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Duke University: Rankings, Cost, Programs, Reviews
- Private University
9000 acre campus- Estd. 1838
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Last updated on 16 May '25DukeWhat's new?
Duke University admission application deadlines are as follows:
- For Duke University Admissions, the deadline for UG courses is Nov 04, 2025, for international students.
- About Duke University
- Duke Popular Courses
- Duke University Programs
- Duke Student Reviews
- Duke University Scholarships
- + 10 more items
About Duke University
Duke University was established in 1838 and is located in Durham, North Carolina, United States. Duke University is one of the most esteemed universities in the USA. Moreover, the university is highly regarded for its academic excellence. The history of Duke University traces back to 1838 when a small school opened in Rudolph County, North Carolina. Originally, a preparatory school for young men known as the Union Institute Academy, it was then chartered as a teaching college named Normal College by the state of North Carolina in 1851. In 1859, the school underwent another transformation when it turned to the Methodist Church for financial support. As per the partnership, the name of the school was changed to Trinity College. Finally, in 1924, Duke University was established by James B. Duke. So, basically, what was previously called Trinity College was renamed Duke University. The university is among the top choices for international students as it offers the best academic programs. Duke University is ranked consistently ranked among the top 100 universities in the world.
Things to Know about Duke University:
Some of the key highlights of Duke University are given below:
|
Things to Know |
Validation |
|---|---|
|
Good or not |
Duke University is constantly ranked among the top universities in the United States |
|
Average GPA |
UG's Average GPA is 4.13 |
|
Academically known for |
Computer Science, Econometrics & Quantitative Economics, Computer Engineering, etc |
|
Duke University Ranking |
#16 by Shiksha Popularity Rankings |
|
Acceptance rate |
6.3% |
|
Majors |
53 Majors, 52 Minors, and 23 Certificates |
|
Main Majors |
Computer Science, Biology, Neuroscience, etc |
Duke University is accredited by top-ranking authorities such as the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Furthermore, some popular alumni of Duke University include Tim Cook (CEO of Apple), Judy Woodruff (American Broadcaster), Ken Jeong (American Comedian), and more.
Duke University is one of the best private universities in the United States. The university offers 10 colleges and schools for its domestic and international students. Additionally, the university offers over 200 programs and various certifications for its students. Duke University acceptance rate is 6.3%. Moreover, Duke University average GPA is 4.13 as per unofficial sources available online on the web.
Check out the below videos of Duke University for more Information:
Commonly asked questions On Highlights
The institute is known for maintaining an excellent standard of academics, & possessing cutting edge research technology.
The institute is among a prestigious group of R1 universities in the US, & as per data curated from the official university website, has spent upwards of USD 800 million in research based work over an academic year. Other than that, it also posesses one of the largest campus in the 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.
There is no minimum GRE or GPA requirement for admission to Duke University. To improve their chances of admission to Duke University, Indian applicants should present a minimum GPA of 3.5. The Duke admission process is somewhat 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.
Duke University is not just one of the best universities in USA, but also a part of the top 100 universities in the world. Nationally, Duke is one of the top 10 universities in USA with the rank #7 in 439 National Universities in USA, awarded by a top-ranking body. As far as the Global University Rankings are concerned Duke ranks #61 in Best Global Universities for the year 2025, as per rankings given by a major ranking platform.
As per data curated from an unofficial source, the Duke University acceptance rate stands at around 6.3%, making it one of the more selective institutions in the United States.
Going by the above percentage, the institute is only known to accept 6 applications for every 100 it recieves. Thus, interested applicants must perform really well as part of school/college level academics, & satisfy the Duke entrance exam requirements, along with the demonstration of some other non-academic abilities, to have a chance of securing a seat at the instiute.
Duke University is one of the finest universities in the world. Duke University acceptance rate is 6.3%. Moreover, Duke University ensures to take only highly qualified students who will align with their academic standards and values. Furthermore, one could say that for every 100 students, Duke will enrol 6 to 7 students only. Therefore, Duke University acceptance rate is low.
The TOEFL iBT Test is accepted across all the colleges across USA. Use coupon code SHIKTOEFL to get an instant discount of up to RS 500.Duke Popular Courses
18 monthsDuke University Programs
Duke University is known for offering the best programs to its students worldwide. Duke University programs are offered to its domestic and international students through its ten schools and colleges. The Trinity College of Arts and Sciences is the oldest and the newest is Sanford School of Public Policy. Moreover, Duke University offers over 200 programs for its domestic and international students. Duke University offers doctoral and master’s programs in more than 80 departments and programs of study. Duke University also offers certificate programs with dual, joint, and 4+1 degrees.
Duke University Popular Programs
The top 5 Duke University programs are listed below:
- Computer Science;
- Economics;
- Public Policy;
- Biology; and
- Electrical & Computer Engineering.
Popular programs chosen by Duke University alumni
Top Programs
The table listed below includes the Duke University course ranking according to the Shiksha Popularity Ranking:
|
Top Courses |
Shiksha Popularity Rankings |
|---|---|
|
MS |
#27 |
|
Biomedical Engineering |
#4 |
|
Mathematics |
#15 |
|
Biology |
#17 |
|
Electrical Engineering |
#23 |
|
Computer Science Engineering |
#24 |
|
Mechanical Engineering |
#25 |
|
Civil Engineering |
#30 |
|
Physics |
#36 |
|
MBA |
#15 |
|
B.Tech. |
#15 |
4.110 months - 4 years
Guided 4.7K students to USA universities.
12.9K+ students got admitted through us.
4.01 year - 4 years
We can fast-track your application in a week.
Commonly asked questions On Popular Programs
Duke University is among the top universities in the United States of America for higher education. The university offers over 200 degree programs at undergraduate and postgraduate programs for its international students. The top programs that are opted by international students at Duke University include Mechanical Engineering, Business, Marketing, Engineering, History, and more. Some of the top majors at Duke University include Computer Science, Biology, Computer Engineering, Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering, etc. Furthermore, Duke University popular programs include:
- Mathematics
- Business Analytics
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Economics
Duke University is one of the most esteemed universities in the United States of America. Duke University is known for offering the best academic programs for its international students. The university offers over 200 degree programs at undergraduate and postgraduate programs for its international students. Some popular programs at the university include Biomedical Engineering, Economics, Mathematics, Civil Engineering, Business Analytics, and more. The top programs that are opted by Duke University alumni include:
- Economics
- Computer Science
- Psychology
- Political Science
- History
- Finance
- Mechanical Engineering
- Business
- Marketing
- Engineering
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
The Duke University Faculty network consists of 4,236 members as per the latest data (Fall 2024), made available by the institute.
Given below is a breakdown of the school-wise breakdown of faculty members:
Schools & Colleges | Tenure/Tenure Track | Other Regular Rank |
|---|---|---|
Arts & Sciences | 504 | 223 |
Engineering (Pratt) | 135 | 49 |
Divinity | 28 | 13 |
Nicholas School | 48 | 20 |
Law | 48 | 37 |
Fuqua | 90 | 14 |
Sanford School of Public Policy | 38 | 30 |
Medicine | 730 | 2,108 |
Nursing | 34 | 49 |
University Interdisciplinary Centers (UIC’s) | - | 38 |
Total | 1,655 | 2,581 |
Duke University programs are offered to students through its ten schools and colleges, with Trinity College of Arts & Sciences being the oldest and Sanford School of Public Policy is the newest. Moreover, Duke University offers various courses that span multiple fields such as Humanities, Science, Teaching, Management, Engineering, etc. Furthermore, the university also offers master’s and doctoral degrees in more than 80 departments, along with certificate programs and dual and joint degrees.
Duke's top 5 majors for all undergraduate courses are:
- Computer Science;
- Economics;
- Public Policy;
- Biology; and
- Electrical & Computer Engineering.
DukeStudents Ratings & Reviews
20 Verified Reviews
- Academically oriented
- Friendly
- Sporty
- Multi-dimensional
- 65% students never faced discrimination in this university
DukeDuke University Scholarships
The Duke University Scholarships are available in very limited numbers for International students. The Karsh International Scholarship Program is known to be the only scholarrship available at Duke for international students.
Karsh International Scholarship
Founded in 2010, the Karsh International Scholarship began thanks to a genrous donation made by Martha L. & Bruce A. Karsh.
The scholarships aims to reduce the financial burden of those international applicants who demonstrate an ability to lead & use their talent for the greater good of the society.
Karsh International Scholarship Financial Reward
The Scholarship is known to cover tuition fees, cost of room & board, mandatory fees, three summers worth of funding for research, unpaid internships & some other career advancement opportunities.
Duke University Scholarship Eligibility
To be eligible for a scholarship at Duke, all students need to do is apply for admission at the institute, & all registered students automatically become eligible for Duke University Financial Aid.
Duke University Admissions 2025
Students interested in admissions at Duke University must satisfy the university’s admissions requirements which requires them to demonstrate excellence in academic & non-academic aspects of their student life.
Duke University Application Deadlines 2025 for International Students
The Duke University accepts admission applications for international students over three windows, Early Decision, Regular Decision & Spring.
Mentioned below are the upcoming admission deadlines for the same:
|
Application Type |
Application Deadline |
|---|---|
|
PG Spring Semester Deadline |
Oct 01, 2025 |
|
UG Early Decision Deadline |
Nov 04, 2025 |
|
UG Regular Decision Deadline |
Jan 02, 2026 |
Duke University Admission Requirements for International Students
The Duke University admission requirements vary for different courses, mentioned below are the admission requirements for prospective undergraduate students:
Duke University Undergraduate Eligibility Requirements:
- Official Transcripts from last high school attended.
- Documents to support financial capability.
- Letters of recommendation
- SAT and ACT scores are not necessary (however these scores may improve your chances).
- Other course-specific requirements
Duke University Graduate Eligibility Requirements:
- Bachelor’s Degree equivalent to US bachelor's degree.
- Letters of recommendation
- Letter of intent
- Documents to support financial capability
- GRE is not required unless specifically asked for in a program
- Other course-specific requirements.
English Language Requirements
The university also prefers its students demonstrate excellent level of proficiency in verbal & written English, as a result, prospective students must also satisfy the language test score requirements mentioned below:
|
Test |
Score |
|---|---|
|
577 |
|
|
Internet-based TOEFL |
90 |
|
7.0 |
|
|
125 |
- 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 per data (Fall 2022) curated from an unofficial source, the overall student enrolment stood at 16,972. Of this about 96.7% students were enrolled as part of full-time courses, while the rest were enrolled part-time.
Given below is a breakdown of the student population based on ethnicity & race:
| Race/Ethnicity | Percentage of Students |
|---|---|
| White | 37.7% |
| Asian | 13.4% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 7.91% |
| Black or African American | 7.31% |
| Two or More Races | 4.96% |
| American Indian or Alaska native | 0.2% |
| Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islanders | 0.08% |
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.
To get into Duke University, you should have a 4.13 GPA or higher. If your GPA is lower than this, you must compensate with a higher SAT/ACT score. For a school as selective as Duke, you'll also need to impress them with the rest of your application. You can check the detailed admission criteria before applying for admission at Duke University.
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
The university does not specify GPA requirements for student athletes, however, as per data curated from 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.
Duke University Fees
Duke University tuition fees & duration vary from program to program. The university fee for Indian students is affordable. Additionally, the average tuition fee for undergraduate programs at Duke University ranges from INR 54.11 L - INR 60 L. Moreover, Duke University’s average tuition fee for postgraduate programs ranges from INR 16.76 L - INR 1 Cr.
The below table gives a detailed breakdown of the estimated cost of attendance for UG students at Duke University for the academic session 2025/26:
| Fee Component | Fee |
|---|---|
| Tuition | USD 70,265 (INR 59.97 L) |
| Additional Fees | USD 2,907 (INR 2.5 L) |
| Engineering Dues (Pratt Student only) | USD 60 (INR 5.1 K) |
| Housing (Double Room) | USD 10,910 (INR 9.3 L) |
| Food | USD 10,075 (INR 8.6 L) |
| Total Cost | USD 94,157-USD 94,217 (INR 80.35 L-INR 80.4 L) |
Source: Duke University
Check the table mentioned below to know more about the courses, fees, and duration & eligibility:
| Courses | 1st Year Tuition Fees | Duration & Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
MS(37 courses) | INR 29 L - 71 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 10 months-4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 7 & Above, TOEFL: 90 & Above, GRE |
B.E. / B.Tech(24 courses) | INR 54 L - 57 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 4-5 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 7 & Above, TOEFL: 100 & Above, PTE: 70 & Above |
M.A.(20 courses) | INR 22 L - 56 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 1 year-4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 7 & Above, TOEFL: 90 & Above, Duolingo: 125 & Above |
B.A.(31 courses) | INR 54 L - 56 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS |
B.Sc.(13 courses) | INR 54 L - 56 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS, TOEFL, PTE |
MEng(13 courses) | INR 50 L - 65 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 16-24 months Exam Accepted: IELTS, GRE, TOEFL |
LL.M.(1 course) | INR 65 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 1 year Exam Accepted: IELTS: 7 & Above |
MSN(1 course) | INR 46 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 18-24 months Exam Accepted: IELTS: 7 & Above |
M.Agri.(7 courses) | INR 35 L - 51 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 24 months-4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 7 & Above |
MBA/PGDM(7 courses) | INR 42 L - 71 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 10 months-2 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 7 & Above, GRE, GMAT |
Commonly asked questions On Fees and Eligibility
The Duke University tuition fees is mentioned below:
| Courses | 1st Year Tuition Fees |
|---|---|
MS (1 course) | INR 62 L |
MS (13 courses) | INR 48 L - 50 L |
B.E. / B.Tech (24 courses) | INR 46 L - 50 L |
MS (31 courses) | INR 24 L - 52 L |
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 |
The acceptance rate for Duke University for the year 2022 was 20.5%. It slightly increased as compared to the acceptance rate of the year 2020 which was 7.7% only.
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 Job Outcomes
Duke University is one of the most prominent universities in the United States. Additionally, the placement rate of Duke University attracts the students from USA and all over the world. Moreover, the Duke University placement rate is 93% of the MBA graduates in 2023 as per reports stated by the university. The placement highlights at Duke University are given below:
- The graduates get the opportunity to work with leading companies such as Apple, Google, Microsoft, Meta, and more.
- Duke University graduates are placed in top working sectors such as Business Development, Engineering, Finance, Information Technology, Marketing, etc.
- Also, graduates are highly skilled in Leadership, Public Speaking, Business Strategy, Marketing, and more.
- The top programs chosen by university alumni include Economics, Computer Science, Psychology, Engineering, and others.
Alumni Statistics: Sectors Placed
The pie chart mentioned below shows the leading industries where Duke University graduates work:
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.
Yes, Explore multiple services offered by the university's career readiness platform in order to make your job or internship search easy and effective. Students can get registered for career fests, workshops, career advising appointments and much more over here. Career appointments are helpful for those who wish to explore a new career route or want to discover when his/her interest is getting pulled. The advisors are happy to lend you a helping hand with regard to your job search and can aid in exploring different possibilities which exist. You will also be able to search for industry-specific skills and requirements, country-wise, which are most in demand. Students can make use of the job and internship databases to apply for various available opportunities. Apart from these career fest is a good opportunity for the students to connect with potential employers and remain in contact with them for futuristic purposes. You may exchange numbers with them and even share your resume so that they may contact you if a position opens.
No, Duke University didn't take any placement tests from students, instead, many departments offer placement guidelines. In general, placement issues for first-semester students are most important for mathematics, chemistry, and foreign language. You can check the Duke University Placement also to know more about it.
In the below given table we can see that the maximum numbers of students were placed in the Consulting industry, while only 2% of the students were placed in the Operations and Logistics industry.
Industry | Statistics |
|---|---|
Consulting | 40% |
Finance | 24% |
General Management | 15% |
Marketing/Sales | 14% |
Operations/Logistics | 2% |
The below given table shows the some of the major highlights for the year 2022:
Head | Data |
|---|---|
First Job Offer by Graduation | 92% |
First job offer by 3-months post graduation | 98% |
Job Acceptance Rate | 89% |
Rate of Employment by top 5 Industries | Consulting- 33%, Technology- 32%, Financial Services- 16%, Healthcare- 11%, Consumer Packaged Goods- 4% |
Median Annual Salary | USD 160,055 |
Median Signing Bonus | USD 30,000 |
Duke University Ranking 2025
The Duke University is among the top universities in the USA and global category. It ranks #16 in the USA by Shiksha Popularity Ranking in 2025. The university is also one of the top-ranked universities in the world and ranks #61 in the World University Ranking 2025 given by a prominent ranking platform.
Furthermore, the university’s courses have also been ranked nationally. According to Shiksha Popularity Ranking, the Duke University subject ranking for 2025 are as given below:
| Course name | Shiksha Popularity Ranking 2025 |
|---|---|
| MIM | #13 |
| B.E. / B.Tech | #15 |
| MS | #27 |
| MBA/PGDM | #15 |
| Others PG | #12 |
#35
#17
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.
Duke secures a global rank of #61 as part of the World University Rankings 2025, given out by a major global university ranking publication. The institute has shown a downward trend from the previous year, as it ranked #57 for the same category, nonetheless, it continues to maintain its status as one of the best ranked institutions in the US & globally.
Its MBA course is also very popular among its students, & ranks as the #23rd best course in the world, as per course-specific rankings given by the same source.
As per the latest Shiksha Popularity Rankings, the Duke University, based in Durham, North Carolina, is considered the best institution in the state. Ranking #16 among all higher educational institutes in the US & #61 globally, Duke offers over 160 courses across the UG & PG level.
Mentioned below are some other institutions that make up the top 5 in the state:
| Shiksha Popularity Ranking | University | Location |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Duke University | Durham, North Carolina |
| #2 | The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | Chapel Hill, North Carolina |
| #3 | North Carolina State University | Raleigh, North Carolina |
| #4 | Wake Forest University | Winston-Salem, North Carolina |
| #5 | University of North Carolina at Greensboro | Greensboro, North Carolina |
Yes, the Duke University is not only a tier 1 institute, it also runs a dedicated athletics programme that competes in the United States' premier university sports competition: NCAA Division I.
The Division I is vital, as it includes some of the best student athletes from across the US, going toe-to-toe with each other, & is a very popular scouting destination for some of the country's major league sports teams including: the NBA, MLB & the NFL among others.
Yes, Duke is part of the most prestigious institutions in the region, performing well as part of domestic & international university rankings given out by some major univeristy ranking publications, including Shiksha.
As part of the latest Shiksha Popularity Rankings, the institute ranks #16 among all higher educational institutes in the United States, while also securing a rank of #61 as part of the World University Rankings 2025, given by another prominent source.
Duke University vs University of California vs Purdue University: Which is better?
Duke University, University of California-Los Angeles and Purdue University are highly regarded for offering the best-in-class education & facilities to their students in the United States.
Each of these institutions offer an enriching & inclusive learning environment to students, & rank highly as part of university rankings given by Shiksha Popularity Rankings. While each of these universities are largely similar when it comes to quality of education, some variations do exist with regards to acceptance rate, course fee, rankings & location, factors that may affect the overall decision making process if choosing between them for higher studies.
Given below is a comparison between Duke, UCLA & Purdue University for some key parameters:
|
Criteria |
Duke University |
UCLA |
Purdue University |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Location |
Durham, NC 27708, USA |
Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States |
610 Purdue Mall, West Lafayette, IN 47907, United States |
|
Acceptance Rate |
6.3% |
9% |
53% |
|
Popular Programs |
Biology, Economics
|
Mathematics, MS, MBA |
Computer Science, MBA |
|
Tuition Fee (MS) |
INR 30.06 L- INR 72.64 L |
INR 23.09 L-INR 60.76 L |
INR 24.37 L-INR 37.58 L |
|
Shiksha Popularity Rankings |
#16 |
#11 |
#29 |
Compare Duke with other similar colleges
| College | 1st Year Tuition Fees | Shiksha Grade | Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|
| INR 29.47 L - 71.21 L | A++ | #6 US News, 2025 | |
| INR 29.16 L - 73.02 L | A+ | #13 US News, 2025 | |
| INR 20.7 L - 76.12 L | A++ | #6 US News, 2025 | |
| INR 18.28 L - 77.59 L | A++ | #10 US News, 2025 | |
| INR 44.23 L - 53.21 L | A++ | #1 US News, 2025 | |
| INR 13.66 L - 43.96 L | A+ | #27 US News, 2025 |
CompareCommonly asked questions On Comparisons
Both Duke & University of California-Los Angeles are considered part of the best universities in the United States & are also among the more selective institutions in the country. The Duke University acceptance rate stands at around 6.3% while that of UCLA stands at around 9%. It can be noted that both these are institutions are very picky at granting admisisons to students with Duke being marginally more selective as compared to UCLA.
Despite that, students interested in studies at either institution must perform really well in academics as well as university entrance exams, & must maintain a professional resume that stands out from the rest to have a chance of securing a seat at either institution.
Both Duke & Purdue are among the most selective institutions in the United States, however, are known for providing a quality standard of education with plenty of networking opportunities with key industry leaders & stakeholders in the form of conferences, workshops & meetings. Both institutions are very popular among international students for higher studies but only a select number of qualified candidates are able to get in.
The Duke University acceptance rate stands at 6.3%, while that of Purdue is around 53%. Though, both institutions are selective, Duke is almost nine times as hard to secure a seat at as compared to Purdue.
DukeStudent 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
DukeStudying in USA
Key Facts About USA
Insights on education, demographics & weather.
Commonly asked questions On Study in Country
The average cost of living in USA is approximately INR 93,000 in a month for international students. The cost of living in USA is 224.3% higher than the cost of living in India also the rent in USA is 769.9% higher than in India. Thus, it is natural that the cost of living in the USA is very high for an Indian student. The table given below specifies the estimated student cost of living in the USA that is based on different expenses.
Expenses in USA | Average Yearly / Monthly cost |
|---|---|
Books and study material | USD 900 - USD 2,000 per year |
Travel | USD 300 - USD 700 per year |
Accommodation | USD 9,800 - USD 11,100 per year |
Electricity | USD 100 - USD 150 per month |
Food | On campus: USD 250 per month Off-campus: USD 400 - USD 600 per month |
Phone subscription | USD 50 per month |
Home Internet | USD 45 - USD 50 per month |
Health Insurance | USD 700 - USD 1,100 per year |
Clothes | USD 500 per year |
Water, Trash and Sewer | USD 50 - USD 75 per month |
(1 USD = 83.05 INR)
Note: These amounts will differ from state to state within the US. On average, the cost of Indian food in the USA is around USD 350 - USD 400 for one person.
International students must meet the requirements to study in USA. Students must have a required qualification as per the programme and submit the test score during the process. Check below the English language test and additional tests accepted by US Universities:
Entrance Exam | Count of Universities |
|---|---|
497 | |
496 | |
431 | |
28 |
English Language Exams | Count of Universities |
|---|---|
950 | |
864 | |
434 | |
349 |
Notably, 195 of the best colleges in the United States have secured their place in the QS World University Rankings 2025. Check below the list of top universities in USA for international students by QS:
Top Universities in USA | QS Ranking 2025 |
|---|---|
1 | |
4 | |
6 | |
10 | |
11 | |
12 | |
16 | |
21 | |
22 | |
23 |
Duke University Notable Alumni
Duke University is one of the oldest universities in the United States. Moreover, Duke University has a rich history in terms of alumni. Additionally, Duke University has produced more than 190,000 alumni who make the university proud of them. Some notable alumni who are part of the university alumni network are Melinda French, Ibtihaj Muhammad, Ge Wang, Retta Sirleaf, Judy Woodruff, etc. Furthermore, Duke University alumni have some famous personalities that are mentioned below:
|
Name of Personality |
Profession |
Pictures |
|---|---|---|
|
Tim Cook |
CEO of Apple |
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Adam Silver |
Commissioner of the NBA |
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Judy Woodruff |
American Broadcaster |
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Ken Jeong |
American Comedian and Actor |
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Grant Hill |
American basketball small Forward |
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Kyrie Irving |
American Basketball Player |
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Ron Paul |
Former United States Representative |
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JJ Redick |
American coach and basketball player |
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Christian Laettner |
American former basketball player |
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Melinda French Gates |
American Philanthropic |
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Stephen Miller |
Former Senior Advisor to the President of the United States |
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Jerome Bruner |
American Psychologist |
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Commonly asked questions On Alumni
There are various famous alumni at Duke University. Additionally, Duke University has over 190,000 alumni spread over the world. Moreover, some of the famous Indian alumni such as Shivinder Mohan Singh who is an Indian Billionaire Healthcare Entrepreneur, and more. Duke University alumni are working in top companies. Furthermore, the pie chart mentioned below shows that Duke University graduates live in:
Duke University is one of the best universities in the USA. Additionally, Duke University is one of the oldest and most reputed universities in the United States. Moreover, Duke University has produced more than 190,000 alumni from all over the world who are making university proud of them. Check the pie chart below which shows the working sectors of university alumni:
Duke University is a highly renowned university for higher education in the United States. The university has over 190,000 alumni from all over the globe. Additionally, many famous personalities are part of the Duke University alumni network such as Tim Cook, Jay Bilas, Charlie Rose, Judy Woodruff, etc. Moreover, Duke University is one of the oldest universities in the USA. Furthermore, the alumni work in top companies such as Microsoft, Apple, Meta, etc. Check the pie chart mentioned below which shows the top companies where university alumni work:
Duke University Campus Life
The Duke University campus is as vibrant as any. From being a part of a Duke student club, competing as part of academic events or taking up a sport or any other hobby, there’s something for everyone as part of the university campus.
Student Clubs
The university is home to over 100 hundred student clubs across a range of interests such as: Sports, Music, Theater, Healthcare, Science, Technology & Community Services among others.
The university’s student clubs engage in weekly & monthly activities, both on & off-campus, have fun & learn at the same time. Some popular student clubs & societies at Duke include: AI Competition Club, Allied Scholars for Animal Protection at Duke, Alpha Kappa Psi Business Fraternity & The Gatekeepers among others.
Events
The university’s student organizations are known for conducting a number of student events on a weekly & monthly basis over the course of the academic year.
The student events varies & take place across a number of different genres, including: Health, Science, Technology, Community-based, Literature & Career Development among others.
These events provide ample opportunity to students to learn from industry experts, share their ideas & grow their network.
Housing
Duke Student Affairs handles the maintenance of on-campus accommodation facilities at the institute. Separate on-campus accommodation is available for freshmen & higher year students.
Most of the on-campus accommodation offer pretty much the same amenities & services such as: bedrooms, kitchen equipped with a stove & refrigerator, laundry, shared bathrooms, vending machines, main common room with a TV & piano, along with gaming consoles.
The residence halls are treated by licensed pest control contractors every summer, & the university campus is tobacco-free.
Commonly asked questions On Others
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.
Durham is also home to a tight-knit community of Indian students who live close by & are ever present to help each other out. Popular Indian festivals such as Diwali are celebrated by students. On weekends, students can visit the Athletic Park which is home to Durham's MLB team: The Durham Bulls.
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.
Though the institute is known for its academics, Duke students do find time for relaxation & having fun with a number of recreational opportunities to choose from as part of the university campus.
The institute organizes a number of sponsored musical concerts as part of its Last Day of College (LDOC) as well an opportunity for students to be part of one of the 30 sports clubs.
Art enthusiasts can opt to join Duke Arts, a student society that offers a number of activities & art competitions for students to be a part of.
Other recreational student societies include: Duke Athletics, Duke Chapel, Duke Forest, Duke Music Ensembles & Duke Recreation & Physical Education.
The average cost of living in USA is approximately INR 93,000 in a month for international students. The cost of living in USA is 224.3% higher than the cost of living in India also the rent in USA is 769.9% higher than in India. Thus, it is natural that the cost of living in the USA is very high for an Indian student. The table given below specifies the estimated student cost of living in the USA that is based on different expenses.
Expenses in USA | Average Yearly / Monthly cost |
|---|---|
Books and study material | USD 900 - USD 2,000 per year |
Travel | USD 300 - USD 700 per year |
Accommodation | USD 9,800 - USD 11,100 per year |
Electricity | USD 100 - USD 150 per month |
Food | On campus: USD 250 per month Off-campus: USD 400 - USD 600 per month |
Phone subscription | USD 50 per month |
Home Internet | USD 45 - USD 50 per month |
Health Insurance | USD 700 - USD 1,100 per year |
Clothes | USD 500 per year |
Water, Trash and Sewer | USD 50 - USD 75 per month |
(1 USD = 83.05 INR)
Note: These amounts will differ from state to state within the US. On average, the cost of Indian food in the USA is around USD 350 - USD 400 for one person.
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.
As per reviews posted by students on Shiksha Study Abroad, the Duke University students are described as “welcoming *& inclusive” to international students. The student population is said to include a number of Indian students & one student describes the cultural shift as “not too big”.
The faculty is described as “helpful & well-versed”, with “lots to explore” as part of the university campus.
The Duke University has three campuses: East Campus, West Campus & the Central Campus, each located in close proximity to each other.
The campuses are interconnected via buses, & each offers similar facilities including well-equipped classes, study halls, laboratories, state-of-the-art libraries & multiple recreational halls among others.
As per data curated from unofficial sources, of the overall UG enrollment (6,488 students) of the Class of 2023, around 53.5%, i.e. 3,471 students are girls. The remaining 46.5% students i.e. 3,016 students are boys.
The same source states, 85% students live as part of university maintained residential housing, while the remaining 15% live as part of off-campus accommodation facilities.
Duke University FAQs
No, Stanford University, Duke University, and Penn State are not part of the Ivy League. It's a common misconception that the Ivy League consists of all esteemed and selective institutes or universities. A wider range of universities offer excellent educational experiences. This often happens because many mistakenly conflate prestige and selectivity with the Ivy League.
The Fuqua School of Business at Duke University offers a well-regarded Master of Management Studies (MMS) program. It is intended for young graduates with little to no work experience, giving them a solid grounding in both practical skills and business principles. The programme is renowned for its varied and collaborative learning environment, and it offers a number of concentrations, including marketing, finance, and strategy. The program's popularity is partly influenced by Duke University's standing and the robust alumni network.
Duke University's low acceptance rate makes admission at this university very competitive. Almost 50,000 students applied for a mere 2,855 places, which counts for an acceptance rate of just 5.8%. This is a 25% increase in applicants from the year before, and admissions are only becoming more competitive. Given the relatively low Duke enrollment, students can expect this acceptance rate to remain quiet.
Duke University is one of the most reputable universities for higher education in the United States. Additionally, the university offers various undergraduate and postgraduate programs for its international students. Moreover, Duke University tuition fee for international students is as follows:
| Course level | Annual Tuition Fee in INR |
|---|---|
| UG | INR 53.07 L - 55.04 L |
| PG | INR 16.44 L - 90.09 L |
Duke is a Tier-1 research institution based in Durham, North Carolina & considered part of the best higher educational institutions in the United States.
Mentioned below are some interesting facts about Duke:
· It is named in memory of Washington Duke, a former tobacco manufacturer, who funded its development during the initial years
· The university spent USD 1.2 billion on research related operations in the year 2019 (Source: unofficial)
· Duke runs one of the most comprehensive sports programs in the region with its sports team: The Blue Devils, competing across 27 varsity sports
Duke
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 2 weeks ago
As per the latest enrolment data (Fall 2024), the Duke University is home to about 17,140 students, including 6,917 undergraduates & 10,223 postgraduates.
The overall student population has seen a rise year-on-year.
Mentioned below is a breakdown of the student enrolment for the years 2022, 2023 &
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 4 weeks ago
The Duke University has three campuses: East Campus, West Campus & the Central Campus, each located in close proximity to each other.
The campuses are interconnected via buses, & each offers similar facilities including well-equipped classes, study halls, laboratories, state-of-the-art libraries & mu
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 4 weeks ago
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 main
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 4 weeks ago
The institute ranks highly as part of university rankings given by some notable ranking publications. A major university ranking platform based in the United States ranks it #6 as part of its National Universities Rankings 2025, while the it also secures a country-level rank of #16 as part of the la
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 4 weeks ago
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 th
A
Contributor-Level 10
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| University City | Durham, North Carolina, USA |
| Size of city | Medium |
| Population of City | 2,63,000 |
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