
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 gender distribution of the student body is 46.5% male and 53.5% female, with students coming from all 50 states and 87 nations. The university has a 6 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio, with over 3,400 academic staff members and over 2,500 full-time faculty members. Duke's campus size spans 8,693 acres, and the university offers a wide range of programs, including study abroad opportunities and distance learning. The university has a high retention rate of 96%, with a majority of students choosing to continue their studies at Duke after their first year.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Total undergraduate enrollment | 6,488 (as of Fall 2023) |
| Gender distribution | 46.5% male, 53.5% female |
| Housing | 85% of students live in college-owned, -operated or -affiliated housing |
| Student-faculty ratio | 6:1 |
| Number of academic staff | Over 3,400 |
| Number of full-time faculty members | Over 2,500 |
| Number of first-year undergraduate students eligible for Pell Grants | 22% |
| Number of first-year undergraduate students from North Carolina | 15% |
| Number of first-year undergraduate students from other states | 85% |
| Number of applications to the School of Medicine in 2023 | Over 7,000 |
| Acceptance rate for the School of Medicine in 2023 | Approximately 2.9% |
| Average GPA for accepted students to the School of Medicine in 2023 | 3.92 |
| Average MCAT score for accepted students to the School of Medicine in 2023 | 520 |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn

Duke University's undergraduate enrollment is 6,488 (fall 2023)
Duke University in North Carolina has an undergraduate enrollment of 6,488 students as of Fall 2023. The campus size is 8,693 acres, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 6:1, with over 2,500 full-time faculty members. Duke University is known for its diverse and vibrant student community, with students coming from all 50 states and various countries worldwide. The gender distribution among undergraduates is 46.5% male and 53.5% female, with 85% of students living in college-affiliated housing.
Duke University has a strong commitment to accessibility and diversity. The university offers numerous scholarships and grants, including merit-based full-tuition scholarships for academic excellence, community service, and leadership programs. Their focus on expanding access has resulted in a notable increase in Pell Grant-eligible students, reflecting a dedication to supporting students with financial needs. The university also has a history of advocating for civil rights and working towards a more inclusive and equitable admission process.
The university offers a wide range of academic programs and extracurricular activities. With a semester-based academic calendar, Duke provides opportunities for study abroad, ROTC, teacher certification, and distance learning. The university is also known for its vibrant student life, including Greek life, sports, and clubs. Duke students embrace a "work hard, play hard" mentality, balancing rigorous academics with a variety of fun campus activities.
Duke University is ranked 6th among National Universities in the 2025 edition of Best Colleges. The university's reputation for excellence is reflected in its competitive admissions process, with the School of Medicine accepting approximately 2.9% of applicants in 2023. Duke's endowment allows it to offer substantial financial support to students, meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need for undergraduates. The university's commitment to accessibility and academic excellence makes it a highly sought-after institution for prospective students.
Marywood University's Student Population: A Comprehensive Overview
You may want to see also
Explore related products

The gender distribution is 46.5% male and 53.5% female
Duke University has a near-even gender distribution, with 46.5% male students and 53.5% female students as of Fall 2023. This distribution is reflected in the university's commitment to broadening access and promoting diversity. Duke has actively worked to increase the number of students from underrepresented groups, including those with financial needs, racial minorities, and first-generation college students.
The university's history with gender distribution dates back to the late 19th century. In 1892, the board of trustees voted to admit women as day students, and by 1896, four women were enrolled, three of whom were faculty members' children. Washington Duke, a significant donor, stipulated that women should be placed "on an equal footing with men." However, in 1903, he withdrew this provision, and the number of enrolled women grew slowly. By 1904, 54 women were enrolled, and in 1930, the Woman's College was established as a coordinate to the existing men's undergraduate college.
Today, Duke's gender distribution reflects a more balanced and inclusive approach. The university has actively worked to increase diversity and access for students from all backgrounds. This commitment is demonstrated by the increase in Pell Grant-eligible students, with a focus on expanding access and meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need for undergraduates. Duke's first-year undergraduate class in 2023 included students from all 50 states and 87 nations, with approximately 15% from North Carolina.
The university's efforts to promote diversity and broaden access are also evident in its racial and ethnic demographics. Duke has actively worked to increase opportunities for racial minorities, with a gradualist approach to civil rights and a commitment to addressing issues of racial inequality on campus. In 1948, a group of divinity school students petitioned for the desegregation of the school, and in 1963, the Board of Trustees officially desegregated the undergraduate college. Duke enrolled its first Black graduate students in 1961 and began admitting Black undergraduates in 1963.
Duke University's gender distribution, with a slight majority of female students, reflects the institution's commitment to inclusivity and diversity. The university has actively worked to increase access for underrepresented groups and promote equal opportunities for all students, regardless of gender, race, or financial background.
Protesting Students at Columbia University: A Growing Number
You may want to see also
Explore related products

The student-to-faculty ratio is 6:1
Duke University has a student-to-faculty ratio of 6:1, with over 3,400 academic staff members and over 2,500 full-time faculty members. This low student-to-faculty ratio is advantageous for students as it allows for more personalised attention and support from lecturers and professors.
The university's faculty is comprised of internationally renowned professors, 90% of whom teach in the undergraduate schools. This means that students have access to leaders in their respective fields, who can offer guidance and mentorship. The availability of faculty members for assistance with research projects, internships, and independent studies further enhances the quality of education at Duke.
The student body at Duke is diverse, with students coming from all 50 states and 87 nations. In the fall of 2023, the university had a total undergraduate enrollment of 6,488 students, with a gender distribution of 46.5% male and 53.5% female. This gender distribution reflects a long history of commitment to gender equality in admissions, dating back to Washington Duke's donation in 1896, which carried the requirement that women be placed "on an equal footing with men."
Duke's commitment to accessibility and diversity is further demonstrated by its financial aid offerings. The university awards close to $150 million annually in grants and scholarship aid, meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need for undergraduates. In addition, Duke has been actively working to broaden access to the university, as evidenced by the doubling of Pell Grant-eligible students in recent years.
Exploring Student Enrollment at the University of Alabama Huntsville
You may want to see also
Explore related products

The retention rate is 96%
Duke University has a retention rate of 96%. This means that a majority of students decide to continue their studies at Duke after completing their first year. The university has a total undergraduate enrollment of 6,488 students as of Fall 2023, with a gender distribution of 46.5% male students and 53.5% female students. Duke's campus size is 8,693 acres, and it offers a diverse range of academic and extracurricular opportunities for its students.
The university has a 6 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio, with over 3,400 academic staff members and over 2,500 full-time faculty members. The majority of professors at Duke are internationally renowned, and 90% of them teach in the undergraduate schools. Duke also offers various programs such as study abroad, ROTC, teacher certification, and distance learning. The university is committed to accessibility and diversity, with a significant increase in Pell Grant-eligible students and a commitment to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need for undergraduates.
Duke's student body is diverse, with students coming from all 50 states and 87 nations. The university has a rich history, with Washington Duke playing a significant role in its development and growth. Duke has undergone various expansions and constructions over the years, including the establishment of the Woman's College in 1930 and the gradual admission of African-American students starting in 1961.
The university offers a range of scholarships and financial aid, including merit-based full-tuition scholarships such as the Angier B. Duke Memorial Scholarship and the Benjamin N. Duke Scholarship. Duke's endowment allows it to grow and expand, providing substantial funding for graduate and undergraduate students, contributing to its high retention rate. The university's focus on accessibility, academic excellence, and student support creates an engaging and responsive environment, fostering a high level of student satisfaction and retention.
Suffolk University Student ID: Where to Find Your Number
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$17.95 $22.95

Duke has a diverse student body, with students from all 50 states and 87 nations
Duke University is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive community, as evidenced by its student body comprising individuals from all 50 states and 87 nations. This diverse group of students brings a wealth of perspectives and experiences to the campus, enriching the educational environment for all.
The university's dedication to diversity is further demonstrated by its efforts to broaden access to education. For example, Duke has doubled the number of first-year undergraduate students eligible for Pell Grants in the last two years, with 22% of the incoming class now receiving this financial assistance. This increase in Pell Grant-eligible students reflects the university's commitment to making a Duke education accessible to a wider range of students, regardless of their financial background.
Duke's diverse student population extends beyond geographical representation. The university has a long history of advocating for and promoting racial equality, dating back to the 1940s when it participated in the V-12 Navy College Training Program during World War II. This program offered a pathway for students to obtain a navy commission. In 1963, Duke officially desegregated its undergraduate college, enrolling its first Black graduate students in 1961 and admitting Black undergraduates in 1963. Despite facing challenges and criticism along the way, Duke has continued to prioritize diversity and inclusion, with a focus on ensuring equal opportunities for all.
In addition to its racial and geographical diversity, Duke also fosters a balanced gender distribution among its students. In recent years, the university has maintained a gender ratio that closely aligns with an equal distribution, with a slight majority of female students. For instance, in the fall of 2023, the university's undergraduate enrollment comprised 46.5% male and 53.5% female students, demonstrating its commitment to providing equitable opportunities for both men and women.
Duke University's diverse student body, representing all 50 states, 87 nations, and a balanced gender distribution, is a testament to its commitment to inclusivity and equal opportunity. The university's efforts to broaden access to education, coupled with its history of advocating for racial equality, create a rich and welcoming environment that benefits the entire Duke community.
Full Sail University: Student Population and You
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
As of Fall 2023, Duke University has a total undergraduate enrollment of 6,488 students.
As of Fall 2023, the gender distribution at Duke University is 46.5% male and 53.5% female.
Duke University has a 6 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio, with over 3,400 academic staff and over 2,500 full-time faculty members.
Duke University has a high retention rate of 96%, with the majority of students choosing to stay after their first year.











































