Quick Summary
Situated in Durham, North Carolina, United States, Duke University is a private research university established in 1838. Ranked #61 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 16786 students including 22% from outside United States. Known for strengths in Nursing, Medicine, Law, it maintains an acceptance rate of 5.1%.
01
Institutional Profile
Who they are
Duke offers a unique 'Gothic Wonderland' campus experience combined with world-class research and a powerhouse athletic culture (Blue Devils). It bridges the gap between Ivy League academic rigor and the spirited campus life of Southern universities.
Subject Strengths
NursingMedicineLawBusiness and ManagementBiological SciencesEnvironmental SciencesTheology and Religious Studies
Founded1838
TypePrivate Research University
Total Students16786
Intl Students22%
Faculty Ratio6
CampusSuburban
Campus Size8,600 acres
Affiliated HospitalsDuke University Hospital,Duke Regional Hospital,Duke Raleigh Hospital
AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
02
Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#61
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#26
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#34
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Undergraduate,Graduate,Professional,Doctoral
Programs
Biomedical Engineering,Clinical Psychology,Economics,History,Literature,Mathematics,Nursing,Public Policy
PhD Programs
Master of Engineering in Cybersecurity,Master of Environmental Management,Duke Executive MBA
Online Programs
Duke Global Health Institute,Duke Human Vaccine Institute,Nicholas Institute for Environmental Policy Solutions,Kenan Institute for Ethics
Research Centers
Very High
Research Output
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Accreditation
04
Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate5.1%
IELTS7
TOEFL100
Min GPA3.9
GREOptional/Required for specific programs
GMATRequired for MBA
SAT1500-1570
ACT34-35
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · January 2
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Duke values a combination of academic excellence and unique personal perspectives. For undergraduates, the 'Why Duke' essay is critical. Demonstrating a fit for the collaborative and interdisciplinary culture is essential.
05
Cost Ledger
Annual estimate
UG Tuition
$66,325/yr
per year · USD
Living Cost
$22,000/yr
per year · USD
PG Tuition
$63,550/yr
per year · USD
Application Fee
$85
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
$92,000/yr
tuition + living + essentials · USD
Scholarships AvailableRobertson Scholars Leadership Program,Duke University Trinity Scholarships,Alumni Endowed Scholarships
Avg Scholarship$54,000
Financial AidNeed-blind for US citizens and permanent residents; Duke meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students.
Work-StudyAvailable
06
Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Undergraduate,Graduate,Professional,Doctoral programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Economics | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Public Policy Analysis | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Biology/Biological Sciences | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$102,000
Average Salary After Graduation
96%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementDuke's Career Center and dedicated departmental offices facilitate placements at top-tier firms in tech, finance, and healthcare.
Industry Connections
Strong ties with Research Triangle Park (RTP) companiesincluding AppleGoogleand pharmaceutical giants.
Notable Alumni
Tim Cook (CEO of Apple),Melinda French Gates,Richard Nixon,Ken Jeong,Kyrie Irving
08
Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
On-campus available
Sports Facilities
Cameron Indoor Stadium,Wallace Wade Stadium,Brodie Recreation Center,Wilson Recreation Center
Student Clubs
Duke Student Government,Duke Impact Investing Group,The Chronicle,Duke Debate Society
Library Resources
Perkins Library,Bostock Library,Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library,Goodson Law Library
Exchange Programs
Duke-in-Oxford,Duke-in-Paris,Duke-in-China
Summer Programs
Duke Summer Session,Duke Pre-College Programs