Everything You Need to Know About Duke University Admissions

Duke University is one of the nation’s most prestigious institutions, known for academic excellence and a strong sense of tradition. Originally founded as Trinity College in 1838, the school became Duke University in 1924 after a gift from James Buchanan Duke, honoring his father, Washington Duke. This expansion led to the creation of Duke’s iconic West Campus, with its Gothic architecture and the Duke Chapel, as well as East Campus, where all first-year students live.

Though not part of the Ivy League, Duke is often regarded as its academic equal, attracting top students from around the world. Ranked sixth among national universities by U.S. News & World Report in 2025, Duke combines rigorous academics with generous financial aid, a global student body, and a commitment to holistic admissions.

For students considering applying, understanding Duke’s admissions process, academic expectations, and financial aid offerings is key. Here’s a closer look at what makes Duke stand out, and what you should know before you apply.

Class of 2028 Overview

The admissions process at Duke is highly competitive. For the Class of 2028, the university received over 54,000 applications. Here’s how the numbers break down:

Total Applications: 54,194
Overall Acceptance Rate: 5.4%
Early Decision Acceptance Rate: 13%
Regular Decision Acceptance Rate: 4.4%
SAT Middle 50% Range: 1510–1560
ACT Middle 50% Range: 34–35

These figures show that applicants must present a strong academic profile, whether or not they choose to submit standardized test scores.

Demographics and Student Background

Duke values diversity in many forms, from geographic background to socioeconomic status:

Domestic Students: 87%
International Students: 13%
First-Generation College Students: 12%
Pell Grant-Eligible Students: 22%
Public School Graduates: 60%
Private/Independent School Graduates: 28%
Other School Types: 12%

Ethnic Background

White: 52%
Asian/Asian American/Pacific Islander: 29%
Hispanic/Latino/a/x: 14%
Black or African American: 13%
Native American, Alaskan, Hawaiian: 3%
Multiracial or Unreported: 11%

Duke’s student body reflects a wide range of perspectives and life experiences, and the admissions team evaluates applicants within the context of their backgrounds and opportunities.

Estimated Cost of Attendance (2025–2026)

Cost Category	First-Year Students	Returning Students
Tuition	$70,265	$70,265
Fees	$2,907	$2,727
Housing (Double Room)	$10,910	$10,910
Food	$10,075	$8,947
Total Billed Costs	$94,157–$94,217	$92,849–$92,909
Books and Supplies	$536	$536
Miscellaneous Personal Expenses	$3,274	$3,274
Transportation (varies by location)	$582–$1,317	$582–$1,318
Total Estimated Cost	$98,549–$99,344	$97,241–$98,036

These costs represent a full year of study and living at Duke. Financial aid awards can significantly reduce this total based on family need.

Financial Aid and Access

Duke is committed to making education accessible. For all admitted students, Duke meets 100% of demonstrated financial need, including for international students. Financial aid is need-based and does not affect the admissions decision for U.S. citizens and eligible noncitizens.

International students must request aid at the time of application to be eligible for funding later. A limited number of merit scholarships are also available to both U.S. and international applicants.

Application Deadlines and Materials

Duke offers both Early Decision and Regular Decision application plans. Below are the deadlines and requirements:

Early Decision (Binding)

Application Deadline: November 3
Financial Aid Deadline: November 1 (CSS Profile)
Decisions Released: Mid-December

Regular Decision

Application Deadline: January 5
Financial Aid Deadline: February 1
Midyear Grade Report: Due February 15
Decisions Released: Late March/Early April

Required Materials:

Common Application
Nonrefundable $85 application fee or fee waiver request along with the Common Application
High School Transcript
Two Teacher Recommendations
Counselor Recommendation
Midyear Grades
Standardized Test Scores (optional)
Arts Supplement (optional)

Interviews

Duke offers optional alumni interviews, which allow applicants to share more about themselves and learn about the university from a graduate’s perspective. Students in China are encouraged to submit an InitialView interview instead.

Applying to Duke is a serious undertaking, and the university’s selectivity reflects its high academic standards and commitment to excellence. For students who are intellectually curious, ready for challenge, and eager to make an impact, Duke offers a world-class education and a supportive, global community.

Academic Expectations

Duke looks for students who have taken full advantage of the academic opportunities available to them. The most competitive applicants typically meet the following guidelines:

Four years of English
At least three years each of math, science, world language, and social studies
Five academic courses per year
Honors, AP, IB, or college-level coursework when available

Applicants to the Pratt School of Engineering are expected to have taken calculus and are strongly encouraged to take physics.

Standardized Testing Policy

Duke is test-optional for the 2025–2026 application cycle. Students may choose whether or not to submit SAT or ACT scores, and applicants will not be penalized for applying without them. Duke superscores both exams, meaning they will consider your highest scores across multiple test dates.

International applicants are not required to submit English proficiency test scores, but scores are welcomed if students wish to demonstrate their English language skills. Accepted tests include the TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo English Test, PTE, and Cambridge C1/C2.

Academic Opportunities at Duke University

Undergraduate Schools

Trinity College of Arts & Sciences
As Duke’s liberal arts core, Trinity provides every undergraduate with a broad academic foundation. Students take courses across the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and the arts, preparing them to think critically and work across disciplines.
Pratt School of Engineering
Pratt offers an engineering education grounded in real-world problem solving. Students combine technical knowledge with a global perspective to develop innovative solutions and make a positive impact across industries.

Academic Programs and Flexibility

Duke offers 63 majors, 61 minors, and 23 certificate programs. Students may pursue up to three academic pathways, combining disciplines in more than 430,000 unique ways. From Computer Science to Global Health, Philosophy to Biomedical Engineering, Duke encourages exploration and interdisciplinary learning. Students can also pursue pre-professional tracks, such as pre-law or pre-med, while completing their degree.

For students with unique academic interests, Program II allows them to design a self-directed course of study outside the standard major offerings.

Undergraduate Research

Duke is a leading research university, and undergraduates are active participants. More than half of all students engage in research during their time at Duke. Opportunities span across disciplines and are supported by faculty mentorship and funding resources. Students often begin research as early as their first year, contributing to original work and developing strong analytical skills.

Global Education

More than 50% of Duke students study abroad or participate in international programs before graduating. Through the Global Education Office, students can take part in over 200 programs across the world. Duke also offers immersive global opportunities through programs like DukeEngage, Duke Immerse, and Bass Connections, which combine research, service, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Duke attracts students who are not only high-achieving but also curious and driven to engage with the world in meaningful ways. Some students dive into hands-on problem solving through the Pratt School of Engineering, while others explore complex global issues in Trinity. No matter their path, they are encouraged to think independently, collaborate across fields, and take initiative.

At Ivy Talent, we help families understand every step of the college admissions process. If you’re considering applying to Duke University, we’re here to provide expert guidance and personalized support to help your child stand out.