Duke University, a prestigious private research institution located in Durham, North Carolina, was founded in 1838 and is ranked eighth among the top ten schools in the United States. Admission is highly competitive, with a 10.4% acceptance rate for the class of 2020, and the university practices need-blind admissions while meeting 100% of demonstrated student need. Duke is also known for its strong athletics program, competing at the NCAA Division I level and boasting sixteen national championships across various sports.