Duke University is a private nonprofit 4-year college in Durham, North Carolina with 6,442 undergraduates. It admits 5.7% of applicants, costs an average of $23,706 a year after grants and graduates 96% of its students.
Figures from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, released October 15, 2026. What each number covers.
Duke University acceptance rate and admissions
Duke University admitted 5.7% of applicants for fall 2024, about 1 in 18. The median acceptance rate at 4-year colleges is 77%.
Test scores: Considered but not required (as reported for fall 2024 admission). That means you can apply without SAT or ACT scores. Check the admissions office for the current policy.
SAT total
1500 to 1570
4001600
ACT composite
34 to 35
136
The colored band is the middle 50% of enrolled students in fall 2024 (reading and writing 740 to 770, math 760 to 800). The tick marks the typical 4-year college. Check how your scores fit.
Duke University application deadlines 2026-27
Round
Deadline
Early decision
Nov 2, 2026
Regular decision
Jan 4, 2027
Next deadline: Early decision, Nov 2, 2026. Application fee through the Common App: $85 for U.S. applicants. Confirm dates on Duke University’s admissions page; see every college on the deadline calendar.
Source: Common App 2026-27 first-year deadlines, fees and requirements grid, updated Sep 25, 2026.
Duke University tuition, cost and net price
Tuition and fees (2025-26)
$72,795
On-campus housing and food (2025-26)
$19,247
Total cost of attendance (2024-25)
$90,696
Average net price after grants (2024-25)
$23,706
Students who get federal aid pay an average of $23,706 a year after grants and scholarships, $66,990 less than the full cost of attendance.
What families pay, by income
Average yearly cost after grants for aided first-time students, by family income (2024-25):
Duke University graduation rate, earnings and debt
96%finished within 6 years98%came back for year two19%get a Pell Grant
96% of first-time, full-time students finished within six years (students who started in 2019).
Former students earned a median of $113,937 a year, 10 years after they started (students who received federal aid and were working).
Students who completed left with a median of $13,000 in federal student loans.
Earnings compared
Duke University$113,937
North Carolina median, private nonprofit 4-year$52,840
U.S. median, private nonprofit 4-year$59,582
Debt compared
Duke University$13,000
North Carolina median$23,522
U.S. median$23,250
Median debt is 11% of median earnings 10 years after entry. Many advisers suggest keeping total student debt below one year of expected pay. See the monthly payment.
Duke University majors and what graduates earn
Duke University awarded bachelor's degrees in 56 fields recently. The best-paid graduates four years out came from mathematics ($297,029).
Four-year earnings: graduates of 2017-18 and 2018-19, measured in 2022 and 2023, in 2024 dollars. Fields with few graduates have no published earnings.
Graduate programs at Duke University
115 graduate programs awarded degrees recently. Largest first.
Duke University admitted 5.7% of applicants for fall 2024, according to the U.S. Department of Education.
How much does Duke University cost?
Tuition and fees for 2025-26 are $72,795. After grants and scholarships, aided students paid an average net price of $23,706 a year in 2024-25.
What SAT score do you need for Duke University?
The middle 50% of enrolled students scored 740 to 770 in reading and writing and 760 to 800 in math, and 34 to 35 on the ACT. Scores inside these ranges are typical for admitted students.
Is Duke University test-optional?
For fall 2024 admission, Duke University reported that test scores were: considered but not required. Policies change, so confirm with the admissions office.
What is the graduation rate at Duke University?
96% of first-time, full-time students finished within six years.
How much do Duke University graduates make?
Former students who received federal aid earned a median of $113,937 a year 10 years after they started, in 2024 dollars.
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