Private nonprofit Institution

Duke University — Durham, North Carolina

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Annual Tuition $65,805

Estimated Out-of-Pocket

Acceptance 6.8%

Most Selective

Enrollment 6,417

Active Students

Avg. Salary $97,800

After 10 Years

Institutional Profile

Location Durham, North Carolina

Institution type Private nonprofit

Accreditation Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Founded 12/1/1965

Academic Mission & Environment

"Duke University stands as a pillar of higher education in Durham, providing a robust academic foundation for 6,417 students. The institution is recognized for its dedication to career-ready outcomes and community impact."

Campus Setting Urban Campus

Student Focus High Employment ROI

What programs does Duke University offer?

Discover the most popular degrees and fields of study at Duke University. These programs represent the institution's primary areas of academic focus and professional preparation.

Social Sciences

14.1%

Enrollment Share

Multi/Interdisciplinary

13.8%

Enrollment Share

Engineering

12.8%

Enrollment Share

Biological Sciences

11.9%

Enrollment Share

Computer Science

11%

Enrollment Share

Health Professions

9.9%

Enrollment Share

Institutional Choice

Best Social Sciences College

The Social Sciences program at Duke University provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Multi/Interdisciplinary College

The Multi/Interdisciplinary program at Duke University provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Engineering College

The Engineering curriculum focuses on innovation and real-world problem solving...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Biological Sciences College

The Biological Sciences program at Duke University provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Computer Science College

The Computer Science department is a hub for cutting-edge research...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Health Professions College

Ranked as a top destination for healthcare education...

Strategic Profile Audited

What is the acceptance rate at Duke University?

Admissions & Selectivity Dashboard — 2026

Acceptance 6.8%

Difficulty Extremely High

Duke University maintains an acceptance rate of 6.8%, reflecting its status as a most selective institution. The admissions process evaluates academic potential alongside standardized testing trends to ensure a balanced student body.

Test Requirement SAT/ACT scores are considered but not required.

Student Body Composition

Men Enrollment 46.6%

Women Enrollment 53.5%

Test Score Ranges (25th - 75th Percentile)

SAT

ACT

SAT Reading 740 - 770

SAT Mathematics 770 - 800

ACT English 35 - 36

ACT Mathematics 32 - 35

Expert Insight

Competitive scores often fall within or exceed these typical 50% benchmarks for admitted students.

How much does Duke University cost in 2026?

In-State Tuition $65,805

Out-of-State Tuition $65,805

Financial Support Snapshot

Pell Grant Rate 12.7%

Median Student Debt $13,000

ROI Insight

With a tuition of only $65,805, graduates see a median starting salary of $97,800, making it one of the most affordable pathways in North Carolina.

What salary can Duke University graduates expect?

Avg. Early Career Salary $97,800

10 years after entry

Graduation Rate 95.8%

Investment Analysis & ROI

Average Net Price $34,454

Median Salary (6yr) $85,792

Earnings-to-Debt Ratio Above Average

Career Stability Index High

What is student life like at Duke University in Durham?

6,417 Students

Gender Comparison

46.6% Men

53.5% Women

Male Enrollment Female Enrollment

Retention & Enrollment

96.2%

Retention First-year

Full-time Enrollment

Diversity & Ethnicity

American Indian

0.2%

Pacific Islander

0.1%

Asian

23.2%

Black

8.5%

White

36.1%

Unknown

Hispanic

10.8%

Two or More Races

7.5%

International

9.7%

Campus Demographics

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Avg. Age at Entry 21

🎓

First-Generation 13.5%

💰

Receive Pell Grant 32.4%

💍

Married Students 4%

Student Economic Background

Median Household Income	$78,468
Average Family Income	$95,583
Median Family Income	$61,560

Faculty Profile

Faculty Gender

55.1%

44.9%

Women Men

Premium Campus Location

Explore the Durham Campus Environment

Located at 103 Allen Bldg, Duke University offers a strategic urban setting that connects students with the economic and cultural heart of North Carolina. Use our verified map utility to plan your visit or explore nearby professional hubs.

Campus Setting Urban / Metropolitan

Access High Connectivity

Get Directions Open in Google Maps

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How does Duke University compare?

Direct Comparison Duke University vs Durham Technical Community College →

Direct Comparison Duke University vs North Carolina Central University →

Direct Comparison Duke University vs Watts College of Nursing →

Direct Comparison Duke University vs Bull City Durham Beauty and Barber College →

Common Questions about Duke University

Is Duke University a good college in Durham, North Carolina?

Duke University is a recognized institution in Durham with an enrollment of 6,417 students. This profile shows published tuition, admissions, and earnings data so you can compare it with other schools in North Carolina.

Is Duke University worth attending in 2026?

That depends on your budget, program fit, and career goals. Use the average net price of $0 and median graduate earnings of $97,800 on this page as a starting point for comparison.

How much does Duke University cost for North Carolina residents in 2026?

For the 2026 academic year, in-state tuition at Duke University is approximately $65,805. In addition, out-of-state tuition is $65,805. Financial aid and Pell Grants significantly reduce this cost for most local residents.

What is the real cost of Duke University after financial aid and FAFSA?

The real cost of attending Duke University for most students is its average net price of $0. Approximately 32.4% of students receive Pell Grants and FAFSA-based aid to offset costs.

Is Duke University good for Social Sciences and Multi/Interdisciplinary programs?

Duke University reports program activity in Social Sciences and Multi/Interdisciplinary. Review the school profile and official academic pages to confirm current majors, concentrations, and outcomes for the track you want.

What career can I get after attending Duke University?

Graduates of Duke University often transition into high-demand roles in fields like Social Sciences. With a median salary of $97,800, the college provides a clear pathway to professional advancement.

What are the admission requirements for Duke University?

Admission requirements can vary by program and application cycle. Use the acceptance-rate and test-policy data on this page as a starting point, then confirm current requirements on Duke University's official admissions website.

Does Duke University require SAT or ACT scores for admission?

Standardized-test requirements can change by year and by program. Check the test-policy details on this page, then confirm the latest SAT or ACT guidance on Duke University's official admissions portal before applying.

What salary can Duke University graduates expect after 10 years?

Graduates of Duke University earn a median salary of $97,800 after 10 years. This demonstrates long-term professional stability and growth.

Is Duke University a good investment compared to other NC colleges?

Compare Duke University's average net price of $0, tuition levels, and median earnings against other colleges in North Carolina to judge value for your goals.

Where is Duke University located and what is the campus like?

Duke University is located at 103 Allen Bldg in Durham, NC. The campus provides a dynamic environment serving a diverse student body of 6,417 learners.

Who typically attends Duke University in Durham, NC?

The student body at Duke University is diverse and career-focused. Approximately 13.5% are first-generation students, reflecting a community of motivated, real-world learners.

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2026 Rankings: North Carolina

Explore top-tier academic pathways across the state

Compare Duke University with other leading institutions in North Carolina across various professional disciplines. Our verified data audits provide transparency on career ROI and academic quality.

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