Duke University

{"text":"Founded in 1838, Duke University is a private research university renowned for its academic excellence and research prowess. With an acceptance rate of only 6%, admission to Duke is highly competitive, attracting top students from around the world. The university offers a diverse range of academic programs, including over 50 undergraduate majors and numerous graduate programs through esteemed schools like the Fuqua School of Business, the School of Medicine, the School of Law, the Pratt School of Engineering, and the School of Nursing. \nNotably, the Pratt School of Engineering consistently ranks among the top 50 in the nation making it an excellent institution.\nDuke University Key Highlights\nDuke University was established in 1838 and since then it has been one of the top universities in the world.

The university boasts of an impressive 93.4% placement record within six months of graduation. With a focus on academic excellence, the university offers courses designed with the idea of building a core foundation for all the subjects. \nNot only this, Duke University has a balanced 50:50 male-to-female ratio. Duke's exceptional student-to-faculty ratio of 8:1 fosters a personalised learning environment.\n\n\n\n\n\nDuke University Highlights\n\n\n\n\nParticulars\n\n\nDetails\n\n\n\n\nApplication Fee\n\n\n$95 (7,876 INR)\n\n\n\n\nEstablishment Year\n\n\n1838\n\n\n\n\nWorld Ranking\n\n\n26\n\n\n\n\nQS Rank\n\n\n57\n\n\n\n\nScholarship\n\n\nRebate on Tuition Fee\n\n\n\n\nNo.

Of International Students\n\n\n3000\n\n\n\n\nWebsite\n\n\nduke.edu\n\n\n\n\nPlacement%\n\n\n93.4%\n\n\n\n\nEnglish Language Tests are accepted.\n\n\nIELTS \/ TOEFL\/PTE\n\n\n\n\nDuke University Acceptance Rate\n\n\n6%\n\n\n\n\n\nDuke University Ranking\nDuke University has gained recognition for its exceptional academic programs, faculty, and research opportunities. While rankings shouldn't be the sole factor in choosing a university, they offer an idea of the university’s commitment to excellence and academic programmes.\n\n\n\n\n\nRanked By\n\n\n2018\n\n\n2019\n\n\n2020\n\n\n2021\n\n\n2022\n\n\n2023\n\n\n2024\n\n\n\n\nARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Universities Rankings\n\n\n26\n\n\n28\n\n\n27\n\n\n32\n\n\n31\n\n\nNA\n\n\nNA\n\n\n\n\nQS - World University Ranking\n\n\nNA\n\n\nNA\n\n\n25\n\n\n42\n\n\n52\n\n\n50\n\n\n57\n\n\n\n\nTHE (Times Higher Education) - University Ranking]\n\n\nNA\n\n\n18\n\n\n20\n\n\n20\n\n\n23\n\n\n25\n\n\nNA\n\n\n\n\nUS News & World Report - Global Universities\n\n\nNA\n\n\n22\n\n\n22\n\n\n23\n\n\n23\n\n\n25\n\n\nNA\n\n\n\n\nUS News & World Report - National University Ranking\n\n\nNA\n\n\n8\n\n\n10\n\n\n12\n\n\n9\n\n\n10\n\n\nNA\n\n\n\n\n\nDuke University Scholarships \nDuke University has made education accessible through a variety of scholarships. These scholarships are offered based on academic excellence, financial need, and diverse talents to reduce the financial burden for deserving students.

Scholarships offered by Duke University cover a range of expenses, including tuition, fees, room and board, and even provide additional support for books and travel. The following are the major scholarships offered by the University. \n\n\nAlumni Endowed Scholarship\n\n\nAngier B. Duke Scholarship\n\n\nBenjamin N.

Duke Scholarship\n\n\nReginaldo Howard Memorial Scholarship\n\n\nKarsh International Scholarship\n\n\nDavid M. Rubenstein Scholarship\n\n\nTrinity Scholarships\n\n\nUniversity Scholarship\n\n\nDuke University Campus\nDuke University's sprawling campus encompasses over 8,600 acres and three connected sub-campuses in Durham, North Carolina, and a marine lab in Beaufort. The West Campus is designed by Julian Abele and features Gothic architecture, with the iconic Duke Chapel as its centrepiece and highest point.

It also conveniently neighbours the Medical Center. \nThe East Campus, situated 1.5 miles away, houses all first-year students in Georgian-style buildings. Duke's reach extends beyond the US through two international schools: Duke-NUS Medical School in Singapore and Duke Kunshan University in China.\nDuke University Cost of Attendance\nThe cost of attending Duke University depends on several factors, including your program of study and whether you're a USA or international student. For USA undergraduates, tuition fees generally fall between $88,406-$89,142 annually.

International students are also expected to get financial aid that ultimately lowers the cost of attendance.\n\n\n\n\n\nExpenses\n\n\nWithout Financial Aid\n\n\nWith Financial Aid\n\n\n\n\nTuition\n\n\n$63,450\n\n\n$63,450\n\n\n\n\nEstimated Fees\n\n\n$2,722\n\n\n$2,542\n\n\n\n\nHousing\n\n\n$9,884\n\n\n$9,884\n\n\n\n\nFood\n\n\n$9,182\n\n\n$8,138\n\n\n\n\nBooks, Course Materials, Supplies, & Equipment\n\n\n$536\n\n\n$536\n\n\n\n\nMiscellaneous Personal Expenses\n\n\n$3,274\n\n\n$3,274\n\n\n\n\nTransportation (domestic)\n\n\n$582-$1,318\n\n\n$582-$1,318\n\n\n\n\n\nDuke University Major Intakes\nDuke University operates on a semester system, offering two main intake periods for undergraduate admissions: There are three intakes namely in November, January and June. The candidates can go through the timeline for all three intakes to apply for admission. \n\n\n\n\n\nDuke University Major Intakes\n\n\n\n\nIntake\n\n\nAdmission Timelines\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEARLY DECISION - NOVEMBER 1\n\n\nMid August-February\n\n\n\n\nREGULAR DECISION - JANUARY 2\n\n\nMid August– Early April\n\n\n\n\nTRANSFER STUDENTS - MARCH 15\n\n\nMid August– June\n\n\n\n\n\nDuke University Work-Study Programs\nThe work-study program at Duke University connects students with part-time jobs, primarily on campus, to help them offset educational expenses. When a student with financial need receives a work-study award, a part of their earnings from a qualifying job is subsidised by their financial aid package.

This helps departments to hire work-study students, as a portion of the wage burden is covered. \nPay Hours\nAs an enrolled student, you can participate in the work-study program and work up to 19.9 hours per week. Your earnings depend on two factors: the number of hours you work and your hourly wage offered by the employer. However, it's important to note that your total earnings throughout the year cannot exceed the predetermined work-study award amount assigned to you by financial aid.

For the academic year, the maximum work-study award is capped at $2,200.\nRate of Pay\n\n\n\n\n\nCourse\n\n\nPosition Type\n\n\nMinimum\n\n\nMaximum\n\n\n\n\nUndergraduate\n\n\nStudent Assistant - General\n\n\n$15.75\/hr\n\n\n$20.25\/hr\n\n\n\n\nStudent Assistant - Specialized\n\n\n$16.75\/hr\n\n\n$23.25\/hr\n\n\n\n\nGraduate\n\n\nStudent Assistant - General\n\n\n$15.00\/hr\n\n\n$19.50\/hr\n\n\n\n\nStudent Assistant - Specialized\n\n\n$16.00\/hr\n\n\n$22.50\/hr\n\n\n\n\n\nDuke University Notable Alumni \nDuke University boasts a prestigious alumni network coming from various industries and backgrounds. From pioneering business leaders to renowned athletes and cultural icons, these people have left a lasting impact on the world.\nTim Cook\nFrom becoming the CEO of Apple in 2011, Tim Cook has steered the tech titan toward continued success and innovation. He has solidified its position at the forefront of technological advancement.\nMelinda French Gates\nMelinda French Gates co-founded the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation with a deep commitment to health and education.

She is a philanthropic powerhouse tackling critical challenges faced by humanity on a global scale.\nJay Williams\nJay Williams is famous in history for leading the team to national championships in both 2001 and 2003. Presently, he is working as a seasoned and insightful college basketball analyst.\nJuly Woodroof\nWith a career spanning decades, Emmy Award-winning actress July Woodroof is known for her versatile acting and performances. From portraying iconic roles on the silver screen to gracing television with her talent, she has cemented her place in Hollywood.\n \nCost of living in the United States of America\nStudying in the US as an international student means contending with a cost of living that fluctuates based on where you're located and your lifestyle choices.

The students can expect to spend anywhere from $1,000 to $2,000 per month in major cities. This amount generally covers necessities like food, transportation, and phone\/internet service. However, it's important to remember that housing and entertainment expenses can substantially increase your overall cost of living.\n\n\n\n\n\nCost of Living in USA\n\n\n\n\nExpense\n\n\nin Dollars ($)\n\n\nin INR\n\n\n\n\nBooks and Material (yearly)\n\n\n$100 - $200\n\n\n8,235-16,470\n\n\n\n\nHealth Insurance\n\n\n$200 - $600\n\n\n16,470 - 49,410\n\n\n\n\nFood\n\n\n$150 - $300\n\n\n12,352.5 - 24,705\n\n\n\n\nTransportation (public transit, gas, insurance)\n\n\n$100 - $300\n\n\n8,235 - 24,705\n\n\n\n\nEntertainment\n\n\n$100 - $300\n\n\n8,235 - 24,705\n\n\n\n\nInternet and phone\n\n\n$80 - $150\n\n\n6,588 - 12,352.5\n\n\n\n\n\n ","requirements":"","courses":[],"gallery":["https:\/\/d2bps9p1kiy4ka.cloudfront.net\/5b09189f7285894d9130ccd0\/2f92f963-7f82-45a8-ac06-e21b166eaf17.jpg","https:\/\/d2bps9p1kiy4ka.cloudfront.net\/5b09189f7285894d9130ccd0\/38f3aaf2-86d5-4d53-8050-6fb25889e429.jpg"]}

A private research university in North Carolina, USA, Duke University is accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. In the National Universities ranking for 2026, Duke University ranking in U.S. is #7 in 2026. Duke University acceptance rate stood at 4.7% for the Class of 2030. As per U.S. News, Duke University ranks at No. 6 in the lowest acceptance rates. Considered among the best universities in the US, it is home to 17,000+ students.

• Placements - Duke University is famous for placements. As per the MBA employment report for 2025, 82.2% received job offers by 3 months of graduation. The top recruiters of the MBA graduates include Amazon, Accenture, Barclays, Deloitte, Walmart, Pepsico, etc.
• Notable Alumni - Some of the famous personalities have studied at Duke University including CEO Officer of Apple, Tim Cook, Business Philanthropist Melinda French Gates, Former U.S. President Richard Nixon, etc.
• R1 Classified University - Duke University forms one of the corners of the Research Triangle region together with the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University in Raleigh. This university is classified among R1 Doctoral Universities: Very High Research activity. Over 3,300 researchers and scholars received awards in 2024. The research funding equates to USD 1.33 Billion.
• Generous financial aid available - UG students at Duke University offers can get 100% of the demonstrated financial aid. To be considered, students have to submit a CSS profile.

Duke University Indian Student Reviews

As per the Indian students reviews for Duke University given over Shiksha Study Abroad platform, a 3.9 rating out of 5 has been given. A few of the Indian students reviews for this university are-

• College life at Duke University is great. Many on-campus extracurricular activities, sports and events are held on the university's campus. Also, the faculty is highly helpful and knowledgeable
• Basketball team is one of the major sports attractions at Duke University.
• Indian student community at Duke University is strong. The campus of Duke University is always buzzing with activities like game nights or social mixers. Also, you will find student clubs for everything at the campus.

Facts about Duke University

Those students who want to study in the U.S. can check the facts about Duke University from below-

The university understands that not everyone can have the finances needed to pursue higher studies, and does give scholarships to Indian students based on need and merit. However, scholarships are very limited as a foreign student, and if you wish to get your studies sponsored, make sure to submit your application on time and meet the eligibility criteria.

How to get a Scholarship at Duke?

The scholarship requirements can vary for different programs. However, there are certain general conditions that everyone needs to meet, as given below.

• Should be an International student
• Demonstrate financial need
• Maintain excellent academic scores
• Should not be receiving financial aid from any other source
• Apply for admission to Duke with the required documents

At Duke University, students can choose from 60+ at the UG level. At the PG level, 80+ programs at the PG level of studies at Duke University. Study areas for courses of Duke University are Psychology, Political Science, Fine Arts, Biomedical Engineering, Economics, etc.

Duke University Popular Majors

Computer Science, Biology, Public Policy, Economics, and Psychology are the most pursued majors among students at Duke. Among Indian students, the popular courses of Duke University are MBA and MS in Engineering Management. Also note, Duke University's Fuqua School of Business rank at #14 Best Business Schools in 2026 as per U.S. News.

Duke University Cost for Indian Students

USD 70,265 (INR 63.15 L) is what it would cost to pursue a UG course at Duke, while USD 67,724 (INR 60.86 L) is what you would expect to spend for 9 months in a Master's course at Duke. The Duke University MBA fees are USD 81,000 (INR 72.79 L).

Cost of Living at Duke

Here is the on-campus living expenses for Duke University students-

Source: Duke University

Creating Tech giants, Managing Sports Leagues, Entertaining People, and representing the country on a global stage is what graduates of Duke University are known for. Given below are the popular names to have done these things and more after their studies at the university.

Name	Known For	Alumnus
Tim Cook	American Businessman CEO of Apple and former COO under founder Steve Jobs Graduated with an MBA from the Fuqua School of Business in 1988
Adam Silver	American Sports Executive and Lawyer Commissioner of the NBA Graduated with a BA in Political Science in 1984
Melinda French Gates	American Philanthropist Ex-Wife of American Businessman Bill Gates Graduated with a BS in Computer Science and Economics in 1986, followed by an MBA in 1987
Ken Jeong	American Actor and Stand-Up Comedian Known for his role as Leslie Chow in The Hangover Trilogy Began his acting career at the Duke Drama and Hoof n' Horn
Kyrie Irving	American Basketball Player 9-time NBA All-Star and Olympic Champion Pursued a course in Sociology and played for Duke's basketball team, the Duke Blue Devils

The Career Resource Center at Duke Uni offers ample placement-related support such as how to write a strong resume, mock interviews, help map out a career path, networking opportunities, and finding jobs that best match your profile.

Duke University Placement Rate

As per the MBA Class of 2025 employment report, 82.2% is Duke University placement rate (received job offers within 3 months of graduation). 85.1% of the students received a signing bonus. The top industries where the graduates of Duke Uni work are Consulting, Consumer Packaged Goods, Financial Services, Technology, etc. The top recruiters for Duke Uni MBA graduates are-

• American Airlines
• Amazon
• Barclays
• BCG
• Deloitte
• Microsoft
• Goldman Sachs
• Walmart, etc.

ROI After Education

The median base salary of the MBA graduates of Duke Uni was USD 160,000 (Around INR 1.5 Cr.). Whereas, the tuition fee for MBA course is USD 83,700 (Around INR 80.2 lakh). Looking at the average salary and tuition fee for MBA course, it can be said that studying MBA from this course would lead to a higher ROI.

Download Duke University MBA Employment Report 2025

• The Daytime MBA applications for Duke University are open. The Round 1 application deadline is Sep 2, 2026. MBA course of Duke University is a commonly opted course among Indian students. A few unofficial sources have cited that Duke University MBA acceptance rate is around 20%, which suggests its selective and competitiveness. The MBA Class of 2027 had an average Undergraduate GPA of 3.16 - 3.91. The average GMAT score was 680-770 and the GRE score was 307-328. 

You can submit either a Common Application or a Questbridge Application for Admission to Duke University. If you're applying to a UG course, applications are sent based on the Early or Regular Decision deadlines set by the university. For PG courses, the university accepts applications for either the Fall or Spring semester.

Duke University Application Deadlines

Send in your applications by the deadlines given below.

Duke University Eligibility Criteria

The requirements can vary for different courses. However, given below is the general eligibility every student needs to meet to study at Duke.

• Documents of past studies
• Statement of Purpose
• Prove Proficiency in English
• Letters of Recommendation
• Resume
• Personal Statement
• Supplementary Documents (as per the course)

Duke University Undergraduate Requirements

You would need to submit English-translated versions of all your high-school and Class 12th completion certificates. Though the university does not have a specific GPA requirement, an equivalent of 75% is needed, along with a solid non-academic portfolio. Valid scores in tests like the SAT or the ACT are also accepted, while some courses may also need you to submit essays and clear a personal interview round. An overall IELTS score of 7, or a TOEFL-iBT score of 100, is good enough to prove your English proficiency.

Duke University Graduate Requirements

For PG courses, you should have completed a 4-year UG degree from a recognized Indian college or university. If you don't have a 4-year UG degree, you would have to get it evaluated by a third-party service like WES. You would also need to submit a Life Experiences Statement, while some courses also require a valid GRE score.

As per Shiksha Popularity Ranking, Duke University ranking stands at #15 at national level. Also, the university is ranked #46 in the world by Shiksha Popularity Ranking. Subject rankings of Duke Uni are #3 for MSN, #11 for LLM, #23 for MA, #30 for MFA, etc.

By Other Ranking Bodies

Apart from Shiksha Popularity ranking, QS has also ranked the university globally. Duke University QS ranking is #62 in 2026. In 2027, the university's QS ranking is #70. Duke University ranking is #28 by THE in 2026, globally. Subject rankings of Duke University for some of its courses are-

• MBA (Financial Times): #16
• Global MBA (QS): #24
• Masters in Business Analytics (QS): #7
• Nursing: #5

At Duke University Campus, there are 100+ student clubs and organizations, student events happening almost every other day, and an active athletics program. This university offers Indian students associations such as Duke Diya (celebrates the culture and traditions of South Asia), Duke Indian Students Association, and Hindu Life at Duke.

• For housing, the university maintains separate facilities for freshmen and students in the higher years of their studies. This includes single rooms, double rooms, suites, and apartments.

Where is Duke University?

Duke Uni is in Durham, North Carolina, USA. There are 3 campuses of this university, West Campus, East Campus, and the Central Campus. It also maintains its presence outside the US, with the Duke Kunshan University in China and the Duke-NUS Medical School in Singapore.

Duke University Campus Life

Students can take part in the weekly and monthly student activities organised by student societies across Music, Theater, Science, Technology, and Sports. The AI Competition Club is very popular for its hackathons on workshops, as is the Allied Scholars for Animal Protection.