About

About Duke University

highly selective private universityvery high research activitystrong premed programslow student faculty ratiotest optional admissions

Duke University is a private research university in Durham, NC, known for its strong premed programs, low student faculty ratio, and test optional admissions. With an acceptance rate of 6%, Duke is one of the most selective colleges in the United States, typically enrolling around 1,745 students each year. Duke is test optional; students who submit scores are typically admitted with SATs between 1500–1570, though many competitive applicants choose not to submit. Duke meets 100% of demonstrated financial need and has replaced loans with grants; for families earning under $65,000, the net cost is often $0.

Admissions

Duke University acceptance rate and admitted student profile

one of the most selective colleges in the United States

6%
Overall Accept Rate
1535
Median Admitted SAT
SATSubmitted score range: 1500 – 1570 (test optional)

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ED advantage at Duke University: ED acceptance rate is 17% vs 6% regular decision, more than double. If Duke Universityis your first choice and you've confirmed the financial fit, Early Decision is one of the highest-leverage decisions you can make.

Application Strategy

Strategy tips for applying to Duke University

Essay Strategy
Duke asks a specific 'Why Duke' essay, so go beyond naming departments and actually connect your goals to specific faculty research, Bass Connections projects, or DukeEngage opportunities that align with your own work or experiences.
Application Strategy
Duke asks you to choose between Trinity College of Arts and Sciences and the Pratt School of Engineering, so be intentional about which you select and make sure your essays and activities clearly reflect that path rather than hedging between both.

Financial Aid & Cost

What Duke University actually costs your family

Average net prices by income bracket from College Scorecard data.

Loan-free financial aid: Duke University has replaced all loans with grants. For families earning under $65,000, the average net annual cost is $0. Duke University's sticker price of ~$80k/year bears almost no resemblance to what most families pay.
Family IncomeSticker PriceAvg. Net Cost / yr
0-30kOften $0~$80k/yr~$0 / yr
48k-75k~$80k/yr$5.7k
75k-110k~$80k/yr$17.1k
110k+~$80k/yr$54.2k

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Outcomes & Campus

Student outcomes and campus profile

96%
6-Year Graduation Rate
$86k
Median Earnings (6 yrs)
6:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
6,888
Undergrad Enrollment

Student Body

Student body composition

Race & Ethnicity

35%White
22%Asian
11%Hispanic
11%International
9%Black / African American
7%Two or More Races
5%Unknown / Unreported
0%American Indian / AK Native
0%Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander
Gender46% Men · 54% Women
Citizenship / Immigration Status90% Citizens and Immigrants · 11% International
Duke, Durham Acceptance Rate & Admissions | SpearMatch