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    Duke University

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    Overview

    Did you know that Duke University is home to the largest lemur sanctuary in the world? What's more, Tim Cook, Mike Posner, and Ken Jeong all graduated from the school. Long known as one of the country's finest schools, Duke is located in Durham, NC.

    There are currently 6,417 undergraduates at Duke and the school’s acceptance rate is 7%. The tuition at Duke is $65,805.

    Duke is affiliated with the United Methodist faith. Many schools have religious affiliations but only some of them incorporate their affiliation in a way that shapes the student experience. If you have any questions about the role of the United Methodist faith at Duke, be sure to reach out to their admissions officers.

    Duke University
    University University
    Universities are big schools that offer a diverse range of academic programs, often across different schools. Most universities include both undergraduate and graduate studies. Students can expect large lecture halls, a wide variety of extracurriculars, and access to research opportunities.
    11 City
    Colleges in cities offer easy access to jobs, internships, and entertainment. These colleges provide plenty of opportunities but may include higher living costs and a busier environment than other campuses. Some urban schools have traditional campuses, while others blend into the city.
    https://scholarships360.org/college-admissions/duke-supplemental-essays/ Supplemental
    Essay
    Duke University asks applicants to complete a supplemental essay. Check out the “Admissions” section for a free essay guide written by Scholarships360!

    Scholarships & Financial Aid

    $87,072

    Sticker Price
    Sticker Price

    $52,618

    Average Annual Aid
    Average Annual Aid

    $34,454

    Average Annual Cost
    Average Annual Cost

    Cost Breakdown

    Tuition & Fees
    $65,805
    Books & Supplies
    $1,602
    Room & Board
    $17,458
    Other
    $2,207

    Estimated Cost:

    $87,072

    The sticker price at Duke is $87,072. This includes the cost of tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, and other miscellaneous expenses.


    The cost of attendance can vary from year to year and will typically rise over your four years in college. That said, colleges will recalculate your financial aid every year to take price increases and changes in your financial situation into account.


    College costs can look different for every student based on their financial situation. To get a more accurate picture of what tuition at Duke would look like for you, try entering your financial information into their Net Price Calculator.

    Duke University Financial Aid

    To apply for financial aid at Duke you’ll need to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as well as the CSS Profile.


    The FAFSA and CSS Profile use financial information from the prior, prior year. That means you can submit the forms even if you or your parents haven’t filed last year’s taxes.


    The FAFSA code for Duke is 002920 and the CSS Profile Code is 5156.


    The FAFSA is completely free, while the CSS Profile charges a fee for each college you send it to. If you have demonstrated financial need, you may qualify for a CSS Profile fee waiver.


    If you are looking for more information on how to complete the FAFSA or the CSS Profile, check out these resources:


    Using State Grants at Duke

    If you're a North Carolina resident with demonstrated financial need, be sure to look into state grants to help pay for Duke. The state offers two major need-based grants: The NC Need-Based Scholarship for Private College Students and the NC Scholarship. Both are reserved for needy students, and the former is reserved for those attending private schools. Unlike scholarships, these do not involve selection committees or essays. If you meet the requirements and the funds have not been exhausted, you will receive the money.

    Pell Grants at Duke University

    12% of students at Duke University receive Pell Grants.


    The federal government awards Pell Grants to undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need by filling out the FAFSA. Students with a bachelor’s or professional degree are not eligible. Pell Grants do not be repaid. If you receive a Pell Grant, the award amount should remain consistent at any college you gain admission to. You can learn more about Pell Grant eligibility here.

    Outside Scholarships

    Students can use outside scholarships to supplement their financial aid package at Duke. Outside scholarships are awards offered by private and non-profit organizations separate from their college. To browse vetted, reliable outside scholarships, check out our popular lists:


    Duke University Financial Aid Resources

    For more information about financial aid at Duke, or for questions that are specific to your financial situation, we recommend that you reach out directly to the financial aid office!


    Here’s how you can get in touch:


    Admissions

    7%

    Admission Rate

    34

    Average ACT

    1508

    Average SAT

    1508 is the median SAT score and 34 is the median ACT score for admitted students at Duke. A score that is close to this median value indicates that you have a good chance of admission to the institution. However, it’s important to remember that colleges judge applications holistically. If the rest of your application is strong, it’s possible to make up for lower test scores.

    Does Duke have a supplemental essay?

    Yes, Duke University includes a supplemental essay in their application. Luckily, Scholarships360 has a free guide to help you answer Duke's essay prompt and stand out in the application process.


    Duke Supplemental Essay Guide

    Is Duke test-optional?

    Duke University is test-optional, which means that applicants are permitted, but not required, to submit their standardized test scores. If you choose not to submit your scores, admissions officers will weigh your grades, extracurriculars, essays, and interviews more heavily. If you aren’t sure whether to submit your standardized test scores, Scholarships360’s guide on whether to submit your test scores to test-optional schools can help.

    What test scores do you need to get into Duke University?

    Colleges use standardized tests like the SAT, ACT, or CLT as one of many factors to determine their admissions decisions. A high score on one of these tests does not guarantee admission to a college, and a low score does not guarantee rejection. However, the majority of accepted applicants to Duke University receive between a 34 and a 35 on their ACT, or a 1485 and a 1575 on their SAT.

    November
    1

    Early Decision I

    January
    2

    Regular Decision

    What is the application deadline at Duke?

    Students must apply by January 2 to enroll at Duke during the fall semester. Remember that college applications involve many pieces, including essays, a transcript, letters of recommendation, and more. Be sure to start your application as soon as you can to make sure you have enough time to make it as compelling as possible.


    At Duke students also have the opportunity to apply Early Decision. In order to take advantage of this option, you’ll have to have your application in by November 1.

    Academics

    Student/Faculty Ratio

    Student/Faculty Ratio 6:1

    Graduation Rate

    Graduation Rate 96%

    Popular Majors

    Percent of Students

    Social Sciences

    14%

    14% of graduates

    Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies.

    14%

    14% of graduates

    Engineering

    13%

    13% of graduates

    Biological & Biomedical Sciences

    12%

    12% of graduates

    Computer & Information Sciences

    11%

    11% of graduates

    Health Professions & Related Programs

    10%

    10% of graduates

    Public Administration & Social Services

    6%

    6% of graduates

    Psychology

    5%

    5% of graduates

    Mathematics

    5%

    5% of graduates

    Natural Resources & Conservation

    2%

    2% of graduates

    Physical Sciences

    2%

    2% of graduates

    English Language & Literature

    2%

    2% of graduates

    Area, Ethnic, Cultural, & Gender Studies

    1%

    1% of graduates

    Visual & Performing Arts

    1%

    1% of graduates

    History

    1%

    1% of graduates

    Languages & Literatures

    1%

    1% of graduates

    Education

    1%

    1% of graduates

    Philosophy & Religious Studies

    1%

    1% of graduates

    Show More

    Student Body

    Undergraduate Students

    Undergraduate Students 6,417

    Pell Grant 13%

    Part-Time Undergrad Students 0%

    Undergrad Students Over 25 0%

    Percent Male / Female 47% / 53%

    Ethnic Diversity at Duke

    36% White

    23% Asian / Pacific Islander

    11% Hispanic

    10% International / Non-Citizen

    8% Black

    8% Multiracial

    4% Unknown

    Student Outcomes


    Graduate Income

    Graduate Income $97,800

    Median Debt $13,000

    Debt 10 years after graduation $138

    Graduation Rate 96%

    What is the graduation rate at Duke University?

    96% of students who start at Duke University finish their degree within six years of enrolling. This is 38% more than the national median. A higher graduation rate indicates that students have better experiences at an institution.

    How much do graduates of Duke University go on to earn?

    The median income of students 10 years after starting at Duke University is $97,800. This is $47,409 more than the national median.


    This data is from the College Scorecard, which only surveys students from Duke University who received federal financial aid.


    Graduate earnings can vary widely based on many factors other than school choice. Major and career path are two important factors in how much a student goes on to earn. For more information, check out Scholarships360’s article on the average starting salary out of college.

    How much do students at Duke take out in loans?

    Graduates of Duke take out a median of $13,000 in federal student loans. This is $500 less than the national median. As you make decisions about your college loans, be sure to inform yourself on the advantages and disadvantages of each loan option. Scholarships360’s guide to navigating these different options is a great place to start.

    Data Sources

    We strive to provide users with the most up-to-date information and source data from publicly available sources, including the College Scorecard and directly from the colleges. College statistics can change throughout the year, but we do our best to update them as quickly as possible. If you see an error, feel free to contact us.

    If you represent Duke University and would like to make any corrections or supplement your college profile with additional information, you can fill out our free Premium Profile questionnaire here.

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