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Duke University

Durham, NC·Private·~6% acceptance

Duke University is a private university based in Durham, NC. With an acceptance rate of about 6%, it is among the most selective schools in the United States. Students pay an average net price of about $29,612 per year after financial aid. About 96% of students graduate, and alumni earn a median of about $97,800 ten years after enrolling.

Average cost
$29,612/yr avg net price after aid
Full cost $87,072
Aid cuts ~$57,460/yr on average

Average across all aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual price depends on your family's income. Take the free Matchmaker for an estimate based on your numbers.

Deadlines
ED
Nov 2
EA
RD
Jan 4

ED and RD not confirmed with the college yet. Check their site before you rely on it.

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Your fit

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Admissions
GPA range3.55–4
SAT (middle 50%)1500–1570
ACT (middle 50%)34–35
Test policyTest optional
Programs
Computer Science
Data Science / Statistics
Information Systems / IT
Mathematics
Physics
Chemistry
Biology
Environmental Science
Outcomes
96%
graduation rate
98%
freshman retention
$85,792
median earnings, 6yr
$97,800
median earnings, 10yr
How Duke reads an application

What Duke values

Very important
Course rigorGrades (GPA)RecommendationsExtracurricularsTalent / abilityCharacter / personal qualities
Important
Class rank
Also considered
Test scoresApplication essaysInterviewFirst-generation statusAlumni relation (legacy)Geographic residenceState residencyVolunteer workWork experienceDemonstrated interest

From Duke’s Common Data Set. Put your effort where it counts most.

What Duke requires

Required
Grades (GPA)Course rigorCollege-prep programRecommendationsApplication essays
Considered
Test scoresWork experienceAlumni relation (legacy)

From federal IPEDS data — what Duke requires vs considers (not how heavily each is weighed).

Frequently asked questions
What is Duke University's acceptance rate?
Duke University admits about 6% of applicants.
How much does Duke University cost?
At Duke University, the average net price after aid is about $29,612 per year, and the full cost of attendance is about $87,072 per year before aid. Your actual price depends on your family's income. Take Blueprint's free Matchmaker for an estimate based on your numbers.
What SAT or ACT scores do you need for Duke University?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1500–1570 on the SAT and 34–35 on the ACT.
What are Duke University's application deadlines?
Duke University's deadlines are Early Decision around Nov 2, Regular Decision around Jan 4. Always confirm exact dates on the school's official site.
What does Duke University value most in applicants?
In its most recent Common Data Set, Duke University rates Course rigor, Grades (GPA), Recommendations, Extracurriculars, Talent / ability, and Character / personal qualities as "very important" in admissions decisions, and also weighs Class rank. Take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see how your profile lines up.

See if Duke University is a fit for you

Two free steps: find your best-fit majors with the Discovery quiz, then run the College Matchmaker for your real admission odds and net price at Duke University, side by side with your other schools.