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 highly selective private university, very high research activity, and strong premed programs. 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

The first 2 tips apply to all applicants. Your personalized strategy requires your profile — build your free list to unlock it.

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.
Test Score Strategy
Duke is test optional and your score falls below their 75th percentile, so withholding it and letting your coursework, grades, and essays carry your application is the stronger move.

Get a tailored strategy for Duke University. Build your free list to unlock personalized advice on submitting test scores and discover your actual admission odds based on your student profile.

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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 PriceEst. 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
Duke University Acceptance Rate & Admissions | SpearMatch