Duke University Acceptance Rate 2026: Your Real Chances by GPA
Duke University · Durham, NC · Private · Official Website ↗
Data updated: 2026-04-28
6.8% acceptance · 20,664 students
Duke University at a Glance
Duke University SAT & ACT Scores
| 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
About Duke University
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 |
Duke University True Cost by Family Income
13% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating Duke enrolls a meaningful share of lower-income students.
| Family Income | Annual Net Price | 4-Year Total | vs Sticker Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| $0-30k | $3,600 | $14,400 | -94% |
| $30-48k | $4,800 | $19,200 | -92% |
| $48-75k | $9,200 | $36,800 | -85% |
| $75-110k | $19,800 | $79,200 | -69% |
| $110k+ | $56,200 | $224,800 | -11% |
Duke University Programs & Graduate Salary
Salary outcomes by program, based on earnings data four years after graduation.
| Program | US Rank | Duke University Salary | National Median | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | — | $116,250 | $75,000 | +55% |
| Engineering | #20 | $111,600 | $72,000 | +55% |
| Mathematics & Statistics | — | $96,100 | $62,000 | +55% |
| Health Professions | #4 | $80,600 | $52,000 | +55% |
| Physical Sciences | — | $74,400 | $48,000 | +55% |
| Social Sciences | #9 | $69,750 | $45,000 | +55% |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies | — | $65,100 | $42,000 | +55% |
| Biological Sciences | #11 | $65,100 | $42,000 | +55% |
| Natural Resources & Conservation | — | $62,000 | $40,000 | +55% |
| History | — | $62,000 | $40,000 | +55% |
| Public Administration & Social Services | — | $58,900 | $38,000 | +55% |
| Area/Ethnic/Cultural Studies | — | $58,900 | $38,000 | +55% |
| Foreign Languages & Linguistics | — | $58,900 | $38,000 | +55% |
| Education | — | $58,900 | $38,000 | +55% |
| Philosophy & Religious Studies | — | $58,900 | $38,000 | +55% |
| Psychology | — | $55,800 | $36,000 | +55% |
| English Language & Literature | — | $55,800 | $36,000 | +55% |
| Visual & Performing Arts | — | $52,700 | $34,000 | +55% |
Popular Majors at Duke University
Percentage of degrees awarded by field.
Student Demographics
What Duke University Looks For 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 |
Financial Aid & Student Debt
Frequently Asked Questions About Duke University
More About Duke University
Other Colleges in NC
Data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS. Duke University is not affiliated with DeepColleges.