Only five percent of applicants to Duke University are expected to be accepted for admission this year, with an expected first-year class of slightly more than 1,700 students and a record-breaking 34,400 applications received.

“We’ve been increasing the visibility of our programs for low-income and first-generation students, and people are paying attention,” said Christoph Guttentag, Duke’s dean of undergraduate admissions when discussing the nearly seven percent increase in admission applications.

A recent partnership with QuestBridge, a non-profit organization that helps to connect low-income students who show academic promise with high-profile and selective universities, has helped to boost Duke’s applications from students who normally would view the storied institution as out of reach. Guttentag also credits the Washington Duke Scholars program, which has provided financial, cultural and academic support for 30 first-generation students and those from under-resourced high schools.

“In two of the last three years, students of color have made up 50 percent of the incoming first-year class,” said Guttentag. “Duke is a place with a significant representation of people of color, and a welcoming place for the wide range of backgrounds and experiences we find among talented students.”

According to Guttentag, 68 percent of applicants indicated an intention to apply for financial aid, the highest percentage in 20 years, and over 3,000 of applicants from this year applied under Duke’s binding Early Decision process, in which applicants who apply by an early November deadline pledge to attend if accepted.

These numbers also include a 12 percent increase in applications from international students, and Duke’s “need blind” policy for U.S. citizens and permanent residents means that applicants are accepted regardless of their ability to pay for college. Duke meets 100 percent of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students.

Duke releases admission decisions in late March and early April.

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