Duke University School of Nursing
- Acceptance Rate
- 65.0%
- SAT Range
- 1050–1250
- ACT Range
- N/A
- Avg GPA
- 3.25
- Size
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- Type
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- Student:Faculty
- N/A
- Setting
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- Graduation Rate
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- Retention Rate
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- Tuition (In-State)
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- Tuition (Int'l)
- N/A
Student Life & Environment
Students at Duke's School of Nursing experience the unique combination of focused professional education and comprehensive university life. The nursing school occupies dedicated space within Duke's campus, providing classrooms, skills labs, and student spaces specifically designed for nursing education. However, nursing students also access Duke's broader resources including libraries, recreation facilities, and cultural programming. Duke's campus in Durham features Georgian architecture, extensive gardens, and the iconic Duke Chapel creating a beautiful setting for study. The residential character of Duke's undergraduate programs creates vibrant campus life, though graduate students often choose off-campus housing in Durham's diverse neighborhoods. Durham has transformed dramatically in recent decades from a struggling tobacco and textile town into a thriving hub for healthcare, technology, and creative industries. The city offers excellent restaurants, cultural venues, and outdoor recreation at costs well below major coastal cities. The Research Triangle region including Raleigh and Chapel Hill expands options further. Student organizations within the nursing school address professional interests and provide social connections. The Duke Student Nurses Association organizes events and advocates for student needs. Specialty interest groups connect students pursuing particular clinical focuses. These activities build professional identity and lasting friendships. Support services address the unique challenges nursing students face. Academic support helps students navigate rigorous programs. Clinical placement coordination ensures smooth transitions between academic and practice settings. Career services assists with employment searches, particularly valuable given the school's strong ties to Duke Health and other regional employers.
Location & Surroundings
Duke's campus occupies over 8,500 acres in Durham, North Carolina, creating a self-contained environment quite different from urban universities. The Gothic architecture of West Campus, surrounding the Duke Chapel, provides one of America's most beautiful university settings. The health system facilities, where nursing students spend substantial time, occupy adjacent areas connected to the main campus. Durham sits within the Research Triangle region, named for Duke, UNC-Chapel Hill, and NC State. This concentration of universities and the Research Triangle Park technology hub create an educated, diverse population and robust job market. Healthcare represents a major employment sector, with Duke Health as one of the region's largest employers. Climate in North Carolina features mild winters with occasional snow, warm springs and falls, and hot, humid summers. The four seasons enable outdoor activity year-round, though summer heat requires adjustment for those from cooler climates. The region's greenery and moderate temperatures attract residents seeking alternatives to harsh northern winters or year-round California prices. Transportation typically requires a vehicle, as Durham lacks the transit infrastructure of larger cities. The campus operates shuttle services, and Durham's Bull City Connector provides free downtown circulation. However, reaching many residential areas, clinical sites, and regional attractions depends on car access. Many students find this transition challenging if coming from transit-oriented cities. Raleigh-Durham International Airport provides good domestic connectivity and some international service. The airport's location between Durham and Raleigh makes it reasonably accessible from campus. Charlotte offers additional flight options about two hours away.
Costs & Career Outcomes
Tuition at Duke's School of Nursing reflects the university's status as a private research institution. Current rates for the ABSN program total approximately $85,000-90,000 for the full 16-month program. Graduate program tuition varies by track and full-time versus part-time enrollment. Living expenses in Durham are moderate by major metropolitan standards but add substantially to total costs. Financial aid options include federal loans, university scholarships, and external scholarships from nursing organizations. Graduate assistantship positions provide some students with tuition support and stipends. Employer tuition assistance serves working nurses pursuing graduate education. Students should complete FAFSA early and explore all available funding. Career outcomes for Duke nursing graduates are exceptional. ABSN graduates achieve nearly 100% employment rates, with many accepting positions at Duke Health that emerged through clinical placement relationships. NCLEX pass rates consistently exceed 95%. The Duke credential opens doors at top healthcare organizations nationally. Advanced practice graduates command premium salaries reflecting their specialized preparation. Nurse practitioner, nurse anesthetist, and clinical nurse specialist positions offer compensation significantly exceeding staff nursing roles. DNP-prepared nurses move into leadership positions that shape healthcare delivery. PhD graduates pursue academic careers at research universities, securing tenure-track positions and eventually full professorships. The school's research reputation supports strong placement outcomes for graduates seeking faculty careers. Some PhD graduates also take research positions in healthcare organizations, government agencies, or industry. The Duke alumni network provides career-long value through connections across healthcare. Duke Health's size ensures encountering fellow alumni in clinical settings throughout the region. Professional events, mentorship programs, and social gatherings maintain relationships that support career advancement.
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