Duke Welcomes The Newest Members of the Class of 2029

More than 1,950 students offered admission Monday night

Duke University has offered admission to 1,953 students for the Class of 2029.

Those accepted through Duke’s Regular Decision process were notified starting at 7 p.m. ET Monday.

Duke received about 4,500 more applications than last year for a total of 58,698 applicants.

In December, Duke admitted 849 students to the Class of 2029 through its Early Decision application cycle, from 6,714 early applicants, the highest number in the university’s history. Another 220 students were admitted this week under the Early Deferral process.

All totaled, Duke has offered admission to 2,818 students for the Class of 2029 for an overall admit rate of 4.8 percent. The admit rate for Regular Decision was 3.67 percent.

“We are thrilled with the talent, accomplishment and dedication of the students admitted to Duke’s Class of 2029,” Duke Provost Alec D. Gallimore said. “We look forward to welcoming these outstanding students to Blue Devil Days so that they can experience the vibrant Duke community in person and meet their fellow admitted students from all over the world.”

Trinity College of Arts & Sciences would welcome 1,552 students, while 401 opted for the Pratt School of Engineering. Duke expects around 1,720 students to enroll next August.

Kathy Phillips, associate dean of admissions, said her office reviewed each student “as an individual with the potential to make unique contributions to the Duke community. Our admissions decisions reflect who we believe would bring the broadest range of talents and life experiences to Duke.”

“The record number of applications for the 2024-2025 cycle shows Duke's continuing appeal to students around the world,” Phillips said.

We continued our efforts to attract and admit more students who we anticipate will be eligible for Pell Grants. We also continue to see the positive effect of the Carolinas Financial Aid Initiative with increased numbers of North and South Carolinians applying to Duke.”
Kathy Phillips, Office of Undergraduate Admissions

“Elements of this year's admissions cycle were similar to last year. Notably, we continued our efforts to attract and admit more students who we anticipate will be eligible for Pell Grants. We also continue to see the positive effect of the Carolinas Financial Aid Initiative with increased numbers of North and South Carolinians applying to Duke.”

In this academic year, Duke expects to provide about $152.8 million in need-based financial aid to support undergraduate students. That’s up from $139 million last year. The average grant offer is about $63,000 for aid applicants, up from $58,000 per year.

Duke aid offers are released with offers of admission. Students who are receiving need-based aid from Duke but have not yet received their offers from other institutions by the enrollment deadline may apply for an extension.