Duke Fuqua School of Business Full Time MBA

The Fuqua School of Business has earned a strong reputation with prospective applicants given its experiential approach and its location on Duke University’s campus. The school’s unique curriculum which is taught by its distinguished faculty is the cornerstone of the program. Team-based learning allows students to apply concepts to real business scenarios and develops key collaborative abilities. Given its affiliation with Duke University, the Fuqua School of Business offers some excellent programs in marketing, finance, health sector management, and social entrepreneurship. The program equips graduates not only with essential business skills but also with the integrity, confidence, and global perspective to create value as principled leaders.

 What’s unique about Duke Fuqua?

  • Team-Based Learning: A signature part of the Fuqua MBA is the structured team-based learning approach used across the curriculum. Unlike most business programs where group projects occur occasionally, Fuqua utilizes ongoing teams in nearly all courses. This focus equips students to be effective team leaders, synthesizing multiple perspectives and learning from others unlike oneself. The team-based structure allows for peer learning and develops communication, influence, and conflict resolution abilities key for today’s collaborative business environment.

  • Health Sector Management: Fuqua is one of the only top business schools with specialized MBA courses, research, and events focused on the health sector. A good portion of recent graduates entered healthcare, working in areas like pharma, biotech, providers, insurance, and medical devices. Fuqua’s healthcare ecosystem confers an advantage for students focused on the massive and complex health industry.

  • Sanford Brand Leadership Program: Fuqua allows marketing-passionate students to differentiate themselves through the Sanford Brand Leadership Program. Post-graduation, about 15% of Sanford Certificate earners move into coveted brand management roles, while others apply branding knowledge across functions like consulting and general management. The Sanford Program provides hands-on brand training and experiences that unlock major CPG, tech, and healthcare brand opportunities.

  • Social Impact Focus: Fuqua has a strong social impact ethos running throughout the MBA experience. Students can focus on socially conscious careers through Social Entrepreneurship courses and the Center for the Advancement of Social Entrepreneurship (CASE). Through mentorship, funding competitions, and capstone projects supporting good causes, Fuqua fosters principled leaders who want their business skills to also benefit vulnerable communities and environmental sustainability.

Class Profile

Academic Statistics

 Class of 2025
Class Size385
Applications SubmittedNA
Average GPA(Middle 80%)3.1-3.89
Average Age29
International Students47%
Countries Represented51
Female Students45%
Average GMAT(Middle 80%)670-760
Average GRE Combined Range (Middle 80%)306-330
% Reported GRENA
Average Work Ex6.1 years
Undergraduate Degree

The Class of 2025 at Duke Fuqua Business School is made up of talented and varied future leaders. The class holds an average GPA between 3.1-3.89 and an Average GMAT score between 670-760. With the cohort showing sturdy academic chops, 47% of students are international and 45% are women, spotlighting Duke’s dedication to worldwide viewpoints and diversity. The incoming group wielded 6.1 years of experience on average. The most frequent undergraduate degrees held are in business(30%), economics(12%), engineering(37%), and liberal arts(15%). Altogether, the Class of 2025 came fully equipped with the skillsets to carry forward the school’s tradition of developing business leaders who engender positive societal impact.

Duke Fuqua School of Business MBA Application Guide

What makes Duke Fuqua School of Business a unique option for an aspiring MBA candidate? Is it perhaps the teamwork and collaborative Team Fuqua culture or its focus on developing ethical leaders who are ready to transform the world? Let’s find out all this guide. This FAQ guide will elaborate more on Duke Fuqua School, its class size, key statistics, and requirements for joining the Fuqua community.

What percentage of students admitted to the MBA Program at the Duke Fuqua School of Business?

Duke Fuqua School of Business: Key Statistics for 2024 Daytime MBA

  • Class Size: 427
  • Acceptance Rate: 19.5%
  • Demographics:
      • Women: 45%
      • International Citizens: 47%
      • Average Age: 29
      • Average Work Experience: 6.1 years
  • Undergraduate Majors:
      • Engineering/Natural Sciences: 37%
      • Business/Accounting: 30%
      • Liberal Arts: 15%
      • Economics: 6%
  • Pre-MBA Work Sectors:
    • Financial Services: 18%
    • Technology: 15%

These indices reflect Fuqua’s commitment to preparing future leaders for success in a global marketplace.

What is the Duke Fuqua School of Business Full-time MBA Cost?

The estimated first-year Cost of Attendance for the daytime MBA Class is  $110,826 yearly. However, tuition may change annually and vary between MBA programs.

Estimated First-Year Cost of Attendance for the Daytime MBA Class of 2026

Expense

Cost (USD)

Tuition

77,925

Estimated Medical Insurance & Other Fees

8,005

Estimated Educational Supplies

848

Estimated Living Expenses

24,048

Estimated Total Cost of Attendance (USD)

110,826

Does Duke Fuqua School of Business offer loans and scholarships?

Duke’s Fuqua School of Business offers several scholarships, including: 

  • Merit scholarships

These scholarships can partially or fully cover tuition and are awarded based on merit. Selection criteria include: 

  • Prior academic achievement 
  • Demonstrated leadership qualities 
  • Involvement in the community 
  • Extracurricular activities 
  • Professional accomplishments 
  • Thomas F. Keller Scholarship

This scholarship requires students to: 

  • Identify and implement a cohort project focused on leadership and service 
  • Meet annually with Dr. Thomas F. Keller 
  • Serve as a mentor to first-year Keller scholars 
  • Represent the Keller Scholars program in admissions recruiting events and other business school functions 
  • Yellow Ribbon Program
    • This program provides scholarship support to qualifying veterans of the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
  • Centre for the Advancement of Social Entrepreneurship (CASE) Launch Pad Award

This award celebrates Duke MBA students or groups working on an idea or venture that seeks to address a social challenge.

  • Fuqua Impact Scholars

A selective, merit-based scholarship for Daytime MBA students with experience or passion in energy, social impact, healthcare, leadership, or entrepreneurship.

  • Award: Up to full tuition
  • Criteria: Demonstrated impact potential on the Fuqua community as students and alumni
  • Funding: Provided by Fuqua
  • Forté Foundation Fellowship

A prestigious award for students committed to advancing women in business.

  • Award: Partial to full tuition
  • Funding: Fuqua and the Fuqua Annual Fund
  • Criteria: Open to all MBA students demonstrating academic excellence, leadership, and dedication to promoting women in business, regardless of gender.
  • Manning Scholarship

Supports future leaders in healthcare business and policy.

  • Award: Full tuition
  • Funding: Manning Family Foundation
  • Criteria: Daytime MBA students with strong academics, leadership potential, and a commitment to transforming healthcare management and policy.
  • University Scholars
    Encourages interdisciplinary study, research, and service among innovative thinkers.
    • Award: Half to full tuition
    • Funding: Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
    • Criteria: Daytime MBA students with exceptional innovation, interdisciplinary interests, and firm commitments.

Duke Fuqua School of Business Loan Options

  • Federal and Private Loans: Eligible students may combine federal and private loan options.
  • International Student Loans: Available with or without a cosigner. Cosigner loans often have lower interest rates.
  • Deferral: Payments may be delayed while at school.
  • Loan Assistance Program: This program aims to help daytime MBA graduates find employment through non-profits, government, certified B-corporations, or start-ups. Included:
    • Rex and Ellen Adams Loan Assistance Program: This program is for alums who work full-time for nonprofit organizations, government agencies, or corporations. 
    • Fuqua Entrepreneurship Loan Assistance Program: This program is for alums pursuing entrepreneurial careers.

What are the requirements for an MBA from Duke Fuqua School of Business?

The necessary components for applying to the MBA program at Duke Fuqua School of Business include:

  • Undergraduate Transcripts
  • One-Page Business Resume
  • One Letter of Recommendation
  • GRE, GMAT, or Executive Assessment (EA) Test Score
  • Essays
    • Short Answer (100 words): State your post-MBA career goals.
    • First Essay (750 words): “25 Random Things About Yourself.”
    • Second Essay (500 words): Describe three ways you’ll contribute to Fuqua’s community.
    • Optional Essay (500 words): Explain any circumstances requiring clarification.
  • Interview
  • $225 Application Fee or a fee waiver (if eligible)

What are the requirements for international students applying to Duke Fuqua School of Business?

For international students, the requirements to get admitted into the Fuqua School of Business at Duke are as follows:

  • Undergraduate degree
  • Transcripts: Transcripts must be in English and include: 
    • Your name and the institution’s name 
    • Each course taken and the grade received 
    • The degree received and date conferred 
  • Language proficiency
  • Application timing: Submit applications earlier, leaving enough time to process the visa.

Other application components

  • A current business resume 
  • Essays 
  • One letter of recommendation 
  • An interview 
  • GMAT/GRE scores

What are the application requirements for reapplicants to Duke Fuqua School of Business?

When reapplying, you are required to submit the following:
  • Short-answer question
  • Standard application essays
  • Reapplicant essay question 
  • One letter of recommendation
  • One-page resume 
  • Valid standardized test score 
  • Online application form 
Additional details:
  • Cloning Option: You may clone your previous application, which carries over all data from the prior year. You can further update and edit it.
  • Reapplicant Essay: Write about your self-reflection process. 
  • Recommendations: Submit an additional letter if desired.
  • GMAT/GRE/EA Scores: Resend scores unless expired.
Application Fee Waivers: Available for reapplicants.

What are the MBA application deadlines at the Duke Fuqua School of Business?

Round

Application Deadline

Final Decision Release

Early Action

Sep. 4, 2024

Oct. 18, 2024

Round 1

Oct. 1, 2024

Dec. 12, 2024

Round 2 

Jan. 9, 2025

Mar. 14, 2025

Round 3

Feb. 20, 2025

Apr. 4, 2025

Round 4

Apr. 3, 2025

May 8, 2025

Moreover, international applicants are supposed to apply early to have sufficient time for visa processing.

What rankings does Duke Fuqua School of Business have?

  • According to the U.S. News Business School Compass, the University of Duke (Fuqua) is ranked No. 12 (tie) out of 124 Best Business Schools.

  • According to the 2024 Financial Times rankings, Fuqua College of Duke University’s MBA program is ranked #14 worldwide.

What are the types of MBA programs being offered at Duke Fuqua School of Business?

The Fuqua School offers various MBA programs for professionals. Each program balances rigor, leadership development, and hands-on experience tailored to individual needs.

  • Global Executive MBA

The Global Executive MBA program will take you through it while you continue to work. It gives you front-row seats to how culture and institutions shape business in Asia, South America, Europe, and North America.

  • Format: Hybrid
  • Preference: Working Professional
  • Duration: 21 Months
  • Weekend Executive MBA

The Executive MBA program offers everything to a focused individual who wants to learn even without interrupting their usual schedule.

  • Format: Hybrid
  • Preference: Working Professional
  • Duration: 22 Months
  • Accelerated Daytime MBA

The master’s degree in management is conferred on you with an Accelerated Daytime MBA because it lets you skip the introductory business courses and partake in elective classes and experience-based learning opportunities that facilitate your career-specific goals beyond what general education would provide.

  • Format: In-Person
  • Preference: Full-Time
  • Duration: 10 Months
  • STEM: Yes
  • Daytime MBA

In this Daytime MBA program, you will develop insight for analyzing choices, an open-minded mindset for understanding other people’s viewpoints, and a new approach to work because of your ability to bring out the best in others.

  • Format: In-Person
  • Preference: Full-Time
  • Duration: 22 Months
  • STEM: Yes

What is the Duke Fuqua Executive MBA tuition?

The GEMBA program at Duke Fuqua is an extraordinary, part-time MBA experience that targets senior professionals. The program is integrated with global residencies, leadership development activities, and a rigorous curriculum to enhance strategic thinking and executive leadership skills in executives. The estimated cost for the Global Executive MBA program (class of 2027) in July 2025 is 174,700 USD.

Why choose Duke Fuqua School of Business?

The Duke Fuqua School of Business has distinguished itself as one of the top choices for aspiring business leaders: it balances academic rigor, leadership development, and a worldwide view. It is known for its unique Team Fuqua culture, which encourages a collaborative and respectful environment where students can establish lifelong relationships. Flexible options in programs, splendid career support, and a commitment to creating a positive impact characterize the education students are prepared to face the challenges of today’s competitive and dynamic business world with the tools at Fuqua.

Key Reasons to Choose Fuqua:

  • Team Fuqua Culture: Collaboration, inclusion, and leadership through teamwork.
  • Customizable Programs: Flexibility on MBA formats, electives, and concentrations.
  • Global Learning Opportunities: International exposure through GATE and global residencies.
  • Career Success: Top employers in consulting, technology, finance, and health care actively recruit Fuqua graduates.
  • World-Class Faculty: Engage leading researchers and experts as innovators in business education.
  • Social Impact: Programs such as CASE develop leaders who further make outstanding societal contributions.
  • Strong Alumni Network: Join a network of 24000+ alums in more than 90 countries. 
  • Duke Fuqua School consistently ranked among the world’s top business schools.
  • Fuqua combines academic excellence and practical experience so the graduates are prepared to lead with impact.

Our Support for Duke Fuqua MBA Application

If you aspire to gain admission into the Fuqua School of Business, The MBA Edge comprehensive application advisory program can set you on a pathway to success. With an emphasis on thoughtfully conveying your one-of-a-kind story and aligning with Duke’s tight-knit, collaborative culture, our support strives to help you stand out amidst other candidates. Through customized guidance by our abroad MBA consultant on all facets of the process, we aim to equip you not only to access this highly selective MBA program but also to thrive once enrolled and pursue a meaningful post-graduation career. Through our efforts, we hope to enable you to not only get admission but also to ensure that you are successful during your MBA program and eventually have an excellent career.

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