Duke University's Acceptance Results for the Class of 2029

2025-04-07•13 minute read
Duke University's Acceptance Results for the Class of 2029

Duke University has completed the admissions cycle for the Class of 2029. Out of a record-setting 59,850 applicants Duke admitted 2,802 students, resulting in a 4.8% overall acceptance rate, down from 5.1% last year.

According to university reporting on March 31st, 1,552 of the admitted students were accepted into the Trinity College of Arts and Sciences and 401 applicants received offers to attend the Pratt School of Engineering.

Keep reading for a further breakdown, including Regular and Early Decision statistics, a spotlight on key trends, and tips and insights for prospective Duke applicants.

Class of 2029 Overview
Admission RoundApplicantsAdmittedAcceptance Rate
Early Action (ED)6,62784912.8%
Regular Action (RD)53,2231,9533.67%
Overall59,8502,8024.8%
  • Increasing Overall Selectivity: Over the past three admissions cycles, Duke's overall acceptance rate has dropped from 6.17% to this year's 4.8%, highlighting the school's increasingly competitive admissions landscape.
  • Pandemic-Era Spike in Applications: Applications surged some 35% during the pandemic years, influenced by test-optional policies. Since then, application numbers have continued to climb, but more moderately, with 50,002 total applicants three years ago, up to 59,850 combined ED and RD applicants this year.
  • ED Advantage: Early Decision acceptance rates consistently exceed Regular Decision rates by roughly 8 percentage points in recent admissions cycles, giving ED applicants a potential advantage, at least statistically.
  • Fluctuations Influenced by External Factors: Acceptance rates and application totals can vary due to external influences such as policy changes, global events (e.g., COVID-19), or targeted recruitment efforts. For example, Duke is now in its fifth year of test-optional admissions.

Advice From our Crimson Strategists

Duke's admissions remain fiercely competitive, demanding not only exceptional academic achievement but also evidence of meaningful engagement and genuine passion. Applicants should focus on standing out authentically rather than merely fitting into a perceived mold.

Duke's Regular Decision Acceptance Results

Regular Decision Results: Class of 2029 vs 2028
Admission RoundClass of 2029Class of 2028% Change
Applications Received 53,22347,951+11%
Applications Accepted1,9531,984-1.5%
RD Acceptance Rate3.67%4.1%-10.5%

The RD acceptance rate continues to be exceptionally competitive, dropping from a very low 4.1% to a yet lower 3.67%.

The number of RD applicants admitted dropped narrowly, down to 1,953 admits from 1,984 last year. At the same time, the number of RD applicants rose sharply, increasing by 11%, compared to last year.

The growing applicant pool reflects heightened interest in Duke’s programs and reputation, resulting in increasing selectivity.

Wayne worked with Crimson to get into his dream university.

Duke's Early Decision Acceptance Results

Early Decision Results: Class of 2029 vs 2028
Admission RoundClass of 2029Class of 2028% Change
Applications Received 6,6276,240+6.2%
Applications Accepted849806+5.3%
EA Acceptance Rate12.8%12.9%-0.77%

Duke's ED acceptance rate is 12.8% this year, a fractional decrease from last year.

The number of ED applicants rose modestly, up 6%, from 6,240 last year to 6,627 for the Class of 2029.

The ED acceptance rate is a record low for Duke — but it still offers a significant statistical advantage compared to this year's RD rate of 3.67%!

Why Apply Early Decision?

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Historical Trends

The table below gives prospective applicants a 5-year snapshot of Duke's admissions trends.

Historical Acceptance Rates at Duke
Class YearTotal ApplicationsTotal AcceptedOverall RateRD RateED Rate
202959,8502,8024.8%3.67%12.8%
202854,1942,9255.4%4.1%12.9%
202749,4763,1156.3%4.8%16.4%
202650,0023,0856.17%4.9%21%
202549,5172,8545.7%4.3%16.7%

These data highlight Duke’s growing selectivity, as the overall acceptance rate has dropped to 4.8% for the Class of 2029, down from acceptance rates slightly higher than 6% for the Class of 2026 and 2027.

How To Stand Out in Duke's Admissions Process

  • Academic Excellence: Maintain top grades and a high GPA.
  • Strong Essays: Use your essays to showcase your unique voice and story.
  • Leadership and Extracurriculars: Strive to demonstrate meaningful engagement outside the classroom.
  • Test Scores: If submitting, aim for high SAT or ACT scores within or above Duke's reported range.

Final Thoughts

If you're a prospective student thinking about Duke be sure to check out our guide on how to get into Duke!

Otherwise, congratulations to all students admitted to Dukes’ Class of 2029 — your achievement reflects remarkable dedication and excellence. For those considering applying to Duke in the future, the admissions landscape is increasingly competitive, making strategic preparation essential.

Crimson Education specializes in helping ambitious students navigate this challenging process, offering tailored guidance to build compelling applications that reflect their authentic strengths and passions.

If you're a student or parent interested in Duke or other top universities, speak with one of Crimson Education’s admissions advisors today and start charting your path to success.