Duke Fuqua MBA: Acceptance Rate, Deadlines, Cost, Requirements, & Program Overview

Duke Fuqua School of Business MBA Program Overview (2025)

Founded in 1969, Duke University Fuqua School of Business is one of the top MBA programs in the world. Fuqua students consistently rank above average in GRE scores, reinforcing the school's high standards and competitiveness. It offers full-time, executive, and dual-degree MBA programs and is best known for its Team Fuqua culture, which emphasizes collaboration, leadership, and impact. Located in Durham, North Carolina, Fuqua offers strong career opportunities in consulting, technology, finance, healthcare, and entrepreneurship.

Key Features of the Duke Fuqua MBA

• Team Fuqua Culture – A focus on teamwork, inclusivity, and leadership.
• Flexible Curriculum – A mix of core courses, 100+ electives, and 16 concentrations.
• Strong Career Outcomes – 85% of graduates receive offers within three months.
• Global Learning – Study abroad options, international consulting projects, and exchange programs.

Duke MBA Acceptance Rate

Duke Fuqua is highly selective, with an acceptance rate of 25% for the Daytime MBA program. It seeks applicants with strong leadership potential, teamwork abilities, and professional excellence.

Duke MBA Class Profile (2025)

The Fuqua MBA Class of 2025 represents a diverse and highly accomplished student body, with detailed demographics and diversity metrics showcasing the composition of professionals from different industries and backgrounds.

• Class Size: 427 students
• Women: 51%
• International Students: 41%
• Average GMAT Score: 720
• GMAT Range (Middle 80%): 680–760
• Average GRE Score: 325
• Average GPA: 3.5
• Average Work Experience: 6.1 years
• U.S. Race/Ethnicity Breakdown:
  • White: 45%
  • Asian American: 21%
  • Black/African American: 10%
  • Hispanic/Latinx: 7%
  • Multiracial: 3%

View the Full Duke MBA Class Profile

Duke University MBA Cost — Tuition & Fees

Pursuing an MBA at Duke Fuqua is a major investment, but the school provides merit-based scholarships, loan options, and financial aid to help students finance their degrees. Below is the estimated cost of attendance for the Daytime MBA Class of 2027 (students starting in August 2025).

Estimated First-Year Cost of Attendance (Class of 2027)

Note: Tuition rates are subject to change. Visit the University Bursar Office for the most up-to-date billing schedule and due dates.

Scholarships, Loans, and Financial Aid

Duke Fuqua provides multiple scholarship and loan options to assist students in covering the cost of their MBA.

Learn more about Fuqua's Financial Aid & Scholarships

Duke MBA Dual Degree Programs — Tuition & Costs

Students enrolled in dual-degree programs at Duke Fuqua pay a blended tuition rate, which is split between Fuqua and the partner school. Below is the estimated Cost of Attendance for dual-degree students starting in Fall 2024.

Important Notes for Dual Degree Students:

• MD/MBA Students: Pay Fuqua’s standard tuition rate ($77,925) during their first year, before moving to a blended tuition model.
• Loan Processing: Most dual-degree students take out student loans through the school they start at first. If you begin at another Duke school before transferring to Fuqua, loans will initially be processed by that institution.
• Scholarship Impact: Scholarship awards are re-evaluated when switching to a dual-degree program. Contact Fuqua’s Financial Aid Office for more details.

View Full Dual Degree Program Costs

Duke MBA Payment Plan & Loan Options

• Five-Month Tuition Payment Plan: Allows students to pay tuition in five installments instead of a lump sum.
• Federal & Private Loans: Available for U.S. students; international students have access to no-cosigner loan options.
• Employer Sponsorship: Many Executive MBA and Part-Time MBA students use employer tuition reimbursement programs.

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Duke Fuqua Employment Report (2024)

Duke Fuqua graduates continue to achieve strong employment outcomes across top industries and employers. The Class of 2024 demonstrated resilience and adaptability in a competitive job market, securing impressive salaries and career opportunities across consulting, finance, technology, healthcare, and other industries.

Note: The Fuqua Career Management Center (CMC) provides customized job search support and strong employer partnerships, helping students secure positions that align with their career goals.

Duke MBA Employment by Industry

Duke Fuqua MBAs accepted full-time roles across 11+ industries, with consulting, finance, and technology leading the way.

Key Industry Trends:

• Consulting and finance remain dominant hiring industries, accounting for nearly two-thirds of all hires.
• Technology hiring saw a shift towards e-commerce and software roles, while hardware and networking maintained steady demand.
• Healthcare and energy saw slight increases, reflecting industry-wide hiring shifts.

Employment by Function

Duke Fuqua MBAs accepted positions in a variety of business functions, with consulting, finance, and general management being the most popular.

• Consulting continues to dominate, with 42% of Fuqua MBAs entering strategy, management, and specialized consulting roles.
• Finance hiring remains strong, particularly in investment banking and private equity.
• General management and leadership development programs continue to be attractive career paths.

Duke Fuqua Employment by Location

Most Duke MBA graduates accepted jobs in major U.S. business hubs, with the Northeast and South leading the way.

Global Hiring: About 2% of Duke MBAs accepted jobs outside the U.S., with placements in South Korea, Thailand, and Brazil.

Top Employers Hiring Duke MBAs (Class of 2024)

Duke MBAs were recruited by top consulting firms, financial institutions, and technology companies, including:

Consulting Firms

• Boston Consulting Group (BCG) – 27 hires
• McKinsey & Company – 19 hires
• Bain & Company – 13 hires
• Deloitte Consulting – 10 hires
• Kearney, L.E.K. Consulting, Oliver Wyman – 5+ hires each

Financial Services

• Bank of America – 8 hires
• Goldman Sachs, Wells Fargo, UBS – 5+ hires each
• Evercore, Barclays, Citi, JPMorgan Chase – Multiple hires

Technology Companies

• Amazon – 11 hires
• Dell, Adobe, Samsung, Microsoft – Multiple hires

Healthcare & Consumer Goods

• DaVita, UnitedHealth Group, Eli Lilly – Healthcare hires
• Procter & Gamble, PepsiCo, Conagra Brands – Consumer goods hires

Fuqua MBAs secured roles across a broad range of industries, including boutique firms, nonprofit organizations, and Fortune 500 companies.

Duke MBA Internships (Class of 2025)

Internships play a key role in career development for first-year Duke MBAs, with many students securing full-time job offers based on their summer internships.

Top Internship Employers (Class of 2025)

• Consulting: BCG, McKinsey, Bain, Deloitte
• Finance: Goldman Sachs, J.P. Morgan, Evercore
• Technology: Amazon, Microsoft, Google
• Consumer Goods: Procter & Gamble, PepsiCo

View the Full Duke MBA Employment Report

Duke Fuqua MBA Application Overview

Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business offers a range of MBA programs and specialized master’s degrees tailored to various career stages, learning formats, and professional goals. Whether you’re seeking a full-time immersive experience, a flexible executive program, or a specialized analytics degree, Fuqua provides a program to match your aspirations. It is crucial to articulate your post-MBA career goals in your admissions essays and recommendations to help the admissions committee understand your future professional aspirations.

Duke Fuqua MBA Programs & Degrees

Fuqua’s MBA offerings cater to a broad spectrum of professionals, from recent graduates to experienced executives.

Full-Time MBA Programs

Daytime MBA (22 months, In-Person, STEM-Designated)

• A traditional full-time MBA with a focus on leadership, teamwork, and strategic thinking.
• Ideal for professionals seeking career advancement or industry transitions.

Accelerated Daytime MBA (10 months, In-Person, STEM-Designated)

• Designed for individuals who already hold a master’s degree in management.
• Focuses on electives and experiential learning rather than core business fundamentals.

Executive & Part-Time MBA Programs

Global Duke University Executive MBA (21 months, Hybrid Format)

• Blends online learning with global residencies across Asia, South America, Europe, and North America.
• Ideal for mid- to senior-level professionals who want a global business perspective.

Weekend Executive MBA (22 months, Hybrid Format)

• A part-time program designed for working professionals who want to advance their careers without leaving their jobs.
• Combines in-person weekend residencies and online learning.

Specialized Business & Analytics Programs

MS in Quantitative Management (MQM): Business Analytics (10 months, In-Person, STEM-Designated)

• For recent college graduates with strong quantitative skills.
• Focuses on data analytics, strategy, and decision-making.

Master of Quantitative Management (MSQM): Business Analytics (19 months, Online)

• Designed for working professionals looking to expand their analytics expertise while continuing their careers.
• Covers business fundamentals and data-driven decision-making.

Master of Quantitative Management (MSQM): Health Analytics (19 months, Online)

• A specialized healthcare-focused analytics degree.
• Prepares professionals to make data-driven decisions in the healthcare sector.

Early-Career & Deferred MBA Programs

Duke Deferred MBA Program (For Undergraduates & Early Career Applicants)

• Allows college seniors and early-career professionals to secure a spot in Fuqua’s Daytime MBA while gaining 2-5 years of work experience before enrolling.

Master of Management Studies (MMS): Foundations of Business (10 months, In-Person, STEM-Designated)

• Designed for recent college graduates who want a strong foundation in business before entering the workforce.

Master of Management Studies (MMS): Duke Kunshan University (10 months, In-Person)

• A global business program where students split time between Durham, NC, and Kunshan, China.

Tips for Admitted Students:

About Durham, NC:

Joint Degree MBA Programs

Fuqua offers dual-degree options for students who want to combine business education with another discipline:

Each joint degree program integrates business knowledge with specialized expertise in law, medicine, public policy, finance, and environmental management, enabling students to diversify their career options.

Executive Education & Leadership Programs

For professionals looking to develop leadership skills without committing to a full-time MBA, Fuqua offers short-term executive education programs, including:

Duke Certificate of Leadership & Management (1 year, In-Person)

• Designed for professionals looking to enhance leadership, communication, and management skills.
• Includes electives in negotiation, strategic management, and industry-specific leadership training.

Learn more about Duke Fuqua MBA Programs

Duke MBA Application Deadline (2024-2025)

If you're applying to Duke University's Fuqua School of Business, it's crucial to keep track of the application deadlines for the Daytime MBA program. Fuqua offers multiple rounds, including an Early Action option for candidates ready to commit.

Note for International Applicants:

It is recommended that international applicants apply in Early Action, Round 1, Round 2, or Round 3 to allow sufficient time for visa processing.

Accelerated MBA Applicants:

The Accelerated MBA program only accepts applications in Rounds 1-4.

Consortium Applicants:

• Consortium deadlines: October 15, 2024, and January 5, 2025.
• If applying through the Consortium for Graduate Study in Management, you must apply via the Consortium application, not directly through Fuqua.

View Duke MBA Application Deadlines

Which Round Should You Apply In?

• Early Action – Best for candidates who are 100% committed to Fuqua. This is a binding decision—if accepted, you must withdraw all other applications.
• Round 1 – Ideal for applicants who want to maximize scholarship consideration and apply early without committing to Early Action.
• Round 2 – Most common round for applicants; provides ample time to refine applications while keeping options open.
• Round 3 – Suitable for those who need more time to strengthen their application, but scholarship opportunities may be limited.
• Round 4 – The final opportunity to apply, best for highly competitive candidates or those considering a last-minute application.

Duke MBA Requirements

Transcripts

Submit scanned, legible copies of unofficial transcripts from every institution where you:

• Earned a degree.
• Studied for one semester or more.
• Earned 12 or more credits (or 4+ credits if using a different system).
• Took a class relevant to graduate study.

Transcript Guidelines:

• Must include your name, institution name, courses taken, grades received, and degree conferred (if applicable).
• If not in English, provide an official translation along with the original transcript.
• If your transcript does not state the degree or conferral date, also submit a copy of your diploma.

Where to Send Transcripts:

• Email: transcripts@fuqua.duke.edu
• Mail (Sealed Envelope):Duke UniversityThe Fuqua School of BusinessOffice of Admissions100 Fuqua Drive, Box 90120Durham, NC 27708-0120

When to Submit Official Transcripts

• Only required after admission for verification.
• Must be received no later than one week before program start date.

Duke MBA Essays

Required Essays:

1. "25 Random Things About You"
   • A list of 25 personal insights about yourself.
   • Maximum 750 words (2 pages).
2. Career Goals & Plan B Essay
   • Share post-MBA goals and alternative plan.
   • 100 words maximum.
3. How You Will Contribute to Fuqua
   • Explain three ways you will contribute to Fuqua’s student-led culture.
   • 500 words maximum (1 page).

Optional Essay (If Applicable):

• Address work gaps, academic inconsistencies, or unusual circumstances.
• 500 words maximum (1 page).

1-Page Business Resume

Upload via online application portal.

Include:

• Full-time employment
• Volunteer work
• Internships
• Part-time work experience
• Education history

Letters of Recommendation

Requirement:

• One letter of recommendation from a professional contact who can provide insights into the candidate's professional skills and abilities.

Guidelines:

• Should be from a supervisor, mentor, or senior colleague.
• Academic recommendations are discouraged unless they provide unique insights.
• Must be submitted through Fuqua’s online system (No email or paper submissions accepted).

Recommendation Form Questions:

1. Briefly describe your interaction with the applicant and their role.
2. How does the applicant compare to peers in similar roles?
3. Describe the most important constructive feedback you’ve given the applicant and their response.
4. Additional comments (optional).

Endorsements from Fuqua Alumni or Students:

• Not required, but a bonus endorsement may be submitted.
• Applicants endorsed before application submission receive an application fee waiver.

Standardized Test Scores

Accepted Tests:

• GMAT or GMAT Focus (Administered by Pearson VUE)
• GRE (Administered by ETS)
• Executive Assessment (EA)

Test Score Policies:

• No preference for GMAT vs. GRE vs. EA.
• No minimum test score requirement.
• Scores must be valid at the time of application submission.
• Self-reported scores are accepted initially, but official scores are required after admission.

Test Codes:

• GMAT/EA: Q13-N5-32
• GRE: 5156 (Department Code: 4201 – Business Administration)

Application Fee

• $225 (non-refundable)
• Payable via VISA or MasterCard.

Application Fee Waivers Available for:

• Active-duty military & veterans.
• Members of Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, or Teach for America.
• Fuqua-approved diversity organizations (Forte, MLT, ROMBA, etc.).
• Those who attend Fuqua admissions events.
• Duke University alumni.
• Applicants endorsed by a Fuqua student or alumnus.

Interview Process

• Interviews are by invitation only and conducted virtually or in person.
• Interviewers include admissions staff, alumni, or second-year MBA students (Admissions Fellows).
• Interviews last 45-60 minutes and are evaluated equally regardless of format.
• Your interviewer will only have access to your resume.

Interview Timelines by Round:

Reapplicants

• Can "clone" their previous application (from 2019 or later).
• Required to submit:
  • Updated resume, essays, and test scores (if applicable).
  • One recommendation letter (may reuse last year’s).

Reapplicant Essay:

• Reflect on what changed since last year’s application.
• 500 words maximum (1 page).

International Applicants

• Strongly encouraged to apply by Round 3 for visa processing.
• All transcripts & diplomas must be in English (or officially translated).
• Fuqua does not accept ESL test scores.
• MBA/MEM dual degree applicants must submit TOEFL/IELTS for the MEM portion.

View Duke MBA Application Requirements

Duke Fuqua MBA Curriculum & Class Structure

First-Year Core Curriculum

The first year builds a strong business foundation through four 6-week terms, with team-based learning and early elective access.

Core Courses:

• Managerial Economics – Market behavior and strategic decision-making
• Corporate Finance – Investment and valuation strategies
• Decision Models – Data-driven managerial decisions
• Leadership & Ethics – Organizational leadership principles
• Operations Management – Supply chain and production efficiency
• Marketing Management – Customer strategy and market positioning
• Financial & Managerial Accounting – Financial reporting and cost analysis
• Foundations of Business Analytics – Statistical modeling for decision-making

Global Exposure: Options include Global Academic Travel Experience (GATE), study abroad programs, and international consulting projects.

Second-Year Electives & Specializations

Students choose from 16 concentrations, including:

• Finance
• Marketing
• Entrepreneurship & Innovation
• Healthcare Management
• Technology & Strategy
• Operations & Decision Sciences

Elective Highlights:

• Venture Capital & Private Equity
• Digital Strategy & AI in Business
• Impact Investing
• Negotiations & Leadership Development

Program Structure

First-Year Structure

Second-Year Structure

Exemptions for Prior Experience

Students who already have extensive experience in finance, statistics, or other core subjects can demonstrate prior mastery of core MBA courses. If granted an exemption, they can immediately enroll in advanced electives or specialized courses instead of repeating fundamental topics.

How to Get Into Duke Fuqua MBA

Duke MBA Application Process: Key Steps

1. Complete All Application Components: Ensure all sections of the application are filled out accurately.
2. Notify Your Recommenders: Give them sufficient time to submit a strong letter of recommendation.
3. Polish Your Essays: Your application essays should showcase your leadership, teamwork, and impact.
4. Submit Your Best Test Scores: While GMAT, GRE, and EA scores are accepted, Fuqua also considers test waivers for eligible candidates.
5. Prepare for Your Interview: Interviews are by invitation only and are conducted either in person or virtually.

Applying earlier increases your chances of scholarships and securing a spot before the class fills up.

Next Steps After Applying

• Interview (Invitation Only)
• Receive Admission Decision
• Attend Blue Devil Weekend (for admitted students)

Duke Fuqua Notable Alumni & Faculty

Notable Alumni

• Tim Cook – CEO of Apple
• Melinda Gates – Co-Founder, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
• John Browning – Former CEO, Volkswagen Group of America

Faculty

• Dan Ariely – Behavioral Economics Expert
• Campbell R. Harvey – Finance & Cryptocurrencies
• Robert Whaley – Developer of the VIX Index

Get Into Duke Fuqua With the Help of Experts

Work with a Duke Fuqua MBA admissions coach to refine your essays, resume, and interview strategy. Get personalized support to strengthen your application, Duke Fuqua MBA essays, video questions, and interviews.

Here are three of the most popular MBA admissions consultants for Duke Fuqua:

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FAQs

Is Duke Fuqua hard to get into?

• Yes, Duke Fuqua is highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 20-25%. Strong academic credentials, leadership experience, and a collaborative mindset are key for admission.

What is Duke Fuqua ranked in the world?

• Fuqua consistently ranks among the top 15 MBA programs globally, with U.S. News & World Report, Financial Times, and The Economist placing it among the best business schools for leadership and management education.

What is Duke Fuqua MBA known for?

• Fuqua is renowned for its "Team Fuqua" culture, emphasizing collaboration, leadership, and global business education. It is particularly strong in consulting, healthcare management, finance, and entrepreneurship.

Why is Duke called Fuqua?

• Duke’s business school was named after J.B. Fuqua, a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist who generously donated to the school. His contributions helped shape Fuqua into a top-tier institution.

What is Fuqua famous for?

• Fuqua is known for its data-driven decision-making curriculum, strong alumni network, and global business focus. It also offers STEM-designated MBA programs, providing extended work opportunities for international students in the U.S.

Is Duke in the Ivy League?

• No, Duke is not part of the Ivy League, which consists of eight Northeastern schools. However, Duke is considered a "Southern Ivy", ranked among the top universities in the U.S. with a strong academic reputation comparable to the Ivies.