Size of Duke University?

Hey, could anyone give me a good sense of the size of Duke University? I mean, in terms of student population, campus area, that kind of thing. It's hard to tell from just looking at photos or numbers online. Thanks in advance!

Hello! I completely understand that seeing numbers on a webpage doesn't always give you a real sense of what a place is like. To give you a bit of context, Duke is considered a medium-sized university. Let me lay out some specifics:

In terms of student population, as of 2024, Duke has roughly 6,500 undergraduate students and around 10,400 graduate and professional students. So, overall, you're looking at about 16,900 students, give or take. This mix of undergraduate and graduate students can make the campus feel bustling and academically vibrant.

In regards to campus size, Duke has a rather large campus for a university of its enrollment size. The campus, with its Gothic architecture and beautiful Sarah P. Duke Gardens, spans about 8,600 acres, but this also includes Duke Forest, a substantial research area. The main part of campus you'd be navigating as a student, primarily West Campus (where most upperclassmen live and where many academic buildings are located) and East Campus (where all freshmen live), is much smaller and walkable.

Lastly, plenty of students describe Duke's environment as having a balance between a sizable university with diverse options and a small-enough community to often see familiar faces when walking to class or dining in a student union. I hope this sheds a bit better light on what Duke might feel like.

Remember that it's also a good idea to participate in college tours (virtual or in-person). This can give you a tangible feeling for the campus atmosphere and layout.