Overview
Duke University is a extremely selective private four-year institution in Durham, North Carolina. The school accepts 6.4% of applicants and enrolls 6,417 students.
Admission Statistics
- Acceptance Rate
- 6.4%
- Average SAT
- 1,530
- SAT Range (25th–75th)
- 1,490–1,570
- ACT Composite (avg)
- 35
- Total Enrollment
- 6,417
Your Chances by SAT Score
Your score is above the 75th percentile. You are a competitive applicant.
Your score falls within the middle 50% of admitted students.
Your score is below the 25th percentile. Other parts of your application will need to stand out.
Admission Guide
Duke's admissions office cares deeply about your intellectual versatility and how you'll contribute to their collaborative academic culture. Unlike many peer institutions, Duke evaluates your fit across both Trinity College of Arts & Sciences and the Pratt School of Engineering, so your application should reflect genuine interest in your chosen school's specific opportunities.
Your essays should reference Duke's distinctive programs like Focus clusters for first-years, where you'll live and learn with students sharing similar academic interests, or DukeEngage, their fully-funded summer service program. Mention specific research centers like the Duke Global Health Institute or the Fitzpatrick Institute for Photonics if they align with your goals. Basketball culture runs deep here, so don't ignore Cameron Crazies traditions if you're genuinely excited about the athletic atmosphere.
Don't write generic essays about Duke's "prestige" or "beautiful campus." The admissions committee reads thousands of applications praising Gothic architecture and academic reputation. Instead, connect specific professors' research to your interests, or explain how Duke's Policy Journalism & Media Studies certificate complements your major. Show you understand Duke's interdisciplinary approach by discussing how you'd combine resources across schools.
Your Trinity and Pratt essays require different approaches. Trinity wants to see intellectual exploration across disciplines, while Pratt focuses on engineering problem-solving and innovation. Don't submit identical responses with minor word changes. Duke also offers binding Early Decision, which provides a statistical advantage, but only apply ED if Duke is genuinely your top choice after visiting or thoroughly researching the school.
Duke admits students who can handle intense academic pressure while maintaining social connections. Your application should demonstrate both serious scholarship and genuine interest in building community. Don't position yourself as solely grade-focused or purely social. The school attracts pre-professional students heading to medical school, law school, and consulting, so show how Duke's resources prepare you for your specific post-graduation plans rather than making vague statements about "changing the world."
What It Costs If You Get In
- Average Net Price
- $34,454/yr
- Tuition (in-state)
- $65,805
- Students Receiving Aid
- 13%
After You Graduate
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 95.8%
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $97,800/yr
- Freshman Retention Rate
- 96.2%
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Duke University require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
Duke has a test-optional policy, meaning you can choose whether or not to submit standardized test scores with your application.
What are the application deadlines for Duke University?
Duke offers Early Decision with a November 1 deadline and Regular Decision with a January 2 deadline. Early Decision is binding if you are accepted.
Can you transfer to Duke University from another college?
Duke accepts transfer students for fall and spring semesters. Transfer applications are due March 15 for fall entry and October 15 for spring entry.
Does Duke University have early admission options?
Duke offers Early Decision, which is binding and has a November 1 deadline. They do not offer Early Action or other non-binding early admission programs.