Duke University campus
Duke University logo

Duke University

Type 4 year, Private
Business Model Non Profit
Campus locale City: Large
Degrees offered Undergraduate and Graduate
Calendar system Semester
Student body size Medium
Common app member Yes
Dormitory capacity 5,718
Religious affiliation Methodism
Student to faculty ratio 6 to 1
Acceptance rate 6%
Students retention rate 98%
On-time graduation rate 96%

Located in Durham, North Carolina, Duke is a private, non profit institution that offers undergraduate and graduate degrees. The college operates on a semester-based calendar system, providing students with structured academic terms.

The acceptance rate at Duke is 6%, indicating that the institution is quite selective in its admissions process. This can be seen as a positive aspect for those seeking a competitive and academically rigorous environment.

Duke University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, ensuring that the institution meets certain standards of quality and effectiveness. This accreditation also allows students to transfer credits to other accredited institutions if they choose to continue their education elsewhere.

With a students-to-faculty ratio of 6-to-1, Duke emphasizes small class sizes, fostering a supportive and interactive learning environment.

Duke boasts an impressive student retention rate of 98% , indicating that the majority of students choose to continue their education at the institution. This number surpasses both the state and national averages of 80% and 74%, respectively.


  • The institution has on-campus hospital
  • Accredited by: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
  • The institution provides on-campus housing
  • Freshman students are required to live on campus

Acceptance Rate

Fall 2021 admitted students

5.9%

In-State Tuition & Fees

$60,244

Cost of attendance at Duke University in 2022 for students from North Carolina.

See how the college's in-state sticker price compares to 4 year Non Profit, private colleges in the state as well as nationally.

North Carolina's average $7,237
National average $30,235

Out-of-State Tuition & Fees

$60,244

Cost of attendance at Duke University in 2022 for the out-of-state and international students

See how the college's out-of-state sticker price compares to 4 year Non Profit, private colleges in the state as well as nationally.

North Carolina's average $20,075
National average $30,238

Average Grant & Scholarships

In 2022, 46 of freshman students at Duke University received on average $50,731 in grant and scholarships from the college, the state and/or the federal government. Below is detail stats of the aid provided to full-time, freshman students.

$50,731
Students Receiving Aid Average Amount Total Amount
Pell Grant 196 12% $5,167 $1,012,775
Other Federal Grant 214 14% $6,868 $1,469,822
State Grant/Scholarships 46 3% $5,519 $253,886
Institutional Grant/Scholarships 725 46% $48,634 $35,259,520
Total Grant & Scholarships 729 46% $50,731 $36,983,228

Graduation Rate

The following chart shows the graduation rate of Duke University students who enrolled in 2015 and after. The stat covers all undergraduates registered as full-time students to study a 4-year bachelor's degree program for the first time.

The breakdown shows the graduation rate by race/ethnicity of US students. All international students are represented under one group.

As of August 31, 2021, the average graduation rate of Duke University students is 95.9%. Female students graduated at a rate of 97.4%, whereas male students graduated at a rate of 94.4%.

95.9%

  • asian 95.9% 350 students
  • African American 92.6% 150 students
  • white 96.6% 763 students
  • unknown 97.8% 45 students
  • hawaiian 100.0% 2 students
  • hispanic 97.5% 157 students
  • International Students 93.1% 163 students
  • Mixed Race 97.2% 35 students

Sport Conferences

  • Football Atlantic Coast Conference
  • Baseball Atlantic Coast Conference
  • Basketball Atlantic Coast Conference
  • Track and Cross Country Atlantic Coast Conference

Athletic Associations

  • NCAA
    National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

Service Offerings

Duke University provides the following additional services to its students
  • Placement services for graduates
  • Academic/career counseling services
  • Employment services for students

Educational Offerings

Duke University offers educational programs in the following categories. Check the programs section to learn more about specific programs that you are interested in.
  • Academic

Special Learning Opportunities

  • Study abroad
  • Teacher certification
  • ROTC - Army
  • ROTC - Navy
  • ROTC - Air Force

Veteran Services

  • Recognized student veteran organization
  • Yellow Ribbon Program (officially known as Post-9/11 GI Bill, Yellow Ribbon Program)