Duke University Overview

Duke University is a four-year, full-time, more selective, lower transfer-in, higher education institution located in Durham, NC. It has an enrollment of 6,815 undergraduate students. The admissions acceptance rate is 5.89%.

The average annual cost of attendance after financial aid is $31,416. Tuition is $60,244.00 without financial aid.

Duke University is a predominantly bachelor’s-degree granting school.

At Duke University, 97.72% of students return after freshman year (national average: 68%).

Duke University has a student-to-faculty ratio of 6 to 1.

Duke University Website

Duke University Admissions

For the incoming class in 2023, the acceptance rate was 5.89%.

SAT or ACT scores are required.

• The average SAT score was 1516.0 for the incoming class of 2023.
• The median ACT score was 34.0 for the incoming class to 2023.

Duke University Cost

The average annual cost of attendance after financial aid is $31,416.

The average tuition is:

• $2,945, when family income is less than $30,000

• $4,301, when family income is between $30,001 and $48,000 

• $10,304, when family income is between $48,001 and $75,000

• $18,753, when family income is between $75,001 and $110,000

• $47,805, when family income is more than $110,000 

The average tuition shown here is based on the NET costs to students who receive financial aid. For the incoming class of 2023, 16.51% of students received a federal student loan and 13.13% of students received a Pell Grant.

Tuition is $60,244.00 without financial aid.

Duke University Net Price Calculator

Duke University Majors/Salaries

Duke University has academic offerings within the core majors listed below.  

Please note that different schools classify majors differently, so it is best to view the school’s website to see the various programs it offers. See detailed information about the individual majors at Duke University here.

Recent Graduate Salaries

(Average salaries of students from select majors two years after graduation)

• Natural Resources Conservation and Research. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $36,848
• Natural Resources Conservation and Research. (Master’s Degree) – $59,640
• Natural Resources Management and Policy. (Master’s Degree) – $58,221
• Area Studies. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $20,682
• Computer Science. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $106,898
• International and Comparative Education. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $47,846
• Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. (Graduate/Professional Certificate) – $49,937
• Biomedical/Medical Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $75,114
• Biomedical/Medical Engineering. (Master’s Degree) – $77,213
• Biomedical/Medical Engineering. (Doctoral Degree) – $65,332
• Computer Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $97,071
• Mechanical Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $80,964
• Engineering-Related Fields. (Master’s Degree) – $91,078
• Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $42,682
• Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $52,107
• Law. (Doctoral Degree) – $168,098
• English Language and Literature, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $38,289
• Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. (Master’s Degree) – $40,647
• Biology, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $33,565
• Biology, General. (Master’s Degree) – $20,140
• Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $36,848
• Neurobiology and Neurosciences. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $31,133
• Mathematics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $81,333
• Statistics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $83,546
• Religion/Religious Studies. (Master’s Degree) – $41,342
• Theological and Ministerial Studies. (Master’s Degree) – $40,497
• Theological and Ministerial Studies. (Doctoral Degree) – $86,867
• Chemistry. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $27,216
• Physics. (Master’s Degree) – $53,984
• Psychology, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $37,208
• Psychology, General. (Doctoral Degree) – $46,087
• Public Policy Analysis. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $60,106
• Public Policy Analysis. (Master’s Degree) – $73,635
• Anthropology. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $40,467
• Economics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $90,856
• Economics. (Master’s Degree) – $76,460
• Political Science and Government. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $54,463
• Sociology. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $45,305
• Fine and Studio Arts. (Master’s Degree) – $40,485
• Health and Medical Administrative Services. (Graduate/Professional Certificate) – $138,342
• Medicine. (Doctoral Degree) – $59,337
• Public Health. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $37,208
• Public Health. (Master’s Degree) – $54,869
• Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. (Doctoral Degree) – $67,486
• Bioethics/Medical Ethics. (Master’s Degree) – $73,949
• Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $63,970
• Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. (Master’s Degree) – $97,071
• Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. (Doctoral Degree) – $116,541
• Business Administration, Management and Operations. (Master’s Degree) – $148,189
• Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations. (Master’s Degree) – $61,516
• International Business. (Master’s Degree) – $213,978
• History. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $52,941

Duke University Diversity

The racial diversity of students who received financial aid at Duke University

• American Indian/Alaska Native: 0.40%
• Asian: 21.48%
• Black: 8.04%
• Hispanic: 10.55%
• Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: 0.01%
• Non-resident alien: 8.57%
• Two or more races: 6.43%
• Unknown: 4.50%
• White: 40.01%

At Duke University, 0.20% of undergraduate students are 25 years old, or older.

Duke University Frequently Asked Questions

How is school spirit at Duke University?

The school spirit at Duke University is very strong. The university’s athletic programs, especially its men’s basketball team, are very popular and attract a lot of attention and support from students, alumni, and fans. The campus is also known for its lively social scene, with many student groups and organizations organizing events and activities throughout the year. Overall, Duke has a vibrant and engaged student body that takes great pride in being a part of the university community.

What are some popular extracurriculars at Duke University?

Duke University has a wide variety of extracurricular activities available for students. Some popular extracurriculars at Duke University include: 1. Duke University Student Government: This organization is responsible for representing the student body to the university and advocating for student interests. 2. Club sports: Duke has a variety of club sport offerings, including ultimate frisbee, soccer, and volleyball. 3. Performing arts groups: There are many opportunities to get involved in dance, theater, and music at Duke, with multiple a cappella groups and theater productions being held each year. 4. Volunteer organizations: Duke has a strong commitment to community service, and many students participate in volunteer organizations like Duke Habitat for Humanity and the Duke Engage program. 5. Academic clubs: There are many academic clubs at Duke, including the Duke Debate Society, the Duke Finance Club, and the Duke Entrepreneurship Network. 6. Outdoor activities: Duke is located in a beautiful area of North Carolina with access to hiking trails, lakes, and rivers. The Duke Outing Club offers opportunities to get outside and explore the surrounding area.

How are the food choices at Duke University?

Duke University has a variety of dining options available for students, faculty, and staff. There are more than 30 locations on campus, ranging from cafes and coffee shops to full-service restaurants. These establishments offer a wide range of cuisine options from classic American to global fare, including halal, kosher, vegetarian, and vegan options. Duke also has a food truck program that brings unique meals to campus. Additionally, there are several markets where students can purchase groceries and cook their own meals in the residence halls.

Is there Greek life at Duke University?

Yes, Duke University has a strong Greek life presence on campus. There are 35 recognized fraternities and sororities that are part of the Interfraternity Council, the Panhellenic Association, and the Multicultural Greek Council. Greek life organizations at Duke offer a range of opportunities for social, leadership, and philanthropic activities. However, it’s important to keep in mind that joining a fraternity or sorority is completely optional and there are many other ways to get involved on campus.

What is Duke University known for?

Duke University is known for being one of the top private universities in the United States. Located in Durham, North Carolina, Duke is known for its strong undergraduate programs in areas such as engineering, biology, public policy, economics, and political science. It is also known for its world-class graduate and professional programs, including the highly ranked Duke Law School, Fuqua School of Business, and School of Medicine. Duke is also known for its cutting-edge research and its commitment to community service, as well as for its strong athletic programs, particularly in basketball.

What are the most popular school clubs at Duke University?

Duke University has a wide variety of school clubs and organizations to choose from, but some of the most popular ones include: 1. Duke Student Government (DSG) 2. Club sports teams (such as Ultimate Frisbee, soccer, and volleyball) 3. Greek life organizations (fraternities and sororities) 4. The Duke Chronicle (student-run newspaper) 5. Duke University Union (DUU), which organizes various social events and concerts on campus 6. Duke Investment Club, which teaches members about investing and finance 7. Duke Engage, which provides students with opportunities for immersive service-learning experiences 8. Duke Debate (D.U.D.S.), which competes against other universities in debate tournaments 9. Duke Mock Trial, which simulates a trial in a courtroom setting 10. Duke Outing Club, which offers outdoor adventures like hiking, camping, and rock climbing. These are just a few examples of the many clubs and organizations available to students at Duke University.

Is the campus at Duke University safe?

Yes, Duke University’s campus is generally considered safe. The university has its own police department, which maintains a visible presence on campus and provides 24-hour patrols. In addition, the university has a number of safety measures in place, including emergency call boxes, a campus-wide alert system, and security cameras. However, as with any campus, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and take appropriate precautions, such as traveling in groups at night and avoiding isolated areas.