Duke University Admissions: What Is Duke University’s Acceptance Rate?

Applicants who wish to study at a prestigious, top-tier school would want to know how to get into Duke University. The school is very selective about who it accepts into its programs. The Duke University acceptance rate is known to be low as the school only admits candidates who meet its high standards.

Now, what do you need to do to increase your chances of admission to Duke University? In this article, we will cover important aspects such as Duke University’s admission requirements and process, as well as tips to help you ensure a smooth enrollment. Continue reading to learn more about Duke University admissions.

Is Duke University Easy to Get Into?

No, getting into Duke University is not easy. Duke University is a selective school, with a low acceptance rate of six percent. These admissions statistics roughly translate to six successful applicants for every 100 applications. This means admissions are highly competitive. Admissions officers will look at a range of application materials in the review process and you will need to show exceptional talent.

What Is Duke University’s Acceptance Rate?

The acceptance rate for Duke University is six percent, according to NCES. In the fall of 2021, a total of 49,703 undergraduate students submitted an application and only 2,982 students were successfully admitted. Out of them, only 60 percent were enrolled in a program of study at the institution.

What Is Duke University’s Transfer Acceptance Rate?

Duke University’s transfer acceptance rate ranges from three to seven percent and has remained this way for the past five years, according to the school’s website. Admission to Duke University as a transfer student is highly competitive. Applicants are expected to have proven a high degree of academic talent at their current institution and in high school.

What Is Duke University’s Early Decision Acceptance Rate

Duke University’s early decision acceptance rate is 21 percent. In 2021, Duke University received 4,015 early decision applications and only 21 percent of that population, which is about 843 students, were admitted. Applying with the Early Decision option may help your admissions chances.

Duke University Admissions: An Overview

• Number of Applicants at Duke University per year: 49,703
• Duke University Acceptance Rate: 6%

Admission to Duke University is extremely competitive, with a six percent acceptance rate. Applicants are evaluated by the admissions committee based on their academic and personal pursuits, achievements, perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds. The school receives thousands of applications from students every admissions cycle but only a select few are accepted.

Who Gets Into Duke University?

Students that get into Duke University identify as White, Asian, Hispanic or Latino, Black or African American, two or more races, American Indian or Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islanders, according to Data USA. All these students include both undergraduate and graduate students. The student body also comprises international students from all across the globe.

Duke University of Enrollment by Ethnicity

• White Students: 43.9%
• Asian Students: 14.1%
• Hispanic or Latino Students: 7.49%
• Black or African American Students: 7.27%
• Two or More Races Students: 4.24%
• American Indian or Alaska Native Students: 0.34%
• Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islanders Students: 0.0618%

Duke University Acceptance Rate by Major

There are a variety of institutions within Duke University offering a wide range of academic courses. In the next section, we will review the acceptance rates for the School of Law, the Pratt School of Engineering, and the School of Medicine.

Acceptance Rate by Major at Duke University

• Duke University School of Law: 14.45%
• Duke University Pratt School of Engineering: 28%
• Duke University School of Medicine: 3.2%

Duke University Application Deadline: When Is Duke University’s Application Due?

The deadline for Early Decision applications is due November 1 and the deadline for Regular Decision applications is January 4. After submission, successful applicants will receive an email with access to an application checklist along with more details on the application process. After satisfying the requirements, students will then receive admissions decisions accordingly.

You can reach out to an admissions professional at the school if you have any questions about required supplemental materials, scholarships, the admissions decision process, admissions interviews, or anything else.

Duke University Application Deadlines

• Early Decision Deadline: November 1
• Early Action Deadline: N/A
• Application Fee: $85
• Common App: Yes

What Are the Major Reasons to Go to Duke University?

Duke University is a private university located in Durham, North Carolina, and according to US News & World Ranking, it ranks #9 as one of the best colleges in the National Universities category. Its prestige is the main reason why the school sees a huge volume of applicants. In the section below, we’ll be looking at three major reasons to go to Duke University.

Research Opportunities For All Majors

Undergraduate research is a required experience at the university. As such, all majors have access to a broad range of research opportunities. It teaches current students to learn, explore, and develop their subject of study through research. Thus, you will be prepared for graduate school or your first career outside of school.

Students Become Thought Leaders

University graduates become thought leaders who attempt to construct, innovate, and design systems, businesses, and organizations that address real-world issues. The university teaches students to analyze world problems in the classroom and equips them with the knowledge necessary to be agents of good change.

Become Part of a Community

At Duke, you will meet and develop friends who will forever impact your life and you will also become a member of the tightly knit Duke alumni network. Community is a component of Duke education. You can also join scholarly organizations like the Baldwin, Cardea, or Mellow Mays.

Tips for Applying to Duke University

You need a good strategy to become one of the six percent of students admitted to the highly regarded private university. The university may have a very selective admissions process but you can boost your chances of getting offers of admission by being prepared. In the section that follows, we’ll provide admissions application tips to help you impress Duke University’s Office of Admissions.

Apply Early

Applying early is one of the simplest and most efficient strategies to gain admission to many desired schools, such as Duke. You must enroll in the Duke Early Decision program. This will help you stand out from the applicant pool and significantly improve your chances of acceptance to Duke by putting you high on the list for admissions consideration.

Provide Detailed Responses to Questions

Another strategy to make a favorable impression on the Admissions Office is to provide thorough responses to the application questions. Meeting the educational requirements alone is not enough. You should demonstrate your experience and commitment by providing detailed responses to each question.

A Track Record of Academic Excellence

Another strategy to impress the admissions staff is to have a history of maintaining academic success throughout high school. It demonstrates that you are prepared to meet the requirements of the prestigious university.

You can also provide letters of recommendation from reputable parties to support your application. The school may look at class ranks and consider your grade point average to form an admission decision.

Duke University Admissions Requirements: First-Year Applicant Checklist

A checklist for first-year applicants is available to assist prospective students in their quest to study at the university. There is a list of requirements which includes decision plans, school transcripts, whether or not the university requires SAT or ACT scores, and more which we will look at in the section below.

• Decision plans. The Early Decision application program is available for students whose first choice is Duke University, and the Regular Decision application program is available for applicants who prefer to keep their options open.
• School transcripts. Students in high school are required to present a transcript detailing their academic performance in high school. To request a transcript from your high school, you can submit an application.
• Standardized test scores. As an applicant, you must submit to the admissions office at Duke University your SAT/ACT scores and proof of English proficiency. Make sure your scores satisfy the requirements so as to not hurt your admissions prospects.
• Recommendations. Applicants are required to submit three recommendation letters. One must be from your high school guidance counselor. The last two recommendations should come from teachers who taught you in science, mathematics, foreign languages, or social studies. An additional recommendation letter may come from an employer, mentor, school counselor, or someone who knows you well.
• Extracurricular activities. The application includes space for up to 10 extracurricular activities and permits you to utilize as few or as many areas as necessary. Include school, community, family, and professional obligations on your list. Keep in mind that Duke cares more about a sustained commitment than a lengthy list.
• Essays. Both the Common Application and the Coalition Application require a one-page personal essay and responses to short essay questions. Two extra pieces should be submitted by the application deadline: a short essay of 200 to 250 words and a longer essay of 200 to 600 words. Answer each essay question thoroughly and completely. Supplemental essays are not necessary.
• Application fee. You must include a non-refundable $85 application fee or submit a fee waiver request with your Common Application or Coalition Application. Both applications accept credit cards and electronic check payments online.
• Alumni interviews. Alumni interviews are an optional part of the application process at Duke. After applying, students are connected with alumni volunteers on a first-come, first-served basis if there is an alumni interviewing committee in their region. Students who wish to be interviewed must submit their applications by the priority interview deadline for Early Decision or Regular Decision.
• Supplements. If you have a remarkable talent in the arts, you may submit an artistic supplement for evaluation by a faculty member in that school or department. The entries must demonstrate exceptional potential beyond ordinary high school accomplishments.

Duke University SAT Requirements

Below we show you the SAT scores required to get accepted into Duke University. A 25th percentile figure shows that 25 percent of students scored at or below that number, while a 75th percentile figure tells us that 25 percent scored above that number.

• Students Submitting SAT Scores: 823
• SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing: 725 (25th percentile); 765 (75th percentile)
• SAT Math: 743 (25th percentile); 793 (75th percentile)

Duke University ACT Requirements

The ACT requirements for Duke University is what we will be looking at in the section below. We will look at the number of students submitting ACT scores, ACT composite, English, and Math percentiles.

• Students Submitting ACT Scores: 810
• ACT Composite: 33 (25th percentile); 35 (75th percentile)
• ACT English: 34 (25th percentile); 36 (75th percentile)
• ACT Math: 32 (25th percentile); 35 (75th percentile)

Acing Your Duke University Application: What Is the Best Way to Prepare for the SAT?

Start Early

Starting early allows you to estimate how much you must study each week and reduces the stress of last-minute cramming. To accomplish this, choose an SAT date that gives you sufficient time to prepare. Two to three months of planning is recommended.

Study With Official SAT Practice on Khan Academy

The College Board teamed with Khan Academy to offer a new, better, and free method for SAT exam preparation. It is known as Official SAT Practice and it is the most official and comprehensive SAT preparation resource accessible. It was created by the makers of SAT to help students practice for the SAT.

Pay Attention in Class

In 2016, the SAT was updated to be more directly related to classroom material. This means that it is even more crucial to pay attention in class and to your instructors. And if you believe there are any areas you need to review, you can utilize resources like the “Inside the Test” webpage to ensure you are fully prepared.

Duke University GPA Requirements: What GPA Do I Need to Get In?

To get into Duke University, you should have a GPA of 4.13 or higher. If your GPA is lower than this, you need to compensate with a higher SAT/ACT score. Obtaining a score beyond the minimum score for SAT/ACT and a high GPA is essential for admission to this school due to its rigorous admissions standards. The school will likely reject you without much consideration if you don’t meet the requirements for standardized test scores.

Duke University Tuition: How Much Does it Cost to Attend Duke University?

The cost of attending Duke University is $79,238 a year. The trustees approved a proposed four percent increase in undergraduate tuition, room and board, as well as increased tuition and fees for Duke’s graduate and professional schools, following study and discussion with university administration.

In 2022-23, undergraduate tuition at Duke will be $60,435, and room, board, and fees for student health, recreation, activities, and services will be $18,903, for a total cost of attendance of $79,335. In addition, tuition and fees for more than 35 graduate and professional degrees were increased by an average of 3.1 percent.

Common Majors at Duke University

Common majors are the most frequently sought and awarded majors at universities. This section will examine three of the most popular degrees at Duke University, which include computer science, public policy, and economics.

Computer Science

The Department of Computer Science at Duke University is a leader in research and education on a global scale. Undergraduates learn from renowned teachers, engage in cutting-edge research, and develop a solid basis for future study or jobs in a number of professions. The program curriculum covers challenging courses across crucial computer science topics.

Best Jobs for Computer Science Graduates

• Software developers
• Web developers
• Database administrators

Public Policy

A major in public policy instructs students on how to affect complicated policy challenges. The program curriculum imparts abilities in political and economic analysis, the leadership of people and organizations, and a solid ethical framework for decision-making. Public policy as a liberal arts concentration encourages students to read critically, think analytically, and write clearly.

Best Jobs for Public Policy Graduates

• Policy analysts
• Financial analysts
• Political scientists

Economics

This quantitatively-focused program provides the foundation for individuals considering a career in business and financial services. This program comprises challenging courses that are designed to further hone your economics skills, making it a perfect preparatory program for graduate school.

Best Jobs for Economics Graduates

• Economists
• Actuaries
• Financial analysts

Duke University Attendance Outcomes

There are advantages to attending Duke University, including recurrent and well-paying jobs. In the tables below, the outcomes of attending the university are divided into two categories: the most common employment and the highest-paying jobs.

The most common and highest-paying jobs in the table below are reserved for those who have completed one of the five most specialized majors at Duke University which include Natural Resources and Conservation, Theology, Legal, Cultural and Gender Studies, and Philosophy and Religious Studies.

Most Common Jobs for People Who Attended Duke University

Position	Median Salary	Job Outlook
Clergy	$55,190	N/A
Lawyer	$127,990	9%
Judge	$128,710	3%
Postsecondary Teacher	$79,640	12%
Middle School Teacher	$61,320	7%

Duke University Alumni Highest-Paying Jobs

Position	Median Salary	Job Outlook
Security Guard	$31,470	15%
Physician	$208,000	3%
Chief Executive	$213,020	8%
Legislator	$57,110	N/A
Dentist	$129,490	7%

Should I Apply to Duke University?

Yes, you should apply to Duke University if you satisfy the educational requirements. There is no harm in trying, particularly if you intend to graduate from a prominent university like Duke. It is a prestigious institution that ranks ninth on the US News and World Report list of the best National Universities.

If you are accepted and enrolled in any program at the school, you will be properly prepared by the staff and teachers to be the best learners and students. Attending Duke grants you bragging rights as well. You will also benefit from the collaborative community that the university fosters.

Duke University Acceptance Rate FAQ