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Duke University's Acceptance Results for the Class of 2029
2025-04-07•13 minute read
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Key Trends
RD Acceptance Rate
ED Acceptance Rate
Historical Acceptance Data
How to Stand Out
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 Round | Applicants | Admitted | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Action (ED) | 6,627 | 849 | 12.8% |
| Regular Action (RD) | 53,223 | 1,953 | 3.67% |
| Overall | 59,850 | 2,802 | 4.8% |
Key Trends and Insights
- ED and RD acceptance rates reached all-time lows, down to 12.8% (ED) and 3.67% (RD).
- Rising application numbers pushed down the acceptance rates, with total ED applications to the Class of 2029 reaching 6,627, a 6% increase in ED applicants compared to last year.
Broader Admissions Trends:
- 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 Round | Class of 2029 | Class of 2028 | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Applications Received | 53,223 | 47,951 | +11% |
| Applications Accepted | 1,953 | 1,984 | -1.5% |
| RD Acceptance Rate | 3.67% | 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 Round | Class of 2029 | Class of 2028 | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Applications Received | 6,627 | 6,240 | +6.2% |
| Applications Accepted | 849 | 806 | +5.3% |
| EA Acceptance Rate | 12.8% | 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?
- Higher Acceptance Rates: Early Decision applicants typically enjoy higher acceptance rates compared to Regular Decision.
- Demonstrated Interest: Applying early shows Duke your strong interest in joining their academic community.
Historical Trends
The table below gives prospective applicants a 5-year snapshot of Duke's admissions trends.
Historical Acceptance Rates at Duke
| Class Year | Total Applications | Total Accepted | Overall Rate | RD Rate | ED Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2029 | 59,850 | 2,802 | 4.8% | 3.67% | 12.8% |
| 2028 | 54,194 | 2,925 | 5.4% | 4.1% | 12.9% |
| 2027 | 49,476 | 3,115 | 6.3% | 4.8% | 16.4% |
| 2026 | 50,002 | 3,085 | 6.17% | 4.9% | 21% |
| 2025 | 49,517 | 2,854 | 5.7% | 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.
About the Contributor
Arkesh Patel
Arkesh Patel is the Chief Operating Officer of Crimson Education, the world's largest and most successful university admissions consulting firm. Crimson Education has helped thousands of students gain admission into the Ivy League and top universities such as Oxford, Cambridge, Stanford, MIT, and many others. Arkesh graduated from the University of Cambridge with a B.A in Chemistry (First Class Honors) and received his M.B.A with Distinction from Harvard Business School.
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