Duke Fuqua School of Business FAQ
Answers to common questions about the Duke Fuqua Daytime MBA, from Fuqua's published admissions, class profile, cost, and employment data.
Admissions
Does Fuqua publish an acceptance rate?
No. Fuqua's class profile does not report an acceptance rate or application volume.
What GMAT score do I need for Fuqua?
There is no minimum. The Class of 2028 middle 80% range is 605-715 on the GMAT Focus, 307-330 on the GRE (Verbal plus Quant), and 150-162 on the Executive Assessment. Fuqua states no preference among the tests.
How much work experience do I need for Fuqua?
Fuqua has no minimum work experience requirement. The Class of 2028 averages 6.0 years, with a middle 80% range of 3.17-9.50 years.
Is Early Action binding?
Yes. Applicants admitted in Early Action commit to attend and must withdraw applications to other schools, with or without a scholarship.
Program
How long is the Fuqua Daytime MBA?
Two years. The program begins with a month of orientation and immersion, and the academic year is organized into six-week terms. The Class of 2028 began in August 2026.
What is the class size at Fuqua?
The Daytime MBA Class of 2028 has 359 students.
How international is the Fuqua MBA?
38% of the Class of 2028 are international citizens, based on primary citizenship outside the U.S.
What percentage of the Fuqua class are women?
44% of the Class of 2028 are women.
Is the Fuqua MBA STEM-designated?
Yes. Eligible international students can work in the U.S. for up to 3 years in total through OPT and the 24-month STEM OPT extension.
Career
What is the median salary for Fuqua graduates?
For the Class of 2025, the median base salary was $160,000 and the median signing bonus was $30,000.
How many Fuqua graduates have jobs within 3 months?
For the Class of 2025, 82.2% of graduates pursuing full-time jobs had an offer within 3 months of graduation, and 79% had accepted one.
What are the top industries for Fuqua graduates?
For the Class of 2025: consulting 34.0%, financial services 20.9%, and technology 15.6% of full-time accepts.
Financial
How much is tuition at Fuqua?
Tuition for the Class of 2028 (entering August 2026) is $83,700 for the first year. Fuqua has not yet published tuition for the class entering in 2027.
What is the total cost of attendance at Fuqua?
The first-year cost of attendance for the Class of 2028 (2026-27) is $118,974.
What is the application fee for Fuqua?
The application fee is $225. Applying in Early Action qualifies for a full fee waiver, and Fuqua lists other discount and waiver criteria.
Application
What essays are required for the Fuqua application?
A 100-word short answer on post-MBA career goals, the 25 Random Things essay (750 words maximum), and The Fuqua community and you (500 words maximum). An optional essay of up to 500 words is available.
How many recommendation letters does Fuqua require?
One, submitted on the recommendation form in Fuqua's online application. Endorsements from Fuqua students or alumni are optional.
Does Fuqua require the TOEFL or IELTS?
No. Fuqua does not accept English-language test scores and assesses language proficiency from other parts of the application. The MBA/MEM dual degree is an exception because the MEM application requires them.
Can I defer admission?
Only for a significant, unanticipated, and unavoidable personal emergency, for one year, with a non-refundable $3,000 deferral fee.
Rankings and location
Where is Fuqua located?
Durham, North Carolina, on the Duke University campus.
How is Fuqua ranked?
Fuqua is #16 in the Financial Times Global MBA 2026 ranking.
Sources
- 1. Duke Fuqua, Admissions Facts + Dates, Daytime MBA (2026-2027 cycle)
- 2. Duke Fuqua, Application Instructions, Daytime MBA (2026-2027 cycle)
- 3. Duke Fuqua, Class Profile, Daytime MBA Class of 2028
- 4. Duke Fuqua, Daytime MBA Employment Report 2025
- 5. Duke Fuqua, Tuition + Costs, Daytime MBA (2026-27)
- 6. Duke Fuqua, Daytime MBA FAQ