Duke University
Duke University is a private nonprofit university in Durham, NC ranked #24 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of A+, enrolling about 6,442 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 5.7%. Students most often pursue Computer Science and Computer Engineering.
Inside the classroom, students benefit from a 5:1 student-faculty ratio, 97.9% first-year retention, and 96.8% six-year graduation. Faculty pair challenging syllabi with intentional mentoring so learners keep momentum even as expectations rise.
Families typically invest $29,612, about $12,614 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -27.6%, roughly 112.9 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $85,792. That's about $42,104 higher than national results. Expect the strongest outcomes for ambitious students who thrive in an elite, research-powered setting and students looking for meaningful faculty access.
Who is Duke University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Duke University graduates 96.8% of students within six years and keeps 97.9% of first-year students. Affordability earns a C- compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Duke University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $68,758 |
| Books and Supplies | $536 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $18,128 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $3,274 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $87,072 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 14.0% of Duke University students receive Pell Grants — below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Low-income families pay less than $735 annually, while high-income families pay $54,230. Use Duke University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $17,100/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $54,230/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $85,792
- 10-Year Median Earnings $85,792
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $12,000
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 88.9%
- Employment Rate 82.2%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Duke University graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Duke University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Duke University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Duke University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Duke University graduates earn $85,792 median, the -27.6% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 740-770
- SAT Math 760-800
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 34-35
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 6,442
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 97.9%
- Graduation Rate 96.8%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 5:1
How to Get Into Duke University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Duke University requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 5.7%, Duke University is extremely selective. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 5.7% acceptance rate, Duke University is extremely selective. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their class. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1500 and 1570 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Duke University undergraduates. Computer Science, Public Policy Analysis, and Economics draw the most students.
- Computer Science 14.1%
- Public Policy Analysis 9.7%
- Economics 9.1%
- Biology, General 6.9%
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 5.5%
- Political Science and Government 5.4%
See more majors
- Research and Experimental Psychology 5.3%
- Computer Engineering 4.4%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Computer Science $201,846
- 2. Computer Engineering $174,619
- 3. Economics $171,986
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Mathematics $131,658
- 5. Mechanical Engineering $125,085
- 6. Statistics $121,776
- 7. Biomedical/Medical Engineering $115,268
- 8. Public Policy Analysis $113,034
- 9. Political Science and Government $101,627
- 10. Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services $94,560
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. International Business (Master's Degree) $346,263
- 2. Law (Doctoral Degree) $263,874
- 3. Health and Medical Administrative Services (Graduate/Professional Certificate) $222,658
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $217,198
- 5. Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies (Master's Degree) $193,055
- 6. Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences (Master's Degree) $171,112
- 7. Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations (Master's Degree) $162,879
- 8. Biomedical/Medical Engineering (Doctoral Degree) $150,887
- 9. Engineering-Related Fields (Master's Degree) $150,672
- 10. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degree) $149,527
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Computer Science grads earn $201,846—113% more than Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services ($94,560). Graduate: International Business programs lead with $346,263 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Duke University. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree, 750 graduates)
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods (Master's Degree, 419 graduates)
- Computer Science (Bachelor's Degree, 339 graduates)
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degree, 234 graduates)
- Public Policy Analysis (Bachelor's Degree, 233 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (57 programs)▼
- Computer Science
- Public Policy Analysis
- Economics
- Biology, General
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Political Science and Government
- Research and Experimental Psychology
- Computer Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- History
- Mathematics
- Public Health
- Statistics
- Sociology
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- English Language and Literature, General
- Chemistry
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- International and Comparative Education
- Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
- Area Studies
- Visual and Performing Arts, Other
- Philosophy
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Civil Engineering
- Anthropology
- Physics
- Literature
- Music
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Visual and Performing Arts, General
- Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Slavic, Baltic and Albanian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Psychology, General
- Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Mathematics and Computer Science
- Cognitive Science
- Medieval and Renaissance Studies
- Journalism
- Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Dance
- Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
- Natural Sciences
- Biological and Physical Sciences
- Behavioral Sciences
Online Master's Degrees (62 programs)▼
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Theological and Ministerial Studies
- Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- International Business
- Economics
- Medical Illustration and Informatics
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Public Policy Analysis
- Biology, General
- Computer Science
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- Mechanical Engineering
- Statistics
- Computational Science
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Public Health
- Civil Engineering
- Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
- Bioethics/Medical Ethics
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Physics
- Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
- Political Science and Government
- Area Studies
- Computer Engineering
- Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
- Psychology, General
- Natural Resources Management and Policy
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Materials Sciences
- Sociology
- Music
- Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- History
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
- English Language and Literature, General
- Genetics
- Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
- Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Chemistry
- Anthropology
- Pharmacology and Toxicology
- Mathematics
- Materials Engineering
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Forestry
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Sustainability Studies
- Slavic, Baltic and Albanian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Philosophy
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Dance
Online Doctoral Degrees (41 programs)▼
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Mechanical Engineering
- Economics
- Genetics
- Chemistry
- Political Science and Government
- Physics
- Computer Science
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Psychology, General
- Mathematics
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Theological and Ministerial Studies
- English Language and Literature, General
- Pharmacology and Toxicology
- Statistics
- Sociology
- Civil Engineering
- Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Philosophy
- Music
- History
- Biology, General
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Anthropology
- Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
- Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
- Public Policy Analysis
- Law
- Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (26 programs)▼
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Science Technologies/Technicians, Other
- Area Studies
- Public Health
- Ophthalmic and Optometric Support Services and Allied Professions
- Research and Experimental Psychology
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
- Bioethics/Medical Ethics
- Pharmacology and Toxicology
- Anthropology
- Philosophy
- Medieval and Renaissance Studies
- Information Science/Studies
- Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Middle/Near Eastern and Semitic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
- Engineering, General
- Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
Online First Professional Degrees (7 programs)▼
- Law
- Medicine
- Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies
- Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 6,442
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 46.3%
- Female Students 53.7%
- Caucasian 35.2%
- Asian 21.8%
- Hispanic 10.7%
- Black 8.7%
- Pell Grant Recipients 14.0%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Duke University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Duke University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Duke University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Duke University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Duke University has a diverse student body, with 35.2% identifying as White. About 14.0% receive Pell Grants, below the national average of 38%, suggesting a wealthier student body or generous institutional aid.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Duke University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Duke University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Duke University ranks among the country's most prestigious, delivering a -27.6% ROI though 491 institutions deliver higher returns at lower costs.
The institution achieves 87.0% four-year and 96.8% six-year completion ratesand maintains 97.9% first-year retention. However, the $29,612 annual net price positions this institution at the higher end of college costs. Post-graduation median earnings of $85,792 reflect strong career outcomes typical of selective institutions.
Value Analysis: Is Duke University Worth It?
Ranking #24 of 1942, Duke University delivers a A+ overall grade with 98.8/100 on EDsmart's national index (0–100 vs. all ranked schools; not a raw point total).
For High-Achieving Students: Applicants pursuing careers where institutional prestige and professional networks drive opportunities—such as finance, consulting, law, and academia—benefit most from Duke University's brand value and alumni connections. The school's reputation provides career acceleration that may justify the premium cost for specific fields.
Financial Aid Recipients: Students receiving substantial need-based aid (bringing actual costs below $14,806 annually) access elite education at a competitive price point. Pell-eligible students often pay less here than at many public universities.
Alternative Considerations: Students in fields where skills and credentials matter more than brand name—particularly STEM, healthcare, and technical fields—should compare outcomes against public research universities offering similar education at 40-60% lower cost. Our data shows 491 institutions deliver superior ROI metrics.
Bottom Line: Duke University excels in reputation and student experience, reflected in its 97.9% retention rate. However, value-conscious students should weigh the $29,612 annual investment against 491 alternatives offering stronger financial returns. The "best" choice depends on your field, financial situation, and career goals—not rankings alone.
Key Takeaways
- 96.8% six-year graduation rate sits 34.3 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 97.9% first-year retention is 21.1 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- -27.6% return on investment is 112.9 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $85,792 run about 96% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $29,612 is roughly $9,594 higher than the national median of $20,018.
Helpfulness for Students
- 5:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 97.9% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 82.2% employment rate within three years sits 14.0 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $29,612 is about $9,594 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 14.0% trails the national share by 20.3 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
EDsmart rates Duke University—a private nonprofit university in Durham, NC—at A+ overall. It stands at #24 among 1942 schools Category results include Completion (A+), Support (A+), Career Outcomes (A+), and Affordability (C-).
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
About 97.9% of first-year students return, and roughly 96.8% finish within six years. The reported ROI is -27.6%, a figure families can weigh against cost and aid details above.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $29,612 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $87,072.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $57,460 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $12,000 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 14.0% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Graduates report median earnings of about $85,792 six years after entry. This is roughly 96% above typical U.S. college outcomes.
The three-year employment rate is close to 82.2%.
EDsmart lists the ROI at -27.6%, offering a quick read on value.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
5.7% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Duke University admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
Similar Schools
Institutions with similar academic profiles, selectivity, and outcomes
Nearby Schools
Other campuses you might consider
Other North Carolina campuses you might consider
Contact Information
- Address Durham, NC 27708
- Website www.duke.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
- Endowment$11.60B
- Transfer Enrollment Rate1.0%