Yale SOM vs Duke Fuqua
Which MBA program is right for you?
Yale SOM
Duke Fuqua
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Metric | Yale SOM | Duke Fuqua |
|---|---|---|
| Ranking | #9 | #11 |
| Acceptance Rate | 17% | 22% |
| Avg. GMAT | 720 | 720 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.7 | 3.55 |
| Class Size | 350 | 450 |
| Avg. Salary | $165,000 | $168,000 |
| Employment Rate | 92% | 94% |
| Annual Tuition | $76,300 | $72,800 |
The Verdict
Choose Yale SOM if…
you're mission-driven, want the Yale brand, and value an integrated curriculum.
Full Yale SOM Profile →Choose Duke Fuqua if…
you want team culture, stronger consulting placement, and a more traditional MBA structure.
Full Duke Fuqua Profile →Why People Compare These Two
Yale SOM and Duke Fuqua are both top-15 programs with strong consulting placement in college-town settings. SOM attracts mission-driven candidates with the Yale brand. Fuqua attracts team-oriented candidates with strong healthcare and energy focus. The ranking difference (SOM #9 vs Fuqua #10) is negligible.
The Honest Take
Yale SOM gives you the Yale name, which opens doors in government, nonprofit, healthcare, and international organizations. Fuqua gives you a team-based MBA experience with stronger consulting placement. If you care about the brand versatility of Yale across industries beyond business, SOM wins. If you want the strongest team culture and consulting preparation, Fuqua wins.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Yale SOM or Duke Fuqua better for consulting?
Fuqua places 35% into consulting vs SOM's 30%. Fuqua has a slight edge in pure consulting placement. Both are MBB target schools.
Which has a stronger brand outside business?
Yale SOM benefits from the Yale University brand, which carries weight in government, nonprofit, law, and international organizations. Duke's brand is strong but more concentrated in healthcare and the Southeast.