gap: about $10,980 over three years at sticker, before scholarships. A school whose median you clear is also a school more likely to offer you merit aid, which can erase a sticker-price gap. Visit if you can. Talk to recent graduates doing the work you want to do. The medians get you a short list; the visit and the aid letter make the decision.
More comparisons
Open this pair in the comparison tool to swap in other schools. Or try another popular pair:
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What LSAT do you need for Duke University? · What LSAT do you need for Vanderbilt University?
Last updated October 12, 2026