Duke Acceptance Rate

Duke University, located in Durham, North Carolina, is renowned for its highly selective undergraduate admissions process. For the Class of 2028, Duke reported an overall acceptance rate of approximately 5.1%, reflecting its status as one of the most competitive universities in the United States. This selectivity is driven by a growing applicant pool, with over 54,000 applications received in the most recent cycle, as well as the university's emphasis on academic excellence, extracurricular impact, and holistic review. Duke publishes transparent admission statistics through its official website and the Common Data Set, providing reliable insights into its admissions trends.

• Overall Acceptance Rate: 5.1%, with approximately 2,790 students admitted out of over 54,000 applicants, marking one of the lowest rates in the university's history.
• Early Decision Rate: 12.9%, significantly higher than the regular decision rate, with about 800 students admitted from a smaller, binding applicant pool of around 6,200.
• Regular Decision Rate: 3.8%, reflecting intense competition among the larger pool of over 47,000 applicants, with roughly 1,990 admitted.
• International Student Rate: Estimated at 4.5%, based on historical trends, as specific data for the Class of 2028 is not yet publicly detailed; international applicants face additional competition due to limited spots.

Over the past decade, Duke's acceptance rates have steadily declined, driven by a surge in applications and the university's growing global reputation. The Early Decision program continues to offer a strategic advantage, with a notably higher acceptance rate compared to Regular Decision, encouraging committed applicants to apply early. International admissions remain highly competitive, often with lower acceptance rates due to visa constraints and funding considerations. Compared to peer institutions like Stanford and Harvard, Duke's selectivity is on par, with rates consistently below 6% in recent years. For the most accurate and updated statistics, prospective students are encouraged to visit Duke's official admissions page at admissions.duke.edu or review the Common Data Set for detailed breakdowns.