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Duke University Ranking 2025–26: Global and Subject-wise Analysis
Randolph County, USA
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#61
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Latest Update Duke University's admissions cycle for the Class of 2029 has concluded, with an overall acceptance rate of 4.8%. The regular decision application deadline for undergraduate programs is November 4, 2025. Duke is test-optional for the 2025-26 admissions cycle, meaning applicants can choose whether or not to submit SAT or ACT scores. |
Introduction
Duke University continues to stand as one of the most prestigious private research universities in the United States, consistently earning global recognition for its academic and professional excellence.
In the QS World University Rankings 2025, Duke was ranked 61st, maintaining a strong position at 62nd in 2026, reflecting stable performance among the world’s leading institutions. In the U.S. News Best Global Universities, Duke secured the 6th position in both 2025 and 2026 nationally, highlighting its enduring reputation in teaching, research, and international outlook. Meanwhile, the Times Higher Education (THE) Rankings placed Duke at 27th worldwide, further reinforcing its influence and impact on higher education.
With world-class programs in medicine, law, business, and engineering, Duke is not just a university but a hub for innovation, leadership, and global networking opportunities.
Let’s now explore Duke University’s rankings in detail for 2025–26.
Duke University Rankings 2025-26
Duke University’s rankings from 2024 to 2026 reflect both stability and prestige across major global and national platforms. In the QS World University Rankings, Duke moved from 57th in 2024 to 61st in 2025 and 62nd in 2026, showing a slight dip but still maintaining its position among the top colleges.
On the other hand, the university demonstrated remarkable consistency in the U.S. News & World Report National University Rankings, holding the 6th spot in both 2025 and 2026, reaffirming its strong standing among top U.S. institutions.
In the Times Higher Education Rankings, Duke placed 26th in 2024 and 27th in 2025, highlighting its continued global competitiveness, though the 2026 update is yet to be released. Overall, these rankings emphasize Duke’s enduring excellence in academics, research, and student outcomes despite minor fluctuations in global placements.
Let's take a look at Duke University's rankings:
| Ranking Body | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
| QS World University | 57 | 61 | 62 |
| U.S. News & World Report (National University) | NA | 6 | 6 |
| Times Higher Education | 26 | 27 | N/A |
Overall, Duke maintains a consistent global presence and national prestige, with only slight shifts in rankings over time.
Let's explore the details to see how your field of study, which you want to choose for Duke University’s admissions ranks.
Subject-wise Rankings of Duke University
In the 2025 subject-wise rankings, Duke University earned top-tier recognition across multiple disciplines. QS ranked its School of Nursing #7 globally, highlighting its leadership in healthcare education.
THE placed Duke's Arts & Humanities programs at 36th worldwide, showcasing a strong academic reputation. U.S. News & World Report ranked Duke's Biomedical Engineering program at #4, demonstrating its innovation and strength in STEM fields.
Let's discuss Duke University rankings for subjects in detail:
QS Rankings
Subject-specific rankings help students identify Duke’s strengths across disciplines. In 2025–26, Duke excelled in Medicine (16th) and Nursing (7th), reaffirming its leadership in healthcare and business education. Programs in Law (34th), Politics (34th), and Sociology (24th) also ranked strongly, reflecting Duke’s balanced academic profile across social sciences and humanities. Engineering-related subjects, such as Mechanical Engineering (118th) and Engineering & Technology overall (135th), placed slightly lower but still maintained global recognition. Here's the ranking of various Duke University courses based on the QS ranking:
|
Subject |
2024 |
2025 |
2026 |
| Accounting & Finance | 38 | 39 | – |
| Biological Sciences | 41 | 32 | – |
| Communication & Media Studies | 51 | 51 | – |
| Engineering & Technology | 134 | 135 | – |
| Law & Legal Studies | 30 | 34 | – |
| Mathematics | 56 | 57 | – |
| Mechanical Engineering | 122 | 118 | – |
| Medicine | 17 | 16 | – |
| Nursing | 14 | 7 | – |
| Performing Arts | – | 101 | – |
| Pharmacy & Pharmacology | 56 | 52 | – |
| Physics & Astronomy | 123 | 92 | – |
| Politics | 43 | 34 | – |
| Sociology | 34 | 24 | – |
Now, let's look at Duke University's Times Higher Education Rankings
THE (Times Higher Education) Rankings
In the THE World University Rankings, Duke has maintained a stable global presence, ranking 25th in 2023, 26th in 2024, and 27th in 2025. Despite a slight year-on-year dip, the university continues to be a top contender globally, especially among U.S. private research institutions.
Duke’s subject rankings in THE further demonstrate its academic breadth. The Clinical and Health faculty consistently placed in the top 25, reflecting Duke’s strength in medicine, nursing, and life sciences. Law improved steadily, climbing to 23rd in 2025, while Life Sciences also rose to 23rd, highlighting strong biomedical research. Business and Economics performed exceptionally well, reaching 15th in 2025, consolidating Duke’s global reputation in management education. Meanwhile, Engineering (63rd) and Computer Science (57th) maintained visibility among competitive STEM disciplines, and Psychology remained in the top 30 worldwide.
Here's how different courses at Duke University rank based on THE rankings:
|
Ranked by |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
| Arts & Humanities | 31 | 35 | 36 |
| Clinical & Health | 23 | 22 | 23 |
| Engineering | 52 | 61 | 63 |
| Law | 28 | 24 | 23 |
| Life Sciences | 26 | 25 | 23 |
| Business & Economics | 17 | 18 | 15 |
| Computer Science | 52 | 59 | 57 |
| Psychology | 23 | 20 | 26 |
Next, let's discuss the US news rankings for Duke University
U.S. News Rankings
In the 2025 U.S. News & World Report rankings, Duke University continued to excel in professional programs. Its Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program ranked #4 nationally, while Environmental Engineering at the Pratt School maintained a strong position at #10, affirming Duke's leadership in health sciences and engineering education.
Here's a look at Duke University rankings for popular programs:
|
Program Name |
Ranking 2025 |
| Biomedical Engineering (Pratt School) | #4 nationally |
| Environmental Engineering (Pratt School) | #10 nationally (still within top 10) |
| Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) | #4 nationally |
| Online Master's in Nursing Programs | #3 overall |
| Online Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) | #1 nationally |
| Online Nursing Administration/Leadership | #1 nationally |
| Online Nursing Education (Master's) | #1 nationally |
| Online Psychiatric-Mental Health NP Program | #1 nationally |
| Online MSN Programs (Veteran ranking) | #3 nationally |
Let's look at how Duke University performs in other diversified rankings.
Miscellaneous Ranking 2025
In the 2025 Center for World University Rankings (CWUR), Duke University secured a prestigious #21 global position and ranked #16 nationally in the U.S.
These rankings reflect Duke's strong performance across education quality, research output, faculty excellence, alumni employability and its impact on the education system in the US.
Here are some of the Duke University rankings in miscellaneous areas:
| Ranking Organization | Ranking Details | Rank |
| Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) | Global evaluation of education, faculty, research, and alumni employability | #21 globally (2025) |
| CWUR | National Rank (USA) | #16 (2025) |
| QS Sustainability Ranking | QS World University Ranking | #206 |
| Financial Times Global MBA Ranking | Fuqua School of Business – Career progression, salary increase, and faculty expertise | #11 globally (2025) |
| Shanghai Ranking (ARWU) | Subject Ranking – Business & Management | #151- 200 in the U.S. (2025) |
| Shanghai Ranking (ARWU) | Subject Ranking – Economics | #21 in the U.S. (2025) |
| Shanghai Ranking (ARWU) | Subject Ranking – Law | #15 in the U.S. (2025) |
| Leiden Ranking | Biomedical & Health Sciences – Scientific impact | #108 globally (2024) |
Let's explore the academic and extracurricular achievements that demonstrate the academic standing of Duke University.
Duke University: Excellence and Achievements
Duke University exemplifies academic excellence through outstanding student success, innovative research, and global impact.
The Fuqua School of Business boasts an impressive 95% six-month employment rate, with median starting salaries exceeding $120,000. Duke secures $1 billion annually in sponsored funding on the research frontier, with the School of Medicine ranking #4 in NIH dollars and the Nursing School's DNP program sitting at #2 nationally.
Additionally, the Duke Clinical Research Institute (DCRI), the world's largest academic clinical research organization, leads groundbreaking trials in cardiovascular health and AI-driven medicine. It is a guiding force for many US-based Masters in Clinical Research students.
Below is an overview of the Duke University ranking and recognitions across key areas:
Academic Excellence and National Recognition
Duke University demonstrates its academic excellence through strict standards and nationally recognized student honors. The university awards Latin Honors to the top 25% of each graduating class, acknowledging sustained academic performance with distinctions based on GPA. Undergraduate students also earn spots on the Dean's List, with the top 10% receiving "Dean's List with Distinction".
Here are the significant academic and national recognitions:
| Category | Recognition |
| Academic Honors | Latin Honors awarded to the top 5%, next 10%, and next 10% of graduating class, respectively, based on cumulative GPA. |
| Dean's List | Semester honors for undergraduates in the top 10% (Dean's List with Distinction) or top third (Dean's List) of their college (Trinity or Pratt). |
| Faculty Awards | Pratt School of Engineering faculty regularly receive national accolades (e.g., National Medal of Science, IEEE awards, Sloan Fellowships, and election to the National Academies). |
| Graduate Teaching Awards | Dean's Award for Excellence in Teaching honors Ph.D. students for outstanding undergraduate or graduate instruction. |
| Undergraduate Teaching Prize | Judith Decker Award recognizes faculty for transformative undergraduate teaching, selected through community nominations (e.g., inculcating intellectual curiosity and mentorship). |
Next, let's see how Duke University has been developing its student community as an inclusive one.
Community and Lifestyle Recognitions
Duke University celebrates student contributions beyond academics through initiatives like the Forever Duke Student Leadership Award, which honors graduate students for excellence in mentorship, research, and community service.
Here are some of Duke University's community development initiatives:
| Category | Recognition |
| Student Leadership | Forever Duke Student Leadership Award: Honors graduate students for mentorship, research, and service. |
| Campus Traditions | LDOC Celebration and Krzyzewskiville Tenting: Annual end-of-class festivities and basketball camping tradition. |
| Athletics & Spirit | 17 NCAA Championships (e.g., Men's Basketball, Women's Golf); free student game tickets. |
| Community Engagement |
|
| Faculty/Staff Honors | Presidential Awards: Recognizes staff/faculty exemplifying Duke's values (e.g., Respect, Inclusion). |
Now, let's explore how Duke University promotes creative and cultural initiatives for international students.
Cultural and Creative Excellence
Duke University fosters cultural and creative excellence through prestigious arts awards celebrating student talent and scholarship. The Mary Duke Biddle Foundation Visual Art Award honors exceptional visual artists like Isabelle Carey '25.
At the same time, the Nancy Kaneb Art History Award recognizes academic excellence in art history, exemplified by students such as Marley O'Connor '25. These honors reflect Duke's dedication to the arts and humanities.
Here are some notable creative initiatives of Duke University that help you make the most of your university experience:
| Category | Recognition |
| Visual Arts | Mary Duke Biddle Foundation Visual Art Award: Honors outstanding student artists (e.g., Isabelle Carey, 25). |
| Art History | Nancy Kaneb Art History Award: Recognizes excellence in art history scholarship (e.g., Marley O'Connor 25). |
| Film & Media | Cinematic Arts Outstanding Filmmaker Award: Celebrates student filmmakers (e.g., Isabel Dudlyke 25). |
| Creative Writing | Anne Flexner Memorial Award: For fiction (Emma Huang' 25) and poetry (Arielle Stern' 25). Reynolds Price Fiction Award (Audie Waller 28). |
| Music | Julia Wilkinson Mueller Prize: Excellence in music performance (Vicky Yang 25). Paul Bryan Award: Collaborative music projects (Carlos Montes' 25). |
Now that you've explored Duke University's ranking and achievements in academics, culture, and community development, let's discuss the relationship between ranking and acceptance rates.
Duke University: Ranking V/S Acceptance Rate
Duke University blends world-class academic rankings with a highly selective admissions process. In the 2025 QS World University Rankings by Subject, Duke ranks #7 globally in Nursing, #5 in Theology, and #22 in English Literature, showcasing its excellence across disciplines.
With an acceptance rate typically under 7%, Duke offers elite education to a carefully selected group of high-achieving students.
Below is a table showcasing the overall acceptance rate for Duke University for the top programs:
|
Course |
QS World Rankings |
Acceptance Rate |
| Nursing (School of Nursing) | 7 | 7% |
| Theology, Divinity & Religious Studies | 5 | |
| English Language & Literature | 22 |
Students should consider Duke University's academic strength and accessibility as a potential choice.
Now, let's discuss the methodologies used to evaluate universities for rankings.
Ranking Methodologies
Global university ranking systems provide uniform frameworks to evaluate and rank top universities globally, incorporating statistical data and qualitative insights. Leading bodies like QS, Times Higher Education (THE), and U.S. News & World Report apply distinct methodologies to assess different dimensions of academic performance and institutional excellence.
Let's explore ranking methodologies for ranking agencies such as QS, THE, and US News:
QS World University Rankings
The QS World University Rankings is one of the leading global systems for evaluating universities, reviewing over 1,500 institutions annually. It combines academic and employer reputation surveys with measurable data like faculty-to-student ratios and research performance.
Here are the indicators used in QS World University rankings.
| Focus Area | Indicators | Weightage |
|
Research and Discovery
|
Academic Reputation | 30% |
| Citations per Faculty | 20% | |
|
Employability and Outcomes
|
Employer Reputation | 15% |
| Employment Outcomes | 5% | |
| Global Engagement | International Faculty Ratio | 5% |
| International Research Network | 5% | |
| International Student Ratio | 5% | |
| International Student Diversity | 0% | |
| Learning Experience | Faculty Student Ratio | 10% |
| Sustainability | Sustainability | 5% |
Now, let's take a look at the ranking methodology for THE
Times Higher Education (THE) Rankings
The Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings is a highly respected global evaluation system focused on research-driven universities. It assesses institutions based on five core pillars: Teaching, Research Environment, Research Quality, International Outlook, and Industry Engagement, offering a well-rounded view of academic excellence.
Here are the criteria used by THE university rankings.
| Focus Area | Indicators | Weightage |
| Teaching | Teaching Reputation | 15% |
| Staff-to-student ratio | 4.5% | |
| Doctorate-to-bachelor's ratio | 2% | |
| Doctorates-awarded-to-academic-staff ratio | 5.5% | |
| Institutional income | 2.5% | |
| Research Environment | Research reputation | 18% |
| Research income | 5.5% | |
| Research productivity | 5.5% | |
| Research Quality | Citation impact | 15% |
| Research strength | 5% | |
| Research excellence | 5% | |
| Research influence | 5% | |
|
International Outlook
|
Proportion of international students | 2.5% |
| Proportion of international staff | 2.5% | |
| International collaboration | 2.5% | |
| Industry | Industry income | 2% |
| Patents | 2% |
Now, let's explore the ranking methodology for THE
U.S. News and World Report Rankings
U.S. News & World Report is a widely respected authority on higher education rankings, using a comprehensive approach that emphasizes academic quality, student success, and social mobility. The 2025 rankings prioritize measurable outcomes such as graduation rates and career options after graduation, providing a holistic picture of university performance.
Here are the criteria used in U.S. News and World Report rankings:
| Focus Indicators | Weightage |
| Graduation Rates | 16% |
| First-year retention rates | 5% |
| Graduation rate performance | 10% |
| Pell graduation rates | 5.5% |
| Pell graduation performance | 5.5% |
| College grads earning more than a high school grad | 5% |
| Borrower debt | 5% |
| Peer assessment | 20% |
| Financial resources | 8% |
| Faculty salaries | 8% |
| Full-time faculty | 3% |
| Student-faculty ratio | 4% |
| Standardized tests | 5% |
These rankings showcase Duke University's ability to provide high-quality education and strong real-world outcomes, such as employability. Its 2025 results emphasize the university's academic and research excellence.
Next, let's explore Duke's position in global higher education.
Conclusion
In 2025, Duke University held strong global and national rankings #61 in QS, #27 in THE, and #6 in U.S. News, reflecting academic excellence. Subject-wise, Duke shines in fields such as Medicine (#16), Nursing (#7), Business & Economics (#15), and Law (#23), while also making strong showings in STEM disciplines like Engineering (#63) and Computer Science (#57).
Duke ranked #21 globally and #16 nationally in CWUR, with $1B in research funding and leadership in medical research through the DCRI. The university also received recognition in teaching, student leadership, and the arts, with awards across visual arts, humanities, and public service.
With an acceptance rate under 7%, Duke combines elite academics with competitive admissions, making it one of the world's most selective and respected institutions.
FAQs
What makes Duke University different from other Ivy Plus institutions?
Duke University ranking consistently reflects its unique balance of research excellence and student-centered education. Unlike many Ivy Plus peers, it combines interdisciplinary flexibility with global engagement. With strengths across sciences, humanities, and professional studies, Duke maintains a competitive edge in both U.S. and global rankings.
How strong is Duke’s alumni network across industries like healthcare, law, and finance?
Duke’s alumni network is globally influential, spanning healthcare, law, finance, business, and public policy. Graduates often occupy leadership positions in Fortune 500 companies and global NGOs. This reach reinforces Duke University world ranking 2025 performance indicators, particularly in employability and alumni outcomes recognized by QS and U.S. News.
What research centers are globally recognized at Duke?
Duke hosts renowned centers like the Duke Global Health Institute and the Nicholas Institute for Energy, Environment & Sustainability. Their groundbreaking contributions enhance the university’s reputation in research rankings. These institutes directly influence Duke University QS ranking and subject-specific recognition in life sciences, environment, and medical fields.
How does Duke’s medical school rank compared to global peers?
Duke University subject ranking highlights its medical school as one of the world’s best, ranked #16 in Medicine (QS 2025). Its reputation for innovation in research and patient care makes it highly competitive, placing Duke ahead of many Ivy Plus peers in global healthcare and medical education.
What role does Duke play in sustainability and community engagement rankings?
Sustainability is integral to Duke’s mission, reflected in campus-wide initiatives and global research leadership. The university’s community engagement efforts also strengthen its academic impact. These dimensions contribute indirectly to Duke University world ranking 2025, highlighting values beyond academics, including social responsibility, sustainability, and global outreach.
How competitive is student life, and what are the most popular clubs?
Student life at Duke is vibrant and competitive, with over 400 clubs covering academics, culture, arts, sports, and entrepreneurship. Popular groups include the Duke Student Government and cultural organizations. This rich extracurricular ecosystem complements Duke University ranking outcomes by fostering leadership, collaboration, and holistic student development.
Does Duke offer joint or dual-degree programs?
Yes, Duke offers dual-degree pathways such as JD/MBA, MD/PhD, and MEM/MBA. These programs strengthen Duke University MBA ranking and global reputation by enabling interdisciplinary learning. Students benefit from world-class faculty, cross-campus collaboration, and career opportunities across healthcare, law, business, and environmental sciences.
How accessible are Duke faculty for academic mentorship?
Duke maintains a 6:1 student-faculty ratio, ensuring strong mentorship and personalized guidance. Faculty accessibility is often highlighted in Duke University QS ranking surveys, which emphasize academic reputation and teaching quality. International students especially value the direct mentorship opportunities, which enhance both research outcomes and professional preparation.
What student support services are available for international students?
Duke offers tailored support through the International House, career services, academic advising, and wellness programs. These resources ease cultural transition and academic integration. Such services contribute to positive student satisfaction scores, indirectly reinforcing Duke University ranking indicators in teaching, learning environment, and student experience.
How does Duke compare with Ivy League universities in rankings?
Duke University US News ranking at #6 nationally puts it on par with Ivy League institutions. Globally, Duke University QS ranking at 62 (2026) and THE at 27 (2025) showcase its elite academic standing, often matching or surpassing traditional Ivies in specific subject rankings.
Which signature events define the Duke student experience?
Signature events include the Duke vs. UNC basketball rivalry, LDOC (Last Day of Classes), and cultural festivals. These traditions build community and enhance student life. While not directly part of Duke University ranking, such experiences reflect its vibrant campus culture and strong student engagement.
What are Duke’s strongest professional preparation resources?
Duke University subject ranking and MBA ranking highlight strong professional training resources like the Fuqua School of Business Career Center, Duke Health partnerships, and alumni mentorship. These resources ensure career readiness across industries, boosting Duke’s reputation for employability in both QS and U.S. News global rankings.
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