Duke University, located in Durham, North Carolina, is a prestigious private research institution renowned for its rigorous academics, vibrant campus life, and commitment to innovation. With an undergraduate enrollment of approximately 6,700 students, Duke offers a close-knit community within a dynamic and diverse environment.
If you’re considering applying to Duke, it’s essential to present a compelling application. Our statement of purpose editing services and college application essay editing can help refine your essays to showcase your strengths effectively. Duke is also featured in our Top 200 US Universities for 2025, where you can compare it to other leading institutions.
Admission Information for Duke University
Academic Programs
Duke comprises two primary undergraduate schools:
- Trinity College of Arts & Sciences
- Pratt School of Engineering
Popular majors at Duke include computer science, public policy, biology, economics, and biomedical engineering. The university encourages interdisciplinary study, and students often pursue double majors or combine coursework with global experiences, research, and community engagement.
Admissions Overview
Admission to Duke is extremely competitive. For the Class of 2028, Duke received over 49,500 applications and admitted approximately 2,900 students, resulting in an acceptance rate of around 5.8%. Successful applicants typically have top academic records, advanced coursework, and significant extracurricular achievement.
Academic Environment
Duke maintains a student-to-faculty ratio of 8:1. While introductory courses may be larger, many classes are small and discussion-based. Over 50% of undergraduates participate in research. The DukeEngage program, global education opportunities, and interdisciplinary initiatives make the academic experience dynamic and customizable.
Duke University Admissions Statistics (Class of 2028)
| Statistic | Data |
|---|---|
| Total Applicants | 49,500+ |
| Students Enrolled | ~1,700 |
| Acceptance Rate | ~5.8% |
| Total Undergraduate Enrollment | ~6,700 |
| Student-to-Faculty Ratio | 8:1 |
| SAT Middle 50% Range | 1520–1570 |
| ACT Middle 50% Range | 34–35 |
| First-Generation College Students | 12% |
| Students Receiving Financial Aid | ~50% |
Sources:
Admissions data: Duke Undergraduate Admissions
Testing and GPA data: U.S. News – Duke University
General information: Duke University – Wikipedia
Student Life at Duke
Duke’s Gothic-style campus sits alongside the Duke Forest, offering both beauty and serenity. The university boasts over 400 student organizations, vibrant residential life, a thriving arts community, and a major presence in Division I athletics—especially basketball. The annual Duke-UNC rivalry is one of the most storied in college sports.
Greek life is active but not all-consuming, and students often participate in student government, volunteer groups, performance ensembles, and entrepreneurship initiatives.
What’s Good
I was able to conduct medical research as a freshman. The support here for student research is incredible.
The community is smart but not cutthroat. People here are really collaborative.
Basketball games at Cameron Indoor Stadium are unmatched. The energy is amazing.
What’s Not-So-Great
The workload is tough. You have to be organized to stay on top of everything.
Some majors are extremely competitive and feel a bit overcrowded.
Durham is cool, but you may need a car to fully explore everything outside of campus.
Admissions Requirements at Duke University
Duke uses a holistic admissions process. Admissions officers evaluate academic performance, course rigor, personal essays, extracurricular involvement, leadership roles, and letters of recommendation. While there’s no official minimum GPA, successful applicants typically rank near the top of their class with rigorous AP, IB, or honors-level coursework.
Does Duke Require the Common App Essay?
Yes. Duke accepts the Common Application and requires the standard personal statement. In addition, there are supplemental questions that allow applicants to expand on their academic interests, values, and reasons for wanting to attend Duke. These essays are a vital component of your application.
SAT and ACT Requirements
Duke is test-optional through the 2025 admissions cycle. Students who choose to submit scores generally fall within the following ranges:
SAT: 1520–1570
ACT: 34–35
Duke superscores both tests, meaning they consider the highest section scores across all test dates.
GPA Expectations
Most admitted students have GPAs above 3.9 and are among the top 10% of their graduating class. However, Duke evaluates your transcript in context, considering course difficulty, grade trends, and school profile.
To maximize your chances, be sure to submit a polished and thoughtful application. Our statement of purpose editing and college essay editing services are designed to help your application shine.
Nearby and Comparable Universities
Duke is part of the Research Triangle, along with the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University. Students often interact with peers at these institutions through joint research, social events, and shared community spaces.
Comparable universities in terms of academic rigor, selectivity, and prestige include:
- University of Pennsylvania
- Northwestern University
- Brown University
- Vanderbilt University
- University of Chicago
- Johns Hopkins University
Each of these schools offers a rigorous academic experience with strong research opportunities and highly selective admissions.
Note: All data and statistics are sourced from Duke’s official admissions website and other reliable third-party sources. For the most current information, visit Duke Undergraduate Admissions.