Duke Fuqua MBA

A Diverse, Experienced, and Collaborative MBA Cohort

Fuqua’s Daytime MBA is built around the “Team Fuqua” ethos—a collaborative, inclusive, and global leadership community. The Class of 2026 reflects this culture through strong diversity, professional depth, and balanced representation.

• Class of 2026 Highlights
  • Class Size: 427 students
  • Average Age: 29 years old
  • Average Pre‑MBA Experience: 6.0 years (middle 80%: ~3.0–9.4 years)
  • Women: 51% of the class
  • International Students: 41% by primary citizenship (45 countries represented)
  • U.S. Students of Color: 56% (40% under-represented minorities)
  • First‑Generation College Students: 18%
  • U.S. Military Veterans: 11%
  • Partnered Students: 37% are married, engaged, or in domestic partnerships
• Academic & Industry Backgrounds
  • Undergraduate GPA (middle 80%): 3.17–3.89
  • GMAT (middle 80%): 660–760; GRE (middle 80%): 305–330
  • Undergrad Majors:
    • Engineering/Natural Sciences: 38%
    • Business & Accounting: 29%
    • Liberal Arts: 19%
    • Economics: 11%
    • Other: 3%
  • Pre‑MBA Industries:
    • Financial Services: 19%
    • Consulting: 18%
    • Technology: 14%
    • Health: 11%
    • Government: 7%
    • Non‑profit/Education: 7%
    • Manufacturing: 6%
    • Consumer Goods: 5%
    • Retail: 3%
    • Other: 10%

A top-ranked two-year MBA program grounded in leadership development, team-based learning, and global business perspectives.

• Program Duration: 2 Years (Full‑Time Daytime MBA)
• Tuition Fees (Domestic & International): US $81,000 for the first year of the Class of 2027 entering August 2025
• Estimated First‑Year Cost of Attendance (Class of 2027):
  • Tuition & Mandatory Fees: US $89,446
  • Educational Supplies: approx. US $882
  • Living Expenses (housing, food, transportation, miscellaneous): about US $24,624
  • Total Estimated COA: approximately US $114,952

Graduates of the Duke Fuqua MBA consistently achieve strong career outcomes across consulting, tech, healthcare, and finance, supported by a robust employer network and dedicated career services.

• Average Post-MBA Base Salary: $148,153
• Average Signing Bonus: $35,866
• Job Offer Rate (3 months post-graduation): 96%
• Job Acceptance Rate (3 months post-graduation): 94%
• Top Hiring Sectors:
  • Consulting: 39%
  • Technology: 20%
  • Financial Services: 16%
  • Healthcare: 10%
  • Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG): 6%
• Top Hiring Regions:
  • United States – 96% of job acceptances
    • Northeast: 29%
    • West: 22%
    • South: 21%
    • Midwest: 15%
• Top Employers Include:
  McKinsey & Company, Bain & Company, Boston Consulting Group (BCG), Amazon, Deloitte, Microsoft, Google, Johnson & Johnson, JPMorgan Chase
• Alumni Network:
  Duke Fuqua boasts a global alumni base of over 24,000 MBA graduates, actively engaged in mentorship, recruiting, and leadership development worldwide.

Duke Fuqua offers four application rounds each year for its full-time Daytime MBA program, which starts annually in August. These rounds give applicants flexible opportunities to apply based on their timeline and readiness.

Class of 2028 (Entry August 2026)

• Round 1: Application deadline – September 30, 2025
• Round 2: Application deadline – January 8, 2026
• Round 3: Application deadline – February 24, 2026
• Round 4: Application deadline – April 1, 2026

Prepare a comprehensive application package to demonstrate your academic excellence, leadership potential, and fit with Fuqua’s collaborative culture. All materials must be submitted through Fuqua’s online application portal by the chosen application round deadline.

Requirements

• GMAT / GRE:
  Submit a competitive GMAT or GRE score. Both tests are equally accepted. Waivers may be available for qualified applicants based on work experience or academic background.
• Essays:
  Fuqua requires responses to the following essays as part of the application:
  • 25 Random Things About Yourself:
    Provide a numbered list of 25 personal facts, experiences, or quirks that reveal your unique personality beyond professional achievements. This essay is an opportunity to showcase who you are beyond your resume.
  • Short Answer Questions:
    • Why Fuqua? (Maximum 500 words)
      Explain your motivation for pursuing an MBA at Duke Fuqua and how the program aligns with your career goals and values.
    • Career Goals: (Maximum 500 words)
      Describe your short-term and long-term career objectives and how the Fuqua MBA will help you achieve them.
• Recommendation Letters:
  Two professional letters of recommendation are required, ideally from supervisors or colleagues who can provide specific examples of your leadership abilities, teamwork, and professional accomplishments.
• Video Interview:
  Upon submission of your application, you may be invited to complete a recorded video interview via Fuqua’s platform. This interview evaluates communication skills, leadership, and cultural fit.
• Interview:
  Selected candidates are invited to a live interview, typically conducted by Fuqua alumni or admissions staff, either virtually or in person. The interview assesses your leadership potential, interpersonal skills, and alignment with Fuqua’s values.
• Other Documents:
  • Online Application Form
  • Resume/CV: Submit a current one-page professional resume detailing your work experience and achievements.
  • Transcripts: Official or unofficial transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended.
  • Application Fee: US $275 (non-refundable). The application will only be reviewed after fee payment.
• Optional Documents:
  You may submit additional materials such as certificates, awards, or a third recommendation letter if you believe they add value to your application.