50 Facts About Duke University

Founding and History

Duke University has a rich history that dates back over 180 years. Let's explore some key moments and milestones.

1. Duke University was founded in 1838 by Methodists and Quakers in Randolph County, North Carolina. Initially known as Trinity College, it moved to Durham in 1892 and was renamed Duke University in 1924 in honor of James Buchanan Duke.

2. The university's name change in 1924 was to honor James Buchanan Duke, a prominent tobacco and electric power industrialist who made significant contributions to the institution.

Location and Campus

Duke's location and campus architecture are as impressive as its history. The university is situated in a vibrant area known for its educational and research facilities.

3. Duke University is situated in Durham, North Carolina, part of the Research Triangle area, which includes the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University.

4. The campus is a stunning example of Gothic architecture, with the iconic Duke Chapel being one of its most recognizable landmarks.

5. The campus is divided into East and West Campuses. East Campus is home to first-year students, while West Campus houses the majority of upperclassmen.

Academic Programs and Student Enrollment

Duke offers a wide range of academic programs and has a diverse student body.

6. Duke University offers programs in medicine, law, business, engineering, and the arts and sciences, consistently ranking among the top universities in the United States.

7. As of Fall 2021, Duke University has an enrollment of approximately 16,000 students, including undergraduate, graduate, and professional students.

Athletics and Traditions

Duke's athletic teams and campus traditions are integral to its identity.

8. The Duke Blue Devils compete in NCAA Division I and are known for their success in sports like basketball, soccer, and lacrosse.

9. The men's basketball team, coached by Mike Krzyzewski, has won multiple NCAA championships.

10. One unique tradition is the singing, clapping, and dancing to the song "Everytime We Touch" by Cascada, which originated with the basketball team but has spread across campus.

Research and Innovation

Duke is a leader in various research fields, spending significant resources on innovation.

11. Duke University spends more than $1 billion per year on research, making it one of the ten largest research universities in the United States.

12. The Duke Lemur Center, established in 1966, is a world leader in the study, care, and protection of lemurs, housing more than 200 animals across 14 species.

13. The Duke Marine Laboratory, located in coastal Beaufort, North Carolina, focuses on education and research in ocean processes, coastal environment management, marine biotechnology, and marine biomedicine.

Notable Alumni and Financial Aid

Duke has produced many notable alumni and offers generous financial aid packages.

14. Notable alumni include tech entrepreneur and philanthropist Melinda French Gates, former U.S. Congressman John Lewis, and NBA superstar Zion Williamson.

15. Duke practices need-blind admissions and meets 100% of a student's demonstrated need. About 50% of all Duke students receive some form of financial aid.

16. The university offers various scholarships, including the Angier B. Duke Memorial Scholarship for academic excellence and the Benjamin N. Duke Scholarship for community service.

Campus Facilities and Student Life

Duke's campus facilities and student life programs offer a vibrant and supportive environment.

17. The university has an extensive library network with three libraries on West Campus and two on East Campus.

18. The Sarah P. Duke Gardens, spanning over 55 acres, features an impressive collection of plants and serene paths for visitors to enjoy.

19. Baldwin Auditorium, built in 1927, is one of the most unique architectural elements on East Campus and underwent major renovations in 2011.

20. The Bryan Center serves as the hub of student activity, housing student organizations, theaters, restaurants, and more.

Schools and Colleges

Duke is composed of several schools and colleges, each with its own unique focus.

21. The Trinity College of Arts & Sciences was established in 1859, making it one of the oldest schools at Duke.

22. The School of Law, established in 1904, is known for its rigorous academic programs and distinguished faculty.

23. The Divinity School, established in 1926, maintains Duke's historic affiliation with the United Methodist Church.

24. The Pratt School of Engineering, established in 1939, offers cutting-edge programs in various engineering disciplines.

Global Presence and Rankings

Duke's global presence and high rankings make it a top choice for students worldwide.

25. Duke University has a significant global presence, with students and faculty from all over the world.

26. In 2021, Duke was ranked fifth in the Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education College Rankings and second for student outcomes.

27. Duke has been ranked 22nd in the world by U.S. News & World Report and 20th in the world by Times Higher Education World University Rankings.

Student Organizations and Community Service

Duke offers numerous student organizations and community service programs that enrich campus life.

28. Hoof ‘n’ Horn, dating back to 1936, is a musical theatre group that puts on three mainstage and multiple cabaret-style productions every year.

29. Duke Diya promotes South Asian culture through social, cultural, and political service, fostering a sense of community among South Asian students.

30. Sabrosura is Duke’s student-run Latin dance group, performing at various events and festivals to showcase Latin dance styles.

31. Adopt-a-Grandparent is a program where students participate in activities with the elderly at Durham Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, fostering intergenerational relationships.

32. The Archive, Duke’s undergraduate literary magazine, dates back to 1887 and features student-written poetry, fiction, and nonfiction.

Admissions and Scholarships

Duke's admissions process is highly competitive, and the university offers various scholarships to support students.

33. Admission to Duke is defined by U.S. News & World Report as "most selective," with an overall acceptance rate of 6.2% for the Class of 2025.

34. The middle 50% of test scores for the 2022 entering class included an SAT range of 1480–1560 and an ACT range of 34–35.

35. Duke has produced numerous Fulbright, Rhodes, Truman, and Goldwater scholars, reflecting its commitment to academic excellence.

36. The university offers various scholarship programs, including merit-based full-tuition scholarships and scholarships for high-achieving students requiring financial aid.

Financial Sense and Employability

Duke is known for its financial sense and high employability rankings.

37. NPR ranked Duke first on its list of "schools that make financial sense" in 2015, recognizing the value students receive from their education.

38. Forbes ranked Duke sixth on its list of "Expensive Schools Worth Every Penny" in 2016, acknowledging the university's commitment to providing a valuable education.

39. U.S. News ranks Duke 13th on its list of Best Value Schools, considering the university's generous financial aid packages.

40. Duke ranked 34th in the world and 12th in the country on Times Higher Education's global employability ranking in 2021.

Historic Buildings and Landmarks

Duke's historic buildings and landmarks add to its charm and character.

41. The original Durham campus, known as East Campus, was rebuilt in stately Georgian architecture.

42. West Campus, Gothic in style and dominated by the soaring 210-foot tower of Duke Chapel, opened in 1930.

43. Duke Chapel is one of the most iconic landmarks on campus, serving as a symbol of the university’s rich history and spiritual life.

Global Impact and Innovation

Duke's global impact and commitment to innovation make it a leader in education and research.

44. In 2015, Thomson Reuters ranked Duke 17th on its list of the world's most innovative universities, highlighting its commitment to cutting-edge research.

45. Duke University Press publishes about 120 new books each year and more than 30 scholarly journals, known for high-quality publications in various fields.

46. Duke Health encompasses world-class academic healthcare and research, delivering care across three hospitals and numerous outpatient services.

47. Duke University has produced 11 billionaires, ranking it 11th among universities in the United States that have produced billionaires.

48. Forbes magazine ranked Duke seventh in the world on its list of 'power factories' in 2012, recognizing its ability to produce highly successful and influential alumni.

49. Duke University has a significant global impact through its research initiatives, international programs, and partnerships, making it a hub for international collaboration.

50. The university's commitment to global education and research ensures that students and faculty from all over the world can collaborate and share knowledge.

Duke University: A Hub of Excellence

Duke University stands out as a beacon of academic excellence, rich history, and vibrant campus life. From its founding in 1838 to its current status as a top-tier research institution, Duke has consistently pushed the boundaries of education and innovation. The stunning Gothic architecture, iconic Duke Chapel, and extensive research initiatives make it a unique place for students and faculty alike. With a strong commitment to community service, diverse student organizations, and generous financial aid, Duke ensures a well-rounded experience for everyone. The university's global impact, notable alumni, and competitive athletic teams further highlight its prestigious reputation. Whether you're drawn to its academic programs, research opportunities, or campus traditions, Duke University offers an environment where students can thrive and make a difference.