Skip to main content
Government-Verified Education Data
Duke University logo

Duke University

Durham, North Carolina · Private Non-Profit

Avg Earnings (5yr)

$85,792

Acceptance Rate

7%

Graduation Rate

96%

Annual Tuition

$65,805

Quick answer

According to U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard data on USACollegeData.com (2024-25 College Scorecard release), graduates of Duke University earn a median of $97,800 ten years after entry — 81% above the national median. Acceptance rate 6.8%, average SAT score 1548, in-state tuition $65,805.

At a Glance

Total Students

6,417

Retention Rate

96%

Faculty Ratio

6

Financial Aid

16%

Median Debt

$13,000

Campus Setting

City

Institution Type

Private Non-Profit

Admissions: SAT & ACT Scores

Average SAT Score

1,548

SAT Reading/Writing (middle 50%)

740–770

SAT Math (middle 50%)

760–800

ACT Composite (middle 50%)

34–35

Institution Overview

Duke University is a private, non-profit institution with a student body of 6,417. The university has a highly selective admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 6.8%. Duke boasts a high graduation rate of 96.2% and a strong retention rate of 96.2%. The annual in-state tuition is $65,805.

Graduates of Duke University experience strong financial outcomes. One year after graduation, the median earnings are $74,497, increasing to $85,792 after five years and $97,800 after ten years. The median debt for students is $13,000, and 16.3% of students receive financial aid.

Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data

Earning Projection Over Time

$74k

1 YEAR

$86k

5 YEARS

$98k

10 YEARS

Top 2% in Earnings

Graduate Outcomes

One year after graduation, Duke University alumni earn a median salary of $74,497. Five years after graduation, median earnings increase to $85,792, and ten years after graduation, median earnings reach $97,800. The median debt for graduates is $13,000.

Duke University has a high retention rate of 96.2% and a graduation rate of 96.2%. The university has a low acceptance rate of 6.8%. The in-state tuition is $65,805, and 16.3% of students receive financial aid.

Popular Programs

Top performing degrees based on enrollment and outcome data.

Business Administration, Management and Operations

Graduates 772 / yr
Median Salary $171,948

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing

Graduates 586 / yr
Median Salary $156,275

Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods

Graduates 419 / yr
Median Salary $104,689

Economics

Graduates 328 / yr
Median Salary $98,649

Public Policy Analysis

Graduates 301 / yr
Median Salary $85,125

Biology, General

Graduates 218 / yr
Median Salary $30,939

Law

Graduates 217 / yr
Median Salary $205,891

Biomedical/Medical Engineering

Graduates 197 / yr
Median Salary $114,307

Natural Resources Conservation and Research

Graduates 183 / yr
Median Salary $67,458

Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions

Graduates 179 / yr
Median Salary $121,523

Engineering-Related Fields

Graduates 175 / yr
Median Salary $110,977

Political Science and Government

Graduates 171 / yr
Median Salary $54,970

Theological and Ministerial Studies

Graduates 167 / yr
Median Salary $97,602

Mechanical Engineering

Graduates 149 / yr
Median Salary $89,938

Research and Experimental Psychology

Graduates 131 / yr
Median Salary $39,359

Computer Engineering

Graduates 125 / yr
Median Salary $111,145

Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies

Graduates 112 / yr
Median Salary $213,539

Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods

Graduates 111 / yr
Median Salary $62,632

Medicine

Graduates 100 / yr
Median Salary $67,570

International Business

Graduates 91 / yr
Median Salary $190,893

Neurobiology and Neurosciences

Graduates 90 / yr
Median Salary $37,208

Statistics

Graduates 89 / yr
Median Salary $97,197

Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences

Graduates 88 / yr
Median Salary $171,112

Public Health

Graduates 85 / yr
Median Salary $61,687

Compare Similar Institutions

Boston College

Earnings $85,717
Tuition $67,680
Acceptance 16%
Compare

Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology

Earnings $85,935
Tuition $56,674
Acceptance 73%
Compare

University of Notre Dame

Earnings $86,210
Tuition $62,693
Acceptance 12%
Compare

Webb Institute

Earnings $86,249
Tuition $61,060
Acceptance 20%
Compare

Campus Location

Durham, North Carolina

Durham, NC 27708

Duke University is located in Durham, North Carolina. The campus is in a city setting.

All Colleges in North Carolina ROI Analysis Affordable in North Carolina Browse All Majors

Frequently Asked Questions

Duke University has an acceptance rate of 6.8%.