PrivateUrbanDuke University
Durham, North Carolina 27708
Data last updated: August 29, 2026
Among the most selective in the Northeast — top graduate earnings
Duke University is a private institution in Durham with particular strength in engineering and biology. With an average SAT of 1539, the school attracts a competitive applicant pool.
A mid-sized campus of 6.4K undergraduates with a 6:1 student-faculty ratio. The urban location puts students at the center of city life.
96% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $97,800 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $34,454.
Rankings
More About This School
Varsity Sports
History & Fun Facts
- •Duke first opened in 1838 as Brown's Schoolhouse, a private subscription school founded in Randolph County, North Carolina, in the present-day town of Trinity.
- •Organized by the Union Institute Society, a group of Methodists and Quakers, Brown's Schoolhouse became the Union Institute Academy in 1841 when North Carolina issued a charter.
- •The academy was renamed Normal College in 1851, and then Trinity College in 1859 because of support from the Methodist Church.
- •In 1892, Trinity College moved to Durham, largely due to the generosity of Julian S.
- •" As noted by Duke's Department of History in 2018: "Duke and Carr chose to..
Source: Wikipedia
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Admissions
SAT Score Ranges
Average: 1539
ACT Score Range
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Typical Application Requirements
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
84.0%
Avg Tuition Increase
4.3%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$12,000
Programs (229)
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
96%
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
50
Peer Average
37
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
Campus police, emergency alert system, blue-light phones
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Estimated from NC state average + large city premium
Climate (School Year)
Nearest Cities
Getting There
Nearest Airports
Distance to Cities
Visit Planning
Nearby Hotels
Plan Your Visit
Days out near Durham
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