Mahadev Maitri Foundation
US Initiatives
Private Nonprofit4-year

Duke University

Durham, North Carolina Β· City: LargeOfficial Website β†—

#12
Nationally
#1
In North Carolina
7%
Acceptance Rate
Nat'l avg 70%
$63,450
Annual Tuition
per year
96%
6-Year Grad Rate
Nat'l avg 63%
6,488
Undergrad Enrollment
10,000–19,999
Overall Score & Rankings
83/100
Excellent
#12 nationally
#1 in North Carolina
πŸŽ“Graduation Outcomes96
πŸ’°Affordability92
🎯Selectivity92
πŸ“šAcademic Environment35
πŸ”¬Program Breadth72

Scores based on IPEDS 2023–24 federal data. Methodology β†’

Duke University is a private nonprofit four-year university located in Durham, North Carolina. With 6,488 undergraduate students enrolled and an acceptance rate of 7%, the institution is considered most selective. Annual tuition is $63,450, significantly above average for private colleges. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay an average net price of $3,931 after grants and scholarships β€” making it one of the more affordable options in its category. The six-year graduation rate is 96%, which is excellent compared to the national average of 63%.

Admissions
Acceptance Rate7%↑ Above avg
National avg: 70%
46,365
Applied
3,145
Admitted
1,742
Enrolled
SAT Score Range (Middle 50%)
SAT Reading740 – 770
Middle 50% of admitted students (max 800)
SAT Math770 – 800
Middle 50% of admitted students (max 800)
ACT Score Range (Middle 50%)34 – 35
Cost & Financial Aid
Annual Tuition$63,450/yr
Room & Board$19,060/yr
Total Cost of Attendance$84,865/yr
Tuition vs National Avg$63,450↓ Below avg
National avg: $38,768
Net Price After Aid by Family Income

Average annual net price after grants & scholarships, by family income

$0 – $30,000$3,931
$30,001 – $48,000$2,025
$48,001 – $75,000$10,076
$75,001 – $110,000$17,506
Over $110,000$49,945
Graduation Outcomes
6-Year Graduation Rate96%↑ Above avg
National avg: 63%

The six-year graduation rate measures students who earn their degree within 150% of normal time (6 years for a 4-year program). It is the federal standard for comparing outcomes across institutions.

Student Body
6,488
Total Undergrads
54% F / 46% M
Gender Split
Student Diversity
White 36%
Hispanic 11%
Black 8%
Asian 23%
Two or more 7%
International 10%
Native / Other 0%
Strengths & Considerations
Strengths
  • βœ“Very affordable for low-income families: avg net price is only $3,931/yr for households earning under $30K
  • βœ“Strong 6-year graduation rate of 96%, above the national average of 63%
  • βœ“Highly selective admissions (7% acceptance rate) β€” a signal of institutional prestige
  • βœ“Strong academic profile: SAT Math 25th percentile is 770
  • βœ“Competitive academic environment: ACT 25th percentile is 34
Consider
  • Β·Tuition ($63,450/yr) is above average β€” factor in aid eligibility
  • Β·Room and board costs ($19,060/yr) add significantly to the total cost of attendance
Who Is This College Best For?

This college is a strong fit for academically high-achieving students looking for a competitive environment, students from low- and middle-income families who need an affordable option, and students who prioritize colleges with a strong record of graduate completion.

Institution Profile
Type4-year
ControlPrivate Nonprofit
LocationDurham, North Carolina
SettingCity: Large
Size10,000–19,999
Affordability Spotlight
$3,931
avg net price/yr for families earning under $30K

Net price is what you actually pay after grants and scholarships β€” not the sticker price. File the FAFSA every year to maximize your aid package.

State Ranking
#1
in North Carolina out of 7+ colleges
#12
nationally
Data Source

All data sourced from the NCES IPEDS 2023–24 collection. Acceptance rates, test scores, and graduation rates reflect the most recent year reported. Scores are composite rankings calculated from five weighted dimensions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Data notice: All figures are sourced from IPEDS 2023–24 federal data. Tuition, acceptance rates, and enrollment figures change annually. Always verify current information directly with the institution. Net price figures are averages and individual aid packages will vary. Composite scores and rankings are calculated by SchoolRankings.org and are not affiliated with U.S. News, Forbes, or any government agency.