Duke University
About Duke University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Duke University is a private research university in Durham, North Carolina. It is one of the most selective universities in the country with top programs in public policy, law, medicine, engineering, and the sciences. Duke is also known for its dominant basketball program and the Duke Forest research area.
Founded
1838
Location
Durham, North Carolina
Students
17,418
Institution
Private
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
5.7%
Highly selective
Graduation Rate
96.8%
Above national average
Tuition
$68,758
Per year
Avg Net Price
$29,612
After financial aid
SAT Average
1548
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$97,800
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Most Selective
Only 5.7 out of 100 applicants are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$85
Early
Nov 2
Regular
Jan 4
With a 5.7% acceptance rate and an average SAT of 1548, Duke University is among the most selective schools in the country. Every part of your application needs to stand out.
SAT Scores
1548/ 1600
ACT Scores
34/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Excellent
96.8% complete their degree within six years
Retention
97.9%
4-Year Grad
89%
6-Year Grad
96%
Teaching Quality
6:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
94.5%
$/Student
$87.0K
Class Size
Small
89% of students graduate on time, and with a 6:1 student-to-faculty ratio, it's clear students get the personal attention they need to succeed.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$68,758
Annual Tuition
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$18,128
Books & Supplies
$536
Total Cost of Attendance
$87,072
After Financial Aid
$29,612
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$735
Receive Grants
14%
Take Loans
13.6%
Don't let the $68,758 sticker price scare you. Most students pay around $29,612 after financial aid, a 57% discount. Families earning under $30K pay closer to $735.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Duke University fund their education.
While in School
14%
Get Grants
Free money
13.6%
Take Loans
Must repay
$61,560
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$13,000
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$138/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
The median debt is just $13,000, and less than 0% of graduates default on their loans. Students here leave with very manageable financial obligations.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Duke University.
Gender
53.7%
Female
46%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
6,442
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
10,976
Graduates
13.5%
First-Gen
21 yrs
Avg Age
0.3%
Age 25+
The campus has a balanced gender split (54% women, 46% men). 10.5% international students bring global perspectives to campus life.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Large
Campus Quick Facts
6,442
Students
private
Institution
Medium
Campus Size
R1 Research
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
No
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
No
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
What Students Say
Pros
- +Beautiful Gothic campus with lush gardens
- +Durham food scene is excellent and affordable
- +Research Triangle offers strong internship access
- +Passionate basketball culture unites campus
Cons
- -Greek life dominates the social scene
- -Durham beyond campus can feel disconnected
- -Hot and humid summers in North Carolina
- -Car is helpful for exploring beyond campus
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Duke University fields 15 varsity teams with 877 student athletes, about 14% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division I-FBS
Conference
Atlantic Coast
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
15
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
877
14% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
56% / 44%
492
Men
385
Women
11
Men's Teams
12
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Duke Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$97,800
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Computer Science
$133K
410 grads
1yr Earnings
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
—
281 grads
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
$77K
224 grads
1yr Earnings
Economics
$99K
199 grads
1yr Earnings
Biology, General
$31K
169 grads
1yr Earnings
Public Policy Analysis
$61K
144 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates start at $86K six years out, climb to $103K by year eight, and reach $98K by year ten. That upward trajectory shows the degree keeps paying off.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Duke University
What is the acceptance rate at Duke University?▾
How much does Duke University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Duke University?▾
How much do Duke University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.