It is shocking to learn that Duke University acceptance rate hits a historic low of 5.4% for Class of 2028. That makes many would-be applicants nervous. Duke University is ranked 61st in the QS World University Rankings 2025, and is also consistently ranked as the top university in the world. Therefore, many students from all over the world apply to Duke University, resulting in fierce competition. Let’s take a look at the details of Duke acceptance rate for Class of 2028.
Why Duke University?
Duke University is a famous private research university located in Durham, North Carolina, founded in 1838. And it is also one of the most famous private institutions in the southern United States. The school is known for its strong research capabilities and unique campus environment.
Duke University is home to a number of outstanding schools and programs, including business, law, medical and engineering. Duke’s Fuqua School of Business attracts outstanding students from all over the world with its rigorous curriculum and rich practical opportunities. The School of Law has a high reputation for legal research and practice. The School of Medicine is renowned for its excellent medical technology and research results. Duke Pratt School of Engineering has a strong performance in engineering technology and innovation.
In addition to its reputation and research strength, Duke University is also known for its beautiful campus environment. The campus is lined with trees and buildings with different types, providing students with a peaceful and comfortable learning environment. At the same time, Duke University also focuses on developing students’ leadership skills and social responsibility, and encourages students to participate in various activities and volunteer services actively.
Duke University acceptance rate 2024 -- Class of 2028
With the increasing popularity and academic level of Duke University, the total number of applications for Class of 2028 is 54,149, the total number of enrolled students is 1,739, and the overall Duke University acceptance rate is 5.4%. The Duke acceptance rate has reached a record low, showing the increasingly fierce competition for applicants and Duke’s rigorous academic atmosphere.
Historical trends of University of Duke acceptance rate
Duke University percent admitted for Class of 2028 is 5.4%. However, if you plan to apply to Duke University, only knowing the acceptance rate this year is not enough. You’d better learn more about the previous acceptance rate for Duke University, so as to make full preparation for applying to the school.
| Time | Total Number of Applications | Early Decision Acceptance Rates | Regular Decision Acceptance Rates | Overall Acceptance Rates |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Class of 2028 | 54,194 | 13% | 4.4% | 5.4% |
| Class of 2027 | 49,476 | 16.5% | 5.2% | 6.3% |
| Class of 2026 | 50,008 | 21.2% | 5.0% | 6.3% |
| Class of 2025 | 49,555 | 17% | 4.3% | 5.8% |
| Class of 2024 | 39,783 | 20.6% | 6% | 7.7% |
| Class of 2023 | 41,651 | 18.4% | 6.4% | 7.8% |
Duke early decision acceptance rate -- Class of 2028
Duke early decision acceptance rate is 13% for the Class of 2028. From the above table, you can see that early decision acceptance rates have always been higher than regular decision acceptance rates. Then, what is the early decision? And should I choose ED?
Early decision is a college admission option offered by some schools, and many schools have two rounds of ED application, ED1 and ED2. If ED1 is rejected, you can apply to another school through ED2. Once you have received an offer through early decision, you must withdraw your application to other schools. Generally, you can only apply to one college in advance. If you apply to two ED schools at the same time, the school has the right to revoke your admission. So, if you choose ED, make sure it’s the school you want to attend. In contrast, if students decide to apply through regular decision, they can apply for a longer period of time, typically until around April of the following year.
Advantages of choosing ED:
- Higher acceptance rate than regular applications. As seen from the above table, Duke early decision acceptance rate of the Class of 2028 is 13%, while the regular decision acceptance rate is 4.4%.
- Know the outcome earlier than your regular application. According to statistics, students who apply for ED are accepted at some top schools at a rate 60% higher (that is, 1.6 times higher) than regular applications, making ED a priority for many students.
Disadvantages of choosing ED: Once admitted to a school, you must attend, and the application to other schools must be withdrawn.
Duke yield rate
Duke University uses a variety of admission methods and strives to maintain its yield rate between 50% and 60%. This ratio reflects Duke’s strong appeal to students. Because of Duke University’s high reputation, rigorous academic ability, and rich extracurricular activities, many students choose to apply and study at Duke University. Throughout its rich history, Duke has witnessed significant milestones and achievements. It began as a small Methodist school and has grown into a prestigious institution in the world.
Why is Duke acceptance rate low?
The acceptance rate of Duke University for Class of 2028 is 5.4%, lower than that of the previous years. This trend indicates that it is more and more difficult for students to apply to Duke University. And why does Duke University have a low acceptance rate?
- High reputation.
Duke University, located in Durham, North Carolina, is a prestigious private research university. The university plays a crucial role in the global higher education sector. It is ranked 61st in the QS World University Rankings 2025. Duke University is known for its academic excellence and innovative research programs. The university not only has world-class influence in the fields of business, law, and medicine, but also has shown strong competitiveness in various disciplines such as humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.
- Outstanding alumni.
Duke has cultivated many distinguished alumni. In the field of business, many big names came from Duke University, including Apple CEO Tim Cook, Alibaba executive Chairman Jack Ma, Baidu CEO Robin Li and other entrepreneurs. In the circle of sports, many NBA players such as Wendell Moore Jr. and AJ Griffin are also Duke alumni. In addition, computer scientist Edmund Clark, author Anne Taylor, and others who have achieved excellence in their fields, were all graduated from Duke University. It demonstrates the broad influence and deep strength of Duke University.
- Numerous applicants.
The number of applications to Duke University has soared year by year, and the competition is extremely fierce. The total number of applications for Duke’s class of 2028 is 54,194. The number of early applications in 2024 is nearly 6,200, highlighting its global appeal. By the regular admission stage, the number of applicants is as high as 47,900. However, the low acceptance rate of 5.4% reflects Duke’s high reputation and rigorous selection criteria around the world, further cementing its position as a top institution.
- Rigorous selection criteria.
Duke University is known for its rigorous selection criteria, and applicants are required to demonstrate academic excellence and comprehensive qualities. Applicants’ GPA must be higher than 3.5, and SAT total score must be higher than 1500. At the same time, the TOEFL or IELTS scored must meet certain standards. In addition, recommendation letters are an integral part of the application process. Applicants must obtain at least two letters of recommendation from professors or supervisors.
Top schools at Duke University
While the overall acceptance rate for Duke is 5.4%, for different schools, the admissions are also different. To better inform you, the article gathers some information about some major colleges at Duke University.
Fuqua School of Business
- Tuition fees:
full-time: $75,000 per year (in-state); $75,000 per year (out-of-state)
executive: $159,700 total program (in-state); $159,700 total program (out-of-state)
specialty master’s: $79,500 total program (in-state); $79,500 total program (out-of-state)
- Enrollment (ALL Programs): 1240
Programs Offered: Full-time MBA, Specialty Masters, Executive MBA
Fuqua School of Business is the business school at Duke University. Founded in 1969, it is one of the most youngest top business schools in the world. Fuqua is the first globalized business school in the world, with six campuses, in Durham, US; Kunshan, China; New Delhi, India; St. Petersburg, Russia; Dubai, UAE; London, UK; and Johannesburg, South Africa. Fuqua encourages students from other countries to improve its international influence and enrich its academic atmosphere. Therefore, it is relatively hard for students to be accepted by Duke’s Fuqua School of Buisness.
Pratt School of Engineering
- Tuition fees: full-time: $62,620 per year; part-time: $3,635 per year
- Acceptance rate (master’s): 32.7%
- Enrollment: 2,094
Pratt School of Engineering is famous for its wonderful academic strength. Every year, Pratt spends a large sum of money on research. The school pays much attention to research, thus, in terms of the overall research productivity of engineering schools in the United States, the faculty of Pratt School of Engineering ranks among the best. Since its founding in 1964, more than 30 Duke alumni and faculty members have been elected to the National Academy of Engineering.
School of Law
- Tuition fees: full-time: $75,738
- Acceptance rate: 10.5%
- Enrollment: 754
Duke University School of Law is always ranked among the top 10 law schools in the US. But it is also one of the most difficult law schools in the United States to apply to, with an average acceptance rate of only about 10%. The School offers many courses, including comparative law, international law, environmental law, intellectual property, etc. After graduating from the college, students have good job prospects. On average, 95% of students are employed immediately after graduation, with a median annual salary of $160,000. Therefore, although it is difficult to apply, many people still regard it as their goal every year.
Trinity College of Arts and Sciences
Founded in 1838, Trinity College of Arts and Sciences is the undergraduate liberal arts college of Duke University. It is also one of the original schools at Duke. Trinity College of Arts and Sciences has 44 major subjects, including natural sciences (including mathematics, physics, chemistry, computer science, etc.), social sciences (including economics, philosophy, politics, history, education, etc.), humanities (including literature, English, religious studies, etc.), arts, anatomy, etc. The college hopes to provide students with the opportunity to learn across fields, break professional restrictions, so as to cultivate more comprehensive talents.
Duke University 2028 class profile
Duke admissions
| Items | Figures |
|---|---|
| Total Applications | 54,194 |
| Total Enrollment | 1,739 |
| Overall Acceptance Rate | 5.4% |
| Early Decision Acceptance Rate | 13% |
| Regular Decision Acceptance Rate | 4.4% |
Incoming Transfer Students
| Items | Figures |
|---|---|
| Total Applications | 2,620 |
| Total Enrollment | 48 |
| Acceptance Rate | 3% |
Demongraphics
Previous Schools
| Types of School | Figures |
|---|---|
| Public School | 60% |
| Schooled Outside of the US | 12% |
| Independent School | 28% |
| Other | 14% |
Geographic Distribution
Gender
| Country | Figures |
|---|---|
| Domestic | 87% |
| International | 13% |
| Gender | Figures |
|---|---|
| Female, Female-Identifying | 53% |
| Male, Male-Identifying | 47% |
How to apply to Duke University?
After knowing so much information about Duke University, do you make up your mind to apply to Duke University? Don’t worry. Please read on and prepare for your application.
Duke application process
If you plan to apply to Duke University as a first-year student through a common application, you can follow the steps below to complete your application.
- Gather Materials. If you are going to apply to Duke, please prepare all your materials that would be used in advance, in case you have no more time to get some certificates or documents. Materials may include high school transcript, test scores, academic achievements, etc.
- Create an Account. If you plan to apply to Duke University, please create a Common App account. Even if you do not apply, you can create an account. After creating your own account, you can add Duke University.
- Fulfilling official school forms by supporters. Counselors, teachers, and recommenders will submit these kinds of forms on your behalf. Many colleges will also ask for letters of recommendation.
- Knowing requirements. Each university has its own requirements. You can visit their official websites to get to know the latest requirements. You should pay attention to some key information, such as deadlines, application fees, test scores, recommendations, etc.
- Writing essays. This may be the most important step of your application. You have to polish your essay again and again. You may also ask for some help.
- Submitting your application. Before submitting, please review your application, and pay the application fees (if applicable).
Duke requirements for admission
For different types of students, you should prepare differents materials.
First-year applicants
Early decision:
- Application for Early Decision
- Early Decision AgreementHig
- h School Transcript
- First Quarter Grades (submit via Optional Report; will accept through November 20 or when your first term ends)
- Secondary School Report with Counselor Recommendation
- Two Teacher Recommendations
- SAT and/or ACT Scores (optional, last day to take standardized tests is November 6)
- Arts Supplement (optional)
Regular decision:
- Application for Regular Decision
- High School Transcript
- Secondary School Report with Counselor Recommendation
- Two Teacher Recommendations
- SAT and/or ACT Scores (optional, standardized tests must be taken by January 31)
- Arts Supplement (optional)
Transfer students
- Application for transfer admission
- college report
- college transcript
- final high school transcript
- two instructor evaluations (at least one evaluation must be from a college instructor)
- required financial aid forms
- one-page personal essay and short essay questions specific to Duke
- If you have exceptional talent in dance, theater, art, or music, you may submit supplementary material to be evaluated by an appropriate faculty member.
- Transfer applicants are welcome to record a GLIMPSE video.
Duke standardized testing considerations
Duke is very friendly to international students, because all testing policies are the same for all applicants.
For international students, Duke does not require any English proficiency scores. However, if you can show some material demonstrating your English level, it will be great. Duke accepts Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency Tests, Duolingo English Test, the IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System), the PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English), and the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language).
For homeschooled applicants, Duke recommends you to submit AP test and/or additional SAT subject results in the absence of grades to demonstrate additional evidence.
Although Duke GPA requirements are not set, you can be accepted by Duke University if you meet the following requirements:
- Have a high school GPA of 3.94 or better
- Earn A- grades in high school
- Score 1530 on the SAT
- Score 34 on the ACT
- Graduate in the top 10% of your high school class
Deadlines
| Students | Types of Application | Deadlines |
|---|---|---|
| First-Year Applicants | Early Decision | November 4 |
| Regular Decision | January 2 | |
| Transfer Students | March 15 | |
How Duke rates applicants?
As one of the most prestigious universities in the world, Duke set strict criteria for selecting students. If you want to be accepted by your dream school, you not only need to improve your scores, but also have to enrich your resume by adding authoritative recommendation letters and attending various activities. Here are five primary factors Duke may consider during assessment.
- The rigor of a candidate’s academic program.
- Academic performance as measured by grades in academic courses.
- Letters of recommendation from two teachers and a counselor.
- Extracurricular activities.
- The quality of thought and expression in the application essay.
Tips for improving your application
From Duke University acceptance rate, we can see that the competition is fierce. However, you can still be successfully accepted by Duke University if you follow the tips below.
- Emphasize your relative experience. Duke pay much attention to students’ practical skills. Therefore, if you have some relative experience in this subject, whether work experience or academic experience, it will be your strength.
- Show your interest. Why do you choose Duke? And why do you choose this subject? If you can show your interest towards Duke and the subject, the university may consider that you are an independent thinker with strong opinions.
- High test scores. Although Duke doesn’t set requirements for these tests, they definitely prefer students with high test scores! These outstanding transcripts indicate your efforts and talent.
- Outstanding essays. Most universities attach much attention to these essays. You have to make sure that your essay is honest, sincere, specific, and eloquent.
Conclusion
For Class of 2028, Duke total number of applications is 54,194, total number enrolled is 1,739, and Duke University acceptance rate is 5.4%. These figures indicate fierce competition among Duke applicants. If you are accepted by Duke, you have to consider expensive cost of Duke University. You can visit their official website to know more details about their financial aid. In addition, you need to discover your accommodation, which is the very first thing when you move to a new place. Don’t be confused. uhomes.com has everything you need, including sufficient properties, affordable rent, professional guidance and so on. We hope you can enter your dream school to start a new journey!
FAQ on Duke University acceptance rate
| Students | Types of Application | Acceptance Rates |
|---|---|---|
| First-Year Applicants | Early Decision | 13% |
| Regular Decision | 4.4% | |
| Transfer Students | 3% | |
| College | Class of 2028 Acceptance Rate | Location |
|---|---|---|
| California Institute of Technology | TBA (3.1% for Class of 2027) | Pasadena, CA |
| Harvard University | 3.6% | Cambridge, MA |
| Yale University | 3.7% | New Haven, CT |
| Columbia University | 3.9% | New York, NY |
| Stanford University | TBA (3.9% for Class of 2027) | Stanford, CA |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | 4.6% | Cambridge, MA |
| Princeton University | 4.6% | Princeton, NJ |
| Brown University | 5.2% | Providence, RI |
| Dartmouth College | 5.3% | Hanover, NH |
| Duke University | 5.2% | Durham, NC |
| University of Pennsylvania | 5.4% | Philadelphia, PA |
California Institute of Technology has the lowest acceptance rate in the US, with 3.1% for the Class of 2027.
Duke University is unable to arrange interviews for every student. The number is limited. If Duke doesn’t assign you an interview, please don’t worry. It will not hurt your application in any way.
Some schools may search for your social media accounts, while some may not. Duke University may not look at your social media accounts. However, you still have to pay attention to what you put on the internet.
