Duke University

Duke University is a private research university in Durham, North Carolina, United States. It was founded in 1838 as a Methodist preparatory school called Union Institute Academy. In 1851, the school was chartered by the state of North Carolina as Normal College, a teaching college. In 1892, the school moved to Durham and was renamed Trinity College. In 1924, the school was renamed Duke University in honor of tobacco industrialist Benjamin Newton Duke, who had donated $6 million to the school.

Duke University quickly became one of the leading private universities in the United States. It was admitted to the Association of American Universities in 1930, and it has been ranked among the top 10 universities in the United States by U.S. News & World Report since 1983. Duke University is known for its strong academics, its beautiful campus, and its vibrant student life. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, and its faculty and students are engaged in cutting-edge research in a variety of fields. Duke University is also a major player in the Durham economy, and it is a significant contributor to the cultural and intellectual life of the region.

Duke is known for its strong academics, its beautiful campus, and its vibrant student life. The university is home to over 17,000 students from all over the world, and it offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. Duke is also a major research institution, with over $1 billion in research funding each year. The university's researchers are working on cutting-edge projects in a variety of fields, including medicine, engineering, and the environment. Duke is a highly selective university, with an acceptance rate of just 5.9%. However, the university is committed to making Duke education affordable for all students, and it offers a variety of financial aid options.

Based on the QS World University Rankings of 2026, Duke University is positioned as the #62 top university in the world. The rank decreased by 1 point from last year.

University Profile

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Ranking	2026 #62
University Name	Duke University
Acronym	DUKE
Year Established	1838
Motto	Eruditio et Religio
Motto in English	Knowledge and Faith
Governing Type	Private (Not for Profit)
Student Body	Co-education
Highest Degree	Doctorate
Religious Affiliation	Christianity
Campus Type	Sub-urban
Colors	Duke blue and white

Location

The university is located in Durham, North Carolina. Find the address and map of the university below.

Address	2080 Duke University Road, Durham, North Carolina, United States

Contact

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Phone	+1 (919) 684-3214
Fax	+1 (919) 668-1661
Website
Email	Click here to send email
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Admission Info

Duke University’s admission process is highly competitive. Undergraduate applicants must submit their academic records, standardized test scores (SAT or ACT), personal essays, and recommendation letters. International students are required to demonstrate proficiency in English through tests like TOEFL or IELTS. Graduate admissions vary by program and may require additional materials, such as a statement of purpose, GRE/GMAT scores, and a portfolio or research proposal. Duke emphasizes a holistic review process, considering academic excellence, extracurricular activities, leadership potential, and personal qualities.

Accepts International Students	Yes
Admission Info	Click here
Undergraduate Admission Info	Click here
Graduate Admission Info	Click here

Scholarship and Financial Aids

Duke University offers a range of merit-based scholarships and financial aid programs to help make education accessible. The university’s financial aid policy is need-blind for U.S. students, meaning that applicants are not penalized for their financial need. International students are eligible for need-based financial aid and a variety of merit-based awards, including the Robertson Scholars Leadership Program, which offers full scholarships and leadership development opportunities. Additionally, external scholarships and fellowships can be used to cover tuition and other expenses.

Scholarship Info	Click here
Financial Aid Info	Click here

Programs and Courses

Get a quick overview of programs and courses offered at this university.

	Bachelor's Degrees	Master's Degrees	Doctorate Degrees	Diplomas
Arts & Humanities	n/a	n/a		n/a
Business & Social Sciences	n/a	n/a		n/a
Engineering	n/a	n/a		n/a
Language & Cultural Studies	n/a	n/a		n/a
Medicine & Health	n/a	n/a		n/a
Science & Technology	n/a	n/a		n/a

Click on the following button to explore a detailed list of programs and courses of this institute.

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Global Ranking History

The following chart shows how the global ranking of this university has changed over the last 6 years.

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