<p>I was recently accepted to both of these schools, but now I obviously have to decide on where I'm going to go. Duke has always been my dream school, but Vandy offered me a scholarship so now I can't decide. Each year, Vandy would cost $9,850 as opposed to the $20,570 per year I'd pay at Duke. Do you think the prestige of Duke outweighs the prestige of a scholarship at Vandy? Which one, in your opinion, should I attend? Thanks.</p>
<p>Obviously I am biased because my husband and I are both Vanderbilt alumni. Academically speaking, all your classes will be taught by distinguished professors. It is frequent that you may have lunch or dinner with them, or even hang out at their homes. We graduated in 2001 and 2003 and we still keep in touch with deans and profs, and whenever we are back in town, we always get together with them. It's like family. You have lasting relationships, and they are the type that are willing to make calls to get you a job or get into a grad school, which is more significant than anything you could ever put on paper. I really can't say much for Duke because I never went there. One of my close friends is a Duke grad student in econ department, and she enjoys the prestige but misses the close knit community and beautiful campus at Vanderbilt. I personally would consider Vanderbilt for undergrad, and perhaps go to Duke for graduate school, since doctoral programs are generally paid for (tuition, living expenses, research grants all paid if you get in).</p>
<p>I've been to Vanderbilt (will be attending as '09) and my brother is a junior at Duke. This is a common question for a lot of us. Duke is a bit more prestigious but Vandy is known for good financial and scholarship aid. From what I've heard from my brother, Duke is an excellent school in everyway you would expect. The few things he doesn't like are the campus being too big and separated, his dorm, the meals, and the city (Durham is supposedly in the middle of nowhere) . He also had some problem with some rich and snobby people, but I've heard there's a problem with that in Vandy too. I'm sure Vanderbilt has its problems too but for $40,000, I would really think about going there for undergraduate school; especially since the difference in education is probably none and the gap in ranking is very small.</p>
<p>Bump Bump Bump</p>
<p>I am in the same pickle...I'm choosing between Vandy ($22000/yr in merit scholarships) and Duke (no aid)</p>
<p>Hey! I was in the same situation as both of y'all about a week ago, trying to choose between Vanderbilt and Duke. Personally, I had a gut feeling that Vanderbilt was the right school for me (and, of course, the scholarship didn't hurt!), but it's really just an individual decision you'll have to make. I take it you've both visited both of the campuses? Each school obviously has its advantages, and it should really just come down to your personal preferences. I know, easier said than done, right? Just remember that college is what you make of it, and if you have the right attitude, you'll love wherever you decide to go!</p>