Duke University Class Sizes: How Many Students?

Duke University is a private research university in Durham, North Carolina, with a total undergraduate enrollment of 6,488 students as of Fall 2023. The university has a 6:1 student-faculty ratio and offers over 50 majors across 10 schools and colleges. The campus spans 8,693 acres and is divided into four main areas: West, East, and Central campuses, as well as the Medical Center. The West Campus is considered the main campus and houses sophomores, juniors, and some seniors, while the East Campus is primarily for first-year students. With a low acceptance rate of around 6-7%, Duke University is highly selective, and its graduates have gone on to achieve notable success, including producing 16 Nobel laureates, 3 Turing Award winners, and 50 Rhodes Scholars as of 2024.

Undergraduate enrollment

Undergraduate students at Duke University are required to live on campus for their first three years, with freshmen living on the East Campus, which is 1.5 miles away from the West Campus. The East Campus houses around 1,720 freshmen and is designed in the Georgian architectural style. The West Campus, on the other hand, houses sophomores, juniors, and some seniors, with a majority of the academic and administrative centers located there. The Central Campus, which previously housed around 1,000 sophomores, juniors, seniors, and professional students, stopped housing undergraduates after the 2018-2019 school year and its buildings were demolished.

Duke University offers more than 50 majors for undergraduates, with 85% of undergraduates enrolling in the Trinity College of Arts and Sciences, and the remaining 15% in the Pratt School of Engineering. The undergraduate curriculum includes a focus on the humanities, with all freshmen taking a writing class and a current-issues seminar class. Additionally, Duke offers interdisciplinary initiatives such as the Focus Program, which allows students to engage in an interdisciplinary exploration of specific topics in small groups during their first semesters.

The four-year graduation rate at Duke University is approximately 88%, with a high retention rate of 97%. The average need-based grant awarded in 2022-2023 was $58,809, and about 50% of undergraduates receive some form of financial aid.

Graduate enrollment

Duke University is a private research university with a focus on academic excellence and a commitment to providing a diverse range of educational opportunities for its students. The university offers a variety of graduate programs across multiple disciplines, including highly ranked schools such as the Fuqua School of Business, the Pratt School of Engineering, the School of Law, the School of Medicine, the Sanford School of Public Policy, and the School of Nursing. Additionally, Duke offers graduate programs through its well-respected Divinity School and Nicholas School of the Environment.

The graduate programs at Duke University are designed to provide students with advanced knowledge and skills in their chosen field of study. The university's graduate curriculum is rigorous and challenging, encouraging students to engage in interdisciplinary exploration and innovative research. Duke's graduate students have access to world-class faculty members who are leaders in their respective fields, as well as state-of-the-art research facilities and resources.

The graduate enrollment at Duke University reflects the university's commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive academic community. The university welcomes students from a variety of backgrounds and encourages the exchange of ideas and perspectives. Duke's graduate programs attract students from all over the United States and the world, creating a rich and dynamic learning environment.

In addition to its academic offerings, Duke University also provides a range of support services and resources for graduate students, including career services, mentorship opportunities, and networking events. The university is dedicated to helping its graduate students succeed both during their time at Duke and after they have completed their studies.

Student-faculty ratio

Duke University is a private research university in Durham, North Carolina, with a total of 16,686 students as of Fall 2024. Of these, 6,418 are undergraduate students, and 10,268 are graduate and professional students. The university has a student-faculty ratio of 6:1, with over 2,500 full-time faculty members.

The student-faculty ratio is an important metric for prospective students to consider, as it can indicate the level of interaction and support they can expect from their professors. A lower student-faculty ratio generally suggests smaller class sizes and more opportunities for individual attention and mentorship.

At Duke, the focus on a strong student-faculty relationship is evident in the university's commitment to providing a wide range of resources and support for its students. The majority of professors are internationally renowned, with 90% teaching in the undergraduate schools. They are available to assist students with research projects, internships, and independent studies. The university also offers various programs such as study abroad opportunities, ROTC, teacher certification, and distance learning.

In addition to its faculty support, Duke also boasts an impressive graduation rate, with approximately 88% of students graduating within four years. The university's high retention rate of 97% further underscores its commitment to student success and satisfaction.

The student-faculty ratio at Duke University reflects the institution's dedication to creating a supportive and engaging academic environment for its students. With a low student-faculty ratio, Duke ensures that students have access to the resources and guidance they need to succeed in their academic pursuits.

Duke's student-faculty ratio also contributes to the sense of community and collaboration that the university fosters. The university is known for its diverse student body, with students coming from across the United States and the world. This diversity, coupled with the low student-faculty ratio, creates a rich learning environment where students can engage in meaningful discussions and exchange diverse perspectives.

Overall, the student-faculty ratio at Duke University is an important aspect of the university's commitment to academic excellence and student success. It enables students to build strong relationships with their professors and take advantage of the wide range of resources and opportunities available to them.

Tuition fees

The cost of attendance (COA) for 2024 is $87,072 for on-campus living. This is a combination of tuition and fees, as well as living costs, which are $19,665 for on-campus living. The living costs increased by 5.57% compared to the previous year.

The total COA for four years at Duke is estimated to be $359,234. After financial aid, the net price for four years is $158,666.

The university also offers a range of scholarships and grants, with 53% of enrolled students receiving some form of financial aid. The average aid amount is $50,142, which could cover 76.20% of the full tuition amount. The average need-based grant awarded in 2022-23 was $58,809, and the average non-need-based scholarship was $86,000.

The net price for federal loan recipients varies depending on family income. For the 2021-22 academic year, the average net price was $10,076 for a family income of $0-$30,000, $17,506 for $75,001-$110,000, and $49,945 for $110,000 and above.

Other expenses to consider include books, course materials, supplies, and equipment, as well as personal expenses and transportation. These costs are estimated to be between $582 and $1,318, depending on the student's home address.

Duke University is committed to a need-blind admission policy, which means it admits applicants without considering their families' ability to pay tuition and other college costs.

Campus size

Duke University's campus spans 8,693 acres, including 7,000 acres designated as Duke Forest. The campus is divided into four main areas: West, East, and Central campuses, and the Medical Center, all connected by a free bus service.

The West Campus, considered the main campus, houses sophomores, juniors, and some seniors, along with most academic and administrative centres. It includes iconic Collegiate Gothic architecture, with the 210-foot Duke Chapel at its centre as the highest point of elevation. The campus spans 720 acres and includes residential quads, academic and library facilities, and sports infrastructure such as the historic Cameron Indoor Stadium.

The East Campus, located 1.5 miles away, is the original Durham campus and home to all first-year students. It showcases Georgian-style architecture and spans 172 acres. In addition to housing the freshmen dormitories, it accommodates several academic departments, a dining hall, coffee shop, post office, library, auditorium, and various recreational facilities.

The Central Campus, consisting of 122 acres between the East and West campuses, previously housed around 1,000 sophomores, juniors, seniors, and professional students in apartment-style residences. However, undergraduate housing on this campus ended after the 2018-2019 academic year, and the respective buildings were demolished. Central Campus is now home to various administrative departments, cultural centres, and recreational facilities.

In addition to the three main campuses, Duke University also has a Marine Lab campus located in Beaufort, North Carolina. This campus is situated on 15 acres of land on the Outer Banks and is a part of the Nicholas School of the Environment. The Marine Lab focuses on research in oceanography, marine biology, marine biomedicine, and coastal management.

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