Duke University
Duke University at a Glance
Average SAT & ACT Scores for Duke University
| Test | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile | Midpoint |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Reading | 740 | 770 | 755 |
| SAT Math | 770 | 800 | 785 |
| SAT Total | 1510 | 1570 | 1540 |
| ACT Composite | 34 | 35 | 34 |
Admissions Funnel
| Applications Received | 46,365 |
| Students Admitted | 3,145 |
| Students Enrolled | 1,742 |
| Yield Rate | 55.4% |
Duke University Rankings
| Ranking | 2025 | Year |
|---|---|---|
| US News National Universities | #8 | 2025 |
| QS World University Rankings | #57 | 2025 |
| THE World University Rankings | #30 | 2025 |
| ARWU (Shanghai) | #32 | 2024 |
Show 10-Year US News Ranking History
| 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #8 | #8 | #9 | #8 | #10 | #12 | #10 | #10 | #7 | #8 |
US News National Universities: #8 (2016) → #8 (2025) — unchanged
Duke University Overview
Duke University is a private university in Durham, NC with 20,664 students. With a 6.8% acceptance rate, it ranks among the most selective institutions in the country. The most popular majors are Computer Science, Social Sciences, and Biological Sciences.
| Full Name | Duke University |
| Location | Durham, NC 27708 |
| Type | Private |
| Website | duke.edu/ |
| Total Enrollment | 20,664 |
| Undergrad Enrollment | 7,343 |
| Female Students | 52.5% |
Is Duke University a Reach, Match, or Safety?
With an acceptance rate of 6.8%, Duke University is a Reach for most applicants. You'll need a standout application — strong GPA, meaningful extracurriculars, and compelling essays — to have realistic odds here.
| Your Profile | Duke University Is... | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Above-average GPA + strong application | Match | Apply — worth the effort |
| Average GPA, some strengths | Reach | Apply, but have 2-3 backup schools |
| Below-average GPA | Hard Reach | Consider similar schools with higher acceptance rates |
Popular Majors at Duke University
The most popular fields of study, ranked by the number of degrees awarded.
Student Demographics
How to Get Into Duke University
Duke is a Reach school for nearly all applicants. Competitive applicants typically score 1540+ on the SAT. Beyond grades and scores, Duke wants to see intellectual curiosity, leadership, and a clear sense of purpose in your application. Have 2-3 realistic backup schools — even perfect-on-paper students get denied here.
What Duke University Values Most in Applicants
Admission factor importance from the Common Data Set — what the school officially says matters.
| Factor | Importance |
|---|---|
| Academic Gpa | Very Important |
| Rigor Of Secondary School Record | Very Important |
| Class Rank | Considered |
| Standardized Test Scores | Considered |
| Application Essay | Very Important |
| Recommendation | Very Important |
| Extracurricular Activities | Very Important |
| Talent Ability | Very Important |
| Character Personal Qualities | Very Important |
| First Generation | Considered |
| Alumni Relation | Considered |
| Interview | Considered |
| Work Experience | Considered |
| Volunteer Work | Considered |
Duke University Application Deadlines & Requirements
Key dates for the Duke University ED admission cycle. Mark these on your calendar — missing a deadline means waiting another year.
| Deadline | Date |
|---|---|
| Early Decision | Nov 1 |
| Regular Decision | Jan 4 |
| Financial Aid (FAFSA/CSS) | Feb 1 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Duke University
More About Duke University
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Data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS. Duke University is not affiliated with DeepColleges.