A leading private research university pairing top-tier medicine and engineering with a powerhouse basketball tradition. Duke is known for its Gothic campus and strong school spirit.
Duke University admits approximately 6% of applicants, making it "Highly Selective" in our directory.
How much does Duke University cost per year?
Tuition is approximately 63,000 USD per year before aid. See the Tuition tab for a full cost-of-attendance breakdown.
Does Duke University offer scholarships or financial aid?
Yes — Duke University offers Duke Grant, Need-based Aid, and about 51% of students receive some form of financial aid.
When is the application deadline for Duke University?
The application deadline is Jan 02. We recommend submitting all materials at least two weeks ahead of that date.
What can I study at Duke University?
Duke University offers 4 broad fields of study: Medicine, Business, Engineering, Social Sciences.
How big are classes at Duke University?
The average class size is 18 students, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 6:1, across a medium campus of about 17,000 students.
Duke University
🇺🇸 Durham, NC, United States · USA
#25
Global Ranking
Detailed admissions profile compiled by UniPath on June 24, 2026. Figures are directory estimates intended for planning purposes — always confirm exact requirements and costs with the official admissions office at https://www.duke.edu.
At a Glance
Established
1838
Student Population
17,000
Faculty Ratio
6:1
Average Class Size
18
Acceptance Rate
6%
Annual Tuition
$63,000
Financial Aid Recipients
51%
Application Deadline
Jan 02
Website
https://www.duke.edu
About Duke University
A leading private research university pairing top-tier medicine and engineering with a powerhouse basketball tradition. Duke is known for its Gothic campus and strong school spirit.
Highly competitive admissions mean a tightly selected, high-achieving peer group.
Generous aid — 51% of students receive financial support.
Small average class size (18 students) for close faculty access.
An active, well-funded research culture.
Dedicated scholarship programs, including Duke Grant, Need-based Aid.
Admissions — Highly Selective
With only 6% of applicants admitted, every part of the application needs to be deliberate — academics, essays, and activities all carry weight.
This school is more selective than approximately 77% of schools in our directory, ranks better than 89% of them, and is more affordable than 5% (out of 172 schools compared).
Typical requirements:
Completed online application
Official academic transcripts
Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS) for non-native speakers
3 letters of recommendation from teachers or mentors
Personal statement plus 2+ supplemental essays
Standardized test scores (optional at many schools, but top-decile scores strengthen the file)
Demonstrated depth in 1-2 extracurriculars rather than breadth across many
Test-optional, but admitted students who submit scores typically land in the 90th percentile or above.
Cost of Attendance (Estimated, per year)
Tuition
$63,000
Housing & Living
$22,050
Books & Supplies
$2,520
Personal Expenses
$5,040
Total Cost of Attendance
$92,610
Est. Average Grant / Aid
- $19,278
Est. Net Price
$43,722
4-Year Total (before aid)
$370,440
Estimates for international students; actual aid varies by applicant profile.
Scholarships
Duke Grant
Need-based Aid
Majors & Career Outcomes
Medicine — $80,000 avg. starting salary
Common careers: Physician, Surgeon, Nurse Practitioner, Pharmacist
Business — $65,000 avg. starting salary
Common careers: Financial Analyst, Marketing Manager, Management Consultant, Entrepreneur
Engineering — $72,000 avg. starting salary
Common careers: Design Engineer, Project Manager, R&D Specialist, Systems Engineer
Social Sciences — $54,000 avg. starting salary
Common careers: Policy Analyst, Economist, Counselor, HR Specialist
Campus Life
An energetic campus famous for Cameron Crazies and the Duke–UNC rivalry.
Suggested Application Timeline
12+ weeks before: Request transcripts and letters of recommendation; start drafting your personal statement.
8 weeks before: Finalize essays, gather standardized test scores, and complete the online application form.
4 weeks before: Submit early — leave buffer time for technical issues or late-arriving documents.
Jan 02 — deadline: Hard deadline. All materials must be received by the admissions office.
After submitting: Track your applicant portal and respond promptly to any requests for more information.
Similar Universities to Consider
School
Rank
Tuition
Acceptance
Columbia University
#23
$65,524
3.9%
Johns Hopkins University
#28
$60,480
7%
Cornell University
#20
$63,200
7%
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Duke University?
Duke University admits approximately 6% of applicants, making it "Highly Selective" in our directory.
How much does Duke University cost per year?
Tuition is approximately 63,000 USD per year before aid. See the Tuition tab for a full cost-of-attendance breakdown.
Does Duke University offer scholarships or financial aid?
Yes — Duke University offers Duke Grant, Need-based Aid, and about 51% of students receive some form of financial aid.
When is the application deadline for Duke University?
The application deadline is Jan 02. We recommend submitting all materials at least two weeks ahead of that date.
What can I study at Duke University?
Duke University offers 4 broad fields of study: Medicine, Business, Engineering, Social Sciences.
How big are classes at Duke University?
The average class size is 18 students, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 6:1, across a medium campus of about 17,000 students.