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Durham, NC · Private · Medium · Suburban
3.6x the Regular Decision rate
Admitted students who enroll
How much the school says contact matters
Deadlines, fees, testing policy, and recommendation requirements come from the Common App 2026-2027 First-Year Deadlines, Fees and Requirements file published August 28, 2026. Schools can still change a date after publication, so confirm anything you are close to with the school.
Rated Very important in the 2024-2025 Common Data Set this school published.
Admitted students who enroll
Of enrolled students
Of enrolled students
Reported by the school to IPEDS for fall 2023 admission.
Tuition, housing, food, and fees
Sticker figures. What a family actually pays depends on income and aid, which is what the financial aid tools are for.
| Major | Degrees | Graduates here | Same major nationally |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | 410 | $201,846 | $107,009 |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other | 281 | - | - |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | 224 | $82,377 | $88,910 |
| Economics | 199 | $171,986 | $82,686 |
| Biology, General | 169 | $70,605 | $57,214 |
| Public Policy Analysis | 144 | $113,034 | $73,721 |
| Research and Experimental Psychology | 133 | - | - |
| Political Science and Government | 111 | $101,627 |
Average net price paid by aided students in each family income band, after grants and scholarships. Usually far below the sticker price above.
Sources: this school's published Common Data Set, the Common App 2026-2027 member requirements file, and federal cost and outcomes data. See how our data works, or read the complete manual.
Add your GPA and test scores in Settings to see your estimated chances at Duke University.
Strong scores still help. Submit if you are at or above their middle 50%.
Common App personal statement (650 words) + 3 supplementals
For exact prompts, check the school's admissions page or the Common App once writing opens (Aug 1).
1 counselor + 2 teacher recommendations required
Some weight. A few touchpoints (open emails, attend a virtual session) won't hurt.
Per the school's own Common Data Set, applicant interest is rated considered.
$85
Fee waivers available if you qualify (Common App fee waiver, school waiver, or counselor request).
If a parent attended, mention it on the application. Some schools have ended this practice - verify with current admissions guidance.
Sticker price means almost nothing. Duke University's Net Price Calculator estimates what you'll actually pay after merit and need-based aid. Takes 10 minutes; needs household income and assets, plus a few academic numbers.
Open Duke University's Net Price CalculatorRead from Duke University's own admissions page on 2026-08-30 for the 2026-2027 cycle (source). Schools can still revise a prompt after publishing, so confirm before you submit.
Two required essays. The three optional ones are genuinely optional: answer one only if it adds something the rest of your application does not already say.
Why Duke
Required250 words“What is your impression of Duke as a university and community, and why do you believe it is a good match for your goals, values, and interests?”
Start essay with this prompt →Communities
Required250 words“We all belong to communities defined by place, faith, family, culture, interests or shared experience. Tell us about a community that has shaped who you are, any way it has set you apart, and what you've learned from being part of it that you hope to bring to Duke.”
Start essay with this prompt →Viewpoints and experiences
Optional250 wordsOptional: answer at most one of these three“We believe a wide range of viewpoints and experiences is essential to maintaining Duke's vibrant living and learning community. Please share anything in this context that might help us better understand you and your potential contributions to Duke.”
Start essay with this prompt →Difference of opinion
Optional250 wordsOptional: answer at most one of these three“Meaningful dialogue often involves respectful disagreement. Provide an example of a difference of opinion you've had with someone you care about. What did you learn from it?”
Start essay with this prompt →Something you are excited about
Optional250 wordsOptional: answer at most one of these three“What's the last thing that you've been really excited about?”
Start essay with this prompt →Last verified 2026-08-30 · Cycle 2026-2027 · For the current cycle, double-check the school's admissions writing page.
Duke University considers interest as one factor among many. Worth a few targeted touches.
Attend an info session in your area
Medium effortMost colleges send admissions reps on regional tours each fall. Check their events page or sign up for their mailing list. Sign in when you arrive.
Open the school's emails and click through
Quick winOnce you're on their mailing list, open them. Many tracking systems flag students who consistently engage. Don't unsubscribe even if you're not committed yet.
Connect with your regional admissions counselor
Medium effortEach region has an assigned counselor (find them on the admissions site). Send one thoughtful, specific email - a question you can't answer from the website. Don't pester.
Attend a college fair where they're present
Medium effortSign in at their booth. Have a real conversation - prepare two specific questions about programs that interest you.
Follow on social and engage authentically
Quick winLike, comment occasionally on their posts. Schools' social teams notice patterns. Don't spam - quality over quantity.
You don't need to do all of these. Pick 2-3 that are realistic and consistent.
Research University
Yes
Co-op / Internship
Limited
Est. Net Price (You)
$68,758
Based on "none" need
Sticker tuition
$68,758
Before aid
Total Estimated 4-Year Cost
$275,032
Out-of-state pricing with estimated aid
Greek Life
Yes
Study Abroad
22%
Religious Affiliation
Methodist
Football Conference
ACC
Debt-to-Income
17.2%
Average debt against 10-year earnings
Est. 10-Year ROI
$769,968
(10yr earnings x 10) - 4yr cost
Applying Early Decision would give you a 3.6x advantage (16.4% ED vs 4.5% RD).
This school gives legacy preference. If a parent or grandparent attended, highlight it.
This school is test-optional. Submit scores only if they strengthen your application.
Deadline (ED: November 2, 2026) / RD: January 4, 2027
113 days remaining (RD)
Application Platform: Common App
Supplemental Essays: 3
Interview: Optional
Recommendation letters needed
Test optional
Get candid student reviews, rankings, and additional data from these sources:
Data from US Department of Education College Scorecard, National Center for Education Statistics, and institutional disclosures.
| $63,293 |
| Computer Engineering | 110 | $174,619 | $109,015 |
| Biomedical/Medical Engineering | 102 | $115,268 | $93,451 |
| Neurobiology and Neurosciences | 95 | $73,810 | $62,451 |
| Statistics | 83 | $121,776 | $92,425 |
Median earnings of this school's graduates in each major, roughly five years out, beside the national median for the same major.