Duke University

Duke admits approximately 6.8% of applicants, meaning roughly 1 in 15 applicants receives an offer of admission. This places Duke among the most selective universities in the United States, in the Most Selective category reserved for institutions admitting fewer than 10% of applicants.

The peer median admission rate of 70.6% highlights the stark difference between Duke's selectivity and typical four-year institutions. Even among elite private research universities, Duke's acceptance rate falls at the lower end of the spectrum.

This level of selectivity means that even exceptionally qualified students—those with near-perfect test scores and outstanding academic records—face significant uncertainty in the admission process. Many students who would thrive at Duke do not receive admission simply due to the volume of highly qualified applicants.

For this reason, students considering Duke should build comprehensive college lists that include schools with higher acceptance rates but comparable academic quality and career outcomes. The sections below provide guidance on similar institutions with more accessible admission pathways.

Duke's published cost of attendance reaches $82,749 per year, including $65,805 in tuition, $17,458 for room and board, and $1,602 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays $34,454 after financial aid, representing savings of $48,295 through institutional aid, federal grants, and state assistance.

Duke's net price exceeds the peer median of $27,143 by $7,311, reflecting the premium associated with highly selective private education. Net costs vary dramatically by family income, ranging from $3,295 for families earning under $30,000 to $54,375 for families earning over $110,000.

This $51,080 spread between lowest and highest income tiers demonstrates Duke's progressive aid structure, which concentrates resources on students from lower-income backgrounds while maintaining higher costs for affluent families. The substantial gap between sticker price and average net cost indicates that most families receive meaningful financial assistance, though middle and upper-middle income families often face significant out-of-pocket expenses that exceed costs at public institutions.

Duke graduates demonstrate steady earnings growth throughout the early career period. Median earnings rise from $85,792 six years after enrollment to $95,882 at eight years and $97,800 at ten years, representing 14.0% growth from the six-year mark.

These outcomes reflect a ten-year cohort of 1,071 graduates, providing high confidence in reported figures. Graduates earn $9,917 beyond expectations compared to similar students nationally, placing Duke at the 85.6th percentile for earnings uplift.

Low-income graduates earn $121,600, ranking among the top 5% nationally for this measure. The earnings distribution shows meaningful variation, with outcomes ranging from $66,351 at the 25th percentile to $171,770 at the 75th percentile, reflecting differences in program choice and career trajectory.

Approximately 30.3% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, indicating strong preparation for both advanced education and immediate workforce entry. Duke's peer median earnings of $63,066 highlight the institution's $34,734 advantage in graduate outcomes.

Duke offers 20 bachelor's degree programs with federal earnings data for ranking analysis. Computer Science ranks #12 nationally and #1 in North Carolina, producing 339 graduates with median earnings of $159,845 and a value score of 94.0.

Applied Economics ranks #1 nationally, graduating 219 students with median earnings of $153,139 and a perfect value score of 100.0. Education Policy Analysis also ranks #1 nationally, graduating 233 students with median earnings of $97,427.

Computer Engineering ranks #4 nationally with 107 graduates earning $137,144. Biology, General ranks #25 nationally with 165 graduates earning $62,963.

Duke's program portfolio demonstrates particular strength in Economics, Engineering, and Computer Science, with multiple programs achieving top-10 national rankings and state leadership positions across diverse disciplines.