5 Videos,
Duke University: Rankings, Popular Courses, Fees
- Private University
9000 acre campus- Estd. 1838
Last updated on 19 May '26Duke UniversityWhat's new?
- The admission decision for Duke University MQM course will be announced in May 28, 2026 (Round 5)
About Duke University
A private research university in North Carolina, USA, Duke University is accredited by SACSCOC. In the National Universities ranking, 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 more than 17,000 students, with nearly 50% of its UG students receiving financial aid. 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.
Duke University Information
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. Those students who want to study in the U.S. can check the facts about Duke University from below-
|
Duke University |
Stas |
|---|---|
|
Location |
Durham, North Carolina, USA |
|
Founded |
1838 |
|
Duke University acceptance rate |
4.7% |
|
Total no. of students |
17,325 |
|
Undergraduate Students |
6,525 |
|
Graduate and Professional Students |
10,800 |
|
Student to Faculty Ratio |
8:1 |
|
Newspaper |
The Duke Chronicle |
|
Sporting Affiliation |
NCAA and the Atlantic Coast Conference |
History
The university began as the Union Institute Academy, a small preparatory school in Randolph County, before being chartered as a teaching college by the state of North Carolina, reason why it changed its name to Normal College in 1851. Braxton Craven took over as its principal in 1842, a position he held for four decades. In 1859, it received a donation from the Methodist Church, and to reflect the same renamed itself to Trinity College with John F Crowell as the President.
It received significant financial help from the Duke Endowment, set up by James Buchanan Duke, son of Washington Duke, an American Industrialist, in honor of whom the university is named.
Check out the videos below to know more about life as a student at Duke.
Commonly asked questions On Highlights
The Duke University is named after Washington Duke, a member of the Dukes family in Durham.
Duke was a tobacco manufacturer by profession & played a key part in the development of the institution, with his son: James Duke investing around USD 40 million from the Duke Endowment Fund in 1924, after the death of his father.
As a memorial to Washington Duke & his family's faith, the institute's then president: William Few, decided to rename the institute.
Duke is known for maintaining an excellent standard of academics, & possessing cutting edge research technology.
Its a prestigious part of R1 universities in US, & as per data curated from official university website, has spent upwards of USD 800 million in research based work in 1 academic year. Other than that it also posesses one of largest campus in country, spanning 8,000 acres of land.
It also has a sports team that participates against other US universities across 27 sports as part of the NCAA Championships.
As such, no official minimum requirement of GPA is there at Duke. The Duke admission process is highly competitive.
Students with a GPA of 4.0/4 (95-100%) have a better probability of being accepted to university. Students with a 3.5 GPA (83%-86%) can apply.
Yes, CEO of Silicon Valley based tech giant, Apply, Tim Cook has studied at Duke Uni. He graduated in 1988 and studied MBA at Duke Uni.
Before that he had pursued a BS in Industrial Engineering programme from Auburn University, in Alabama, USA.
Under Cook's leadership as CEO, Apple has consistently ranked #1 on Fortune's World's Most Admired Companies, for the past 16 years.
Duke University Ranking 2026
The Duke University is considered to be one of the top universities nationally. According to Shiksha Popularity Ranking, Duke University ranking stands at #15 in 2026 at national level. Also, the university is ranked #42 in the world by Shiksha Popularity Ranking 2026.
By Other Ranking Bodies
Apart from Shiksha Popularity ranking, QS has also ranked the university globally. Duke University QS ranking is #62 in 2026. 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
#42
#15
Commonly asked questions On Rankings
Yes, Duke is a Tier 1 research institution, one that is known to conduct a high volume of research & incur large volumes of research expenditure over the course of an academic year.
The institute is known to spend in excess of USD 800 million on research costs every year. The institute conducts a number of research experiments, mainly focusing on healthcare & environmental well-being. Some major areas of focus include: cancer treatment, organ transplant & heart surgery.
Among Indian students, Duke University MBA course is a popular course. It ranks well as per ranking publishers in 2026 too. The rankings for this university for the MBA course are-
| Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|
| Fuqua Business School (Graduate) - U.S. News 2026 | #14 |
| QS Global MBA Rankings 2026 | #24 |
| Financial Times MBA 2026 rankings | #16 |
Check the Top Ranked MBA Universities in USA
In the 2026 edition rankings by U.S. News, Duke University ranks at No. 7 in the National Universities category. It is also ranked at #6 for the lowest acceptance rate category. Since 2024, this university this university is ranking among the Top 10 Universities in the U.S.
Check details about the Top 100 Universities in the USA
In the QS subject rankings, many of Duke University's courses have been ranked in 2026. These subject rankings are-
| Subjects | QS Subject Rankings 2026 |
|---|---|
| Nursing | #5 |
| Masters in Business Analytics | #7 |
| Medicine | #19 |
| MBA | #24 |
Duke University Courses Options for Indian students
You can choose from more than 63 majors, 61 minors, and 23 certification courses at the UG and more than 80 programs at the PG level of studies at Duke University. Most courses at Duke can be pursued on a part-time basis, while some are also available online.
Duke University Popular Majors
Computer Science, Biology, Public Policy, Economics, and Psychology are the most pursued majors among students at Duke, as of Fall 2024.
Duke University Online Courses
You can also study at Duke from the comforts of your home, as the university offers several courses online, via its own and some external platforms. These are skill-development programs that can be pursued in fields like Business Value Creation, Developing Explainable AI or xAI systems, and Climate Science.
4.0(3)10 months - 4 years
14.6K+ students got admitted through us.
14.6K+ students got admitted through us.
4.0(1)1 year - 4 years14.6K+ students got admitted through us.
Commonly asked questions On Popular Programs
Some of the factors to choose the Duke University Master of Engineering Management program are:
- An excellent student experience and distinctive resources
- The Duke University wiill aslo conduct workshops for its students. Students can gain up-to-the hour marketable business knowledge
- There is a team-based learning
- The university follows a case-study method where in one can analyze real world, complex business solutions
As of Fall 2025, the top countries from where the UG students at Duke University hail are China, India, UK, Canada, and South Korea. The top UG majors at this university are-
- Computer Science
- Economics
- Biology
- Public Policy
- Psychology
Yes, MBA course at Duke University a STEM-designated course. As per the Financial Times 2026 rankings, this university has been ranked at #16. Also, 35% of the students enrolled in this university's MBA course are international. The details of the latest class profile of Duke MBA (Class of 2027) are-
- UG GPA: 3.16 - 3.91
- GMAT range: 680 - 770
- GRE Verbal: 307-328
How to take admission to Duke University in 2026?
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 Deadline 2026
Send in your applications by the deadlines given below.
| Application Type | Application Deadline |
|---|---|
| Early Decision - UG | Nov 2, 2026 |
| Regular Decision | Jan 4, 2027 |
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.
- Application fees :USD 75 - 225
- Type of deadline :Depends on course
Documents| Type of documents | Applicable for |
|---|---|
| SOP | Needed for few courses |
| LOR | Needed for few courses |
| Essays | Needed for few courses |
| CV | Needed for few courses |
| Additional documents | Required |
Commonly asked questions On Admissions
As such, there is no minimum requirement for Duke University MBA course. But, according to the Class Profile of 2025, the GMAT score range is 670 – 760. Other MBA course admission requirements are:
- Academic transcripts
- Essays
- 1-page Business resume
- Letters of recommendation
- GMAT/ GRE scores
Per unofficial sources, the minimum GPA needed for student athletes to get into Duke is 3.5. or higher on a 4.0. scale. The institute conducts a holistic admission process i.e. it's admissions team takes into account both academic & non-academic aspects of a student's application.
At Duke University, undergraduate students are required to pay a fee of USD 85 along with the Common Application or Coalition Application. Moreover, Duke University graduate school applicants need to pay a fee of USD 95. Both payments can be made via Visa or MasterCard. Both the Common Application and Coalition Application also accept payments via electronic checks. Checks must be for payment in USD and must be drawn from a US bank. For Master in Engineering programs application fee of USD $75 is required, which can be paid by credit card within your online application.
The application process is different for undergraduate and graduate students. Undergraduates can choose to apply either through the Common Application or Coalition Application. You will directly be taken to your choice of application through the options on the official university website.
Graduates can apply directly through the university website using the Apply Now tab.
Duke UniversityDuke University Scholarships for Indian students
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.
| Scholarship Type | Scholarship Name | Financial Award | Course Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Need or Merit-based | Karsh International Scholarship Program | Varies | UG |
| Merit-based | KC Mahindra Scholarships for Studies Abroad | USD 11,200 (INR 10 L) | PG |
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
Commonly asked questions On Scholarships
Yes, Duke University offers merit scholarships to international students and every admitted applicant is considered for a merit scholarship.
Merit scholarship recipients are selected by an Admissions Merit Scholarship Committee. The criteria for selection are prior academic achievement, demonstrated leadership, community involvement, extracurricular activities, and professional accomplishments. These awards are for the 2-year duration of the MBA programme and range from partial tuition to full tuition.
Fuqua's merit scholarships are awarded on a 2-year basis to enable applicants to plan for the entire cost of a Fuqua education. There is no funding for new awards in the second year. Thus, students who enroll without scholarship funding the first year should not anticipate an award for the second year of the program.
The merit scholarship awards are made independent of determining a student's eligibility for student loans and work-study employment.
The institution is only known to offer merit based academic scholarships to students, who have shown great potential in their respective academics.
Mentioned below are some popular academic scholarships offered by the university to its students:
· Alumni Endowed Scholarship
· Angier B. Duke Scholarship
· Benjamin N. Duke Scholarship
· Karsh International Scholarship
· David M. Rubenstein Scholarship
· Trinity Scholarships
· University Scholarship
Duke University Popular Courses
2 yearsDuke UniversityStudents Ratings & Reviews
17 Verified Reviews- 56% students never faced discrimination in this university
Duke University Placements
The Career Resource Center at Duke provides ample placement-related support, with guidance on 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
Around 98.5% of the Class of 2024 graduates who were surveyed were either employed, pursuing higher education, or participating in Military or Volunteer Service. Given below is a lowdown on key stats associated with Placements at Duke University.
| Duke University Placements | Validation |
|---|---|
| Employed Full-time | 77% |
| Continuing Education | 20% |
| Enrolled in Military or Volunteer Service | 1.5% |
| Status Unknown | 1.5% |
ROI After Education
While the university is not known to have released any official figures for the salaries earned by Class of 2024 graduates, it has released the salary figures for the Class of 2025 at the Trinity College of Arts and Sciences. Here's how it compares to the initial investment in tuition made by students.
| College | Average Tuition (Investment) | Salary (Return) |
|---|---|---|
| Trinity College of Arts and Sciences | USD 35,132 (INR 31.58 L) |
Average Base Salary: USD 106,286 (INR 95.54 L) Median Base Salary: USD 100,000 (INR 89.88 L) Average Sign-On Bonus: USD 16,666 (INR 14.98 L) |
1 USD = INR 89.89
Top Recruiters
Commonly asked questions On Placements
Duke University is known for their placment rate and salary offered to their graduates. Moreover, Duke University is one of the oldest universities in the United States. Employees who graduate from Duke University earn an average of USD 196k, mostly ranging from USD 153k per year to USD 623k per year based on 605 profiles. The top 10% of employees earn more than USD 263k per year.
Duke University Cost
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
Given below is a breakdown of the estimated cost of living for Indian students at Duke.
| Cost of Attendance Component | Cost in USD | Cost in INR |
|---|---|---|
| Books & Supplies | USD 660 | INR 59.3 K |
| Housing | USD 13,842 | INR 12.43 L |
| Food | USD 4,320 | INR 3.88 L |
| Local Transportation | USD 2,088 | INR 1.87 L |
| Personal & Misc | USD 4,374 | INR 3.93 L |
| Total - Living Expense Per Semester | USD 25,284 | INR 22.72 L |
| Total - Living Expense Per Term | USD 50,568 | INR 45.44 L |
Source: Duke University
| Courses | 1st Year Tuition Fees | Duration & Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
MS(36 courses) | INR 33 L - 80 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 10 months-4 years Exam Accepted: TOEFL: 90 & Above, PTE, Duolingo: 125 & Above, IELTS: 7 & Above, GRE, GMAT |
MBA/PGDM(6 courses) | INR 48 L - 80 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 10 months-2 years Exam Accepted: TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo, IELTS: 7 & Above, GMAT, GRE |
M.A.(20 courses) | INR 25 L - 63 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 1 year-4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 7 & Above, TOEFL: 90 & Above, PTE, Duolingo: 125 & Above |
B.E. / B.Tech(24 courses) | INR 61 L - 64 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 4-5 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 7 & Above, TOEFL: 100 & Above, PTE: 70 & Above, Duolingo: 130 & Above, SAT, ACT |
B.A.(31 courses) | INR 61 L - 63 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo |
MEng(13 courses) | INR 56 L - 76 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 16-24 months Exam Accepted: IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo, GRE |
B.Sc.(13 courses) | INR 61 L - 63 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo |
BBA(4 courses) | INR 61 L - 63 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 4-5 years Exam Accepted: IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo |
MEM(1 course) | INR 67 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 12 months Exam Accepted: GRE, IELTS: 7 & Above, TOEFL: 90 & Above, PTE, Duolingo: 125 & Above |
B.J.M.C.(1 course) | INR 61 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo |
Commonly asked questions On Fees and Eligibility
For international graduates, the Duke University Masters in Computer Science fees for 2023-24 is USD 62, 620 (excluding living expenses).
In INR, the first year tuition fee will be INR 52,19,377.
Other expenses are mentioned below:
Other expenses in 1st Year
Fees components | Amount |
|---|---|
Hostel & Meals | INR 17,20,344 |
Insurance | INR 2,92,558 |
Transportation | INR 1,63,533 |
Graduate Student Services Fee | INR 1,917 |
Total | INR 21,78,352 |
To be eligible for this programme at Duke University you need to fulfill the requirements mentioned below -
- Applicants must hold either a US bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a regionally accredited institution.
- A student entering graduate study in computer Science should have suitable undergraduate preparation in mathematics and computer science.
- Applicants must have a strong undergraduate grounding in the fundamentals of calculus, linear algebra, and discrete mathematics, and basic knowledge of data structures, algorithms, and one or more higher-level computing programming languages; some undergraduate research experience is preferred
- IELTS -7/9
Duke University MBA fees for Indian students is USD 83,700 (Around INR 80.7 L). Other fees components included are-
| Particulars | Expenses |
|---|---|
| Medical insurance | USD 4,290 |
| Health fee | USD 1,048 |
| MBA Association | USD 575 |
| Graduate activity fee | USD 40 |
| Graduate recreational facility fee | USD 408 |
| Graduate student services fee | USD 28 |
| Transcript fee | USD 120 |
| Pre-term fee | USD 2,625 |
Living Expenses
- Food: USD 4,428
- Housing: USD 14,220
- Misc. USD 4,500
- Transportation: USD 2,142
Duke UniversityStudent profile
Others
59%
Asian
21%
Hispanic
10%
Black
8%
Out of state
76%
In state
12%
Foreign
11%
UG Number of Applicant
Overall Graduation Rate
Duke University Notable Alumni
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 |
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| 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 |
_(cropped).jpg) |
Commonly asked questions On Alumni
The most notable alumni associated with Duke University is Richard Nixon (37th President of the U.S.). Other notable alumni of Duke Uni are-
- Tim Cook (Apple CEO)
- Charles E. Brady Jr. (Astronaut)
- Ken Jeong (Actor and Comedian)
- Melindra French Gates (Philanthropist)
College comparison
Compare Duke University with other similar colleges
| College | 1st Year Tuition Fees | Ranking |
|---|---|---|
| INR 33.17 L - 80.16 L | #7 US News, 2026 | |
| INR 20.57 L - 87.34 L | #6 QS, 2026 | |
| INR 37.37 L - 87.84 L | #7 US News, 2026 | |
| INR 23.3 L - 85.69 L | #7 US News, 2026 | |
| INR 23.31 L - 48.59 L | #59 US News, 2026 | |
| INR 27.84 L - 94.96 L | #25 QS, 2026 |
CompareDuke UniversityStudying in USA
Key Facts About USA
Insights on education, demographics & weather.
Where is Duke University?
There's an energetic vibe when you're at the Duke University Campus, in large part thanks to the presence of students from more than 80 countries, over 100 student clubs and organizations, student events almost every other day, and an active athletics program, among other things.
Duke University Location
Duke University is located in Durham, North Carolina, USA. Spread around 8,000 acres, Duke maintains 3 campuses, namely 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
- You 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.
- 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.
Commonly asked questions On Others
No, Duke University does not maintain off-campus accommodation facilities. Interested candidates must refer alternative housing portals such as: nearduke.com, DukeList, University Living, & ForRentUniversity among others to find student accommodation in the city.
The university does offer accommodation as part of its multiple residential houses located at walking distance from the university campus, that offer all essential facilities associated with living at Duke such as: bedroom, kicthen with stove & refrigerator, laundry facilities, vending machines, shared bathrooms, etc.
The main difference between them comes in residential offerings. The West campus is organized into quadrangle residential facilities which is not the case with East Campus, that has individual houses & residential halls.
Living at East Campus is limited to only first-year students, & it does not maintain accommodation facilities for Selected Living Groups or Greek Organizations.
Per unofficial sources, of the overall UG enrollment - 6488 students of Class of 2023 around 53.5% i.e. 3471 students are girls. The remaining 46.5% students i.e. 3016 students are boys.
The same source states 85% students live as part of university maintained residential housing, while remaining 15% live as part of off campus accommodation facilities.
Durham is considered a good place to live for international students. Described by locals as the 'green state', there's tons of things to do for students in North Carolina. There are many outdoor spaces, & multiple walking & hiking trails for students to visit. The food scene is pretty diverse with multiple great food places to hang out with friends at including: Mad Hatters Cafe, JuJu Durham, Press Coffeee & Enzo's Pizza among others.
Duke University
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 2 months ago
Applying through Early Decision to Duke University will statistically put you at an advantage. Its also unlikely that one additional sem of grades can improve your chances of admissions if you wait till Regular Decision. However note that Early Decision is a commitment so only apply through ED if yo
R
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
Yes Duke University will be test optional and students who opt to not submit SAT/ACT will not at all be at any disadvantage while being considered.
R
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 4 months ago
International students should have a UG degree to fulfill the qualification, and submit all the documents like transcripts, LOR, English language requirements, and more. Students can check the requirements below:
- Must have a UG degree
- Transcripts
- English language test score
- SOP
- Resume
- Two LOR
- GMAT or GRE
E
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 4 months ago
International students can expect between USD 85K and USD 95K after studying MEM programs at the Duke University. Students can choose roles like Product Manager, Technical Program Manager, Business Analyst, and more.
N
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 4 months ago
Duke University is one of the most popular universities in the USA. It offers a 1-year MEM programme to international students. The programme is available in fields like Data Analytics, Innovation Management, Financial Engineering, and Biotechnology, and more. The university provide big opportunitie
G
Contributor-Level 9
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Duke University
Duke University Aerial View
Duke Chapel
Pratt School of Engineering
Duke UniversityLocation
| University City | Durham, North Carolina, USA |
| Size of city | Medium |
| Population of City | 2,63,000 |
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