Duke University

Overview

Acronyms: DUKE

Founded: 1838

Control Type: Private

Entity Type: Non-profit

Religious Affiliation: Christian-Methodist

World Rank: #48

Rank in United States: #11

Motto: Eruditio et Religio

Colours: Duke blue and white

Established in 1838, the Duke University is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the urban setting of the small city of Durham (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), North Carolina.

Officially accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, Duke University (DUKE) is a large-sized coeducational US higher education institution formally affiliated with the Christian-Methodist religion. Duke University (DUKE) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.

This 186-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 0-9% making this US higher education organization an extremely selective institution.

International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.

DUKE also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.

Location & Contact

Duke University's campus address and the ways prospective students can reach the institution. For visa queries, contact the international student services office directly rather than central admissions.

Academic Details

Duke University at the institutional level: enrolment, staffing, and accreditation summary. Accreditation has expiry and renewal cycles worth checking on the awarding body site for currency.

Academic Structures

Duke University's organisational chart for teaching: faculties, schools, institutes, and constituent units. Research-intensive universities often add institutes or centres alongside teaching faculties.

Programs Offered

Duke University's current programme offering broken down by degree level. Curriculum revisions happen periodically; check the version year on each programme page if accreditation portability matters.

How to apply to Duke University

The standard application path for Duke University, broken into five practical steps with the documents and channels you will need at each stage.

1. 1
   Browse the programme catalogue

   Duke University's catalogue includes 283 programmes. Browse by level, identify candidates matching your prior qualifications, and note their entry requirements for the next step.

2. 2
   Check eligibility for your chosen programme

   Entry requirements vary by programme and degree level. Verify academic minimums, language tests (if international), and any additional documents required for Duke University's admissions process.

3. 3
   Get your documents ready

   Typical documents include academic transcripts, identity proof (passport or national ID), language proficiency test scores, a personal statement or motivation letter, and recommendation letters. International applicants should account for translation and notarisation time.

4. 4
   Apply through the official channel

   Submit your completed application through Duke University's official website at duke.edu. Most institutions use an online portal — register an account, complete the application form, and upload your prepared documents. Keep copies of all submissions and confirmation receipts.

5. 5
   Reach out and track your application

   Follow up to confirm your application was received and is being processed. Reach the institution by phone at +1 (919) 684 8111. Admissions teams may request interviews or additional documents — respond promptly to keep your application active.

Frequently Asked Questions about Duke University

The questions below summarise Duke University's vital institutional details — useful as a quick reference before drilling into specific sections.

Top-Ranked Universities in the United States

National rankings in the United States often weight different signals than international rankings. The leaders below typically top both, but the order can differ meaningfully.

Harvard University

Cambridge · Private · Rank #1

Stanford University

Stanford · Private · Rank #8

Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore · Private · Rank #13

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Cambridge · Private · Rank #16

University of Washington

Seattle · Public · Rank #19

Members of Association of American Universities (AAU)

Member-only fellowships through Association of American Universities (AAU) are open to students at Duke University and the universities below. These can be less competitive than open competitions because the applicant pool is narrower.

University of Toronto

Toronto · Public · Rank #14

Cornell University

Ithaca · Private · Rank #25

University of California, Berkeley

Berkeley · Public · Rank #41

New York University

New York City · Private · Rank #49

University of Chicago

Chicago · Private · Rank #53

Other American Universities Affiliated with Christian-Methodist

Religious holiday observance and academic-calendar alignment at Christian-Methodist universities typically reflect tradition rather than national norms. The peers below tend to follow Duke University in this respect.

Emory University

Atlanta · Private · Rank #94

University of Indianapolis

Indianapolis · Private · Rank #297

Drew University

Madison · Private · Rank #505

Southern Methodist University

Dallas · Private · Rank #1240

Claflin University

Orangeburg · Private · Rank #1500

Faculties at Nearby Universities

The universities below sit close to Duke University geographically and may suit students who want to stay within the same region for study. Proximity affects commuting cost, family contact, and the ease of switching institutions if circumstances change.

University of New Hampshire

Durham · Public · Rank #1397

North Carolina Central University

Durham · Public · Rank #1869

DU

Durham Technical Community College

Durham · Public · Est. 1961

North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics

Durham · Est. 1980

UN

University System of New Hampshire

Durham · Est. 1963

Where Else to Study Biological Sciences

Other universities in the United States that teach Biological Sciences appear below — useful for comparing programme depth against Duke University. Programme structures differ even within the same country, so detailed comparison is worth the effort.

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill · Public · Rank #60

Northwestern University

Evanston · Private · Rank #63

University of Minnesota Twin Cities

Minneapolis · Public · Rank #70

University of Florida

Gainesville · Public · Rank #71

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Madison · Public · Rank #75

Universities Often Compared with Duke University

Faculty mobility between Duke University and peer institutions is common — academics often move within a comparable tier. This signals shared academic standards and salary structures.

Adler University

Chicago · Private · Rank #32

The Ohio State University

Columbus · Public · Rank #66

Wake Forest University

Winston-Salem · Private · Rank #482

University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Charlotte · Public · Rank #961

Lehigh University

Bethlehem · Private · Rank #1178