Duke University SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
Duke is test-optional, but 47% of admitted students submitted SAT scores, and the middle range starts at 1520. If you choose to test, aim for a 1520+ SAT, with 1570 putting you near the top of the reported range; a 34-35 ACT serves a similar role.
Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
Duke University facts and stats
Duke University enrolls about 6,523 undergraduates in a suburban campus setting. Duke has a 98% freshman retention rate, well above the national average of roughly 70%. Its 6-year graduation rate is 97%, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 5.2:1.
Durham, NC
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Key Duke University application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
January 2
Early Action
Not offered
Early Decision
November 1
Priority Deadline
—
Coming soon
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
Because Duke is test-optional, use this timeline only if you plan to submit SAT or ACT scores. Take your first test by spring of junior year, then use the summer before senior year and fall for retakes to improve your superscore; for the November 1 Early Decision deadline, plan on the October SAT or September ACT as your last practical retake.
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What you'll actually pay
Duke is a private not-for-profit, so the same tuition and fees rate applies to all students. Tuition and fees are $68,758, and 43% of students receive aid; the reported average merit award is $85,600.
Duke’s listed cost of attendance is $86,886 for tuition, fees, room and board. About 43% of students receive aid, with an average aid package of $76,028. The Robertson Scholars Leadership Program lists a GPA threshold of 3.00+, and Duke’s average merit award is $85,600. Graduates leave with an average debt of $27,515.
Student life at Duke University
84% of undergrads live on campus
Freshman housing: Guaranteed
Fraternities and sororities are active on campus. 30% of men join fraternities, and 42% of women join sororities.
Similar schools
South Piedmont Community College
Polkton, NCAppalachian State University
Boone, NCAcceptance rate: 90.1%
SAT: 1140–1270
ACT: 21–27
Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Asheville, NCAcceptance rate: 88.6%
Barton College
Wilson, NCAcceptance rate: 94.2%
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