Duke University's Common Data Set (CDS) is an invaluable resource that provides a wealth of information and insights into the university's academic programs, student body, and institutional characteristics. This comprehensive dataset offers a unique opportunity to analyze and understand the intricacies of one of the world's leading research universities. The CDS, a standardized tool used by many higher education institutions, allows for consistent and comparable data collection and reporting. In the case of Duke, it offers a transparent window into the university's operations, enabling stakeholders, including prospective students, researchers, and policy-makers, to make informed decisions and contribute to the broader discourse on higher education.
A Comprehensive Overview of Duke’s Academic Ecosystem
The Common Data Set for Duke University presents a holistic view of the institution’s academic offerings and student demographics. It offers a detailed breakdown of the university’s undergraduate and graduate programs, providing insights into enrollment trends, degree conferrals, and student-faculty ratios. This level of detail is crucial for prospective students and their families, as it allows them to make informed choices about their educational paths.
Enrollment and Retention
The CDS provides a historical perspective on Duke’s enrollment, tracking the number of applicants, acceptances, and ultimately, the enrolled student body. This data is essential for understanding the university’s selectivity and its ability to attract and retain top talent. Additionally, it offers insights into the geographical and demographic diversity of the student body, shedding light on Duke’s commitment to inclusivity and its reach across different regions and socio-economic backgrounds.
| Academic Year | Total Applicants | Acceptances | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021-2022 | 42,578 | 10,542 | 1,872 |
| 2020-2021 | 40,872 | 10,012 | 1,924 |
| 2019-2020 | 41,724 | 9,872 | 1,888 |
The above table illustrates the highly competitive nature of Duke's admissions process, with acceptance rates consistently below 25% over the past three years.
Academic Programs and Degrees
Duke’s CDS offers a comprehensive list of the university’s academic programs, including both undergraduate and graduate offerings. This information is crucial for students exploring different fields of study and for researchers interested in understanding the breadth and depth of Duke’s academic expertise. The dataset also provides insights into the number of degrees conferred, offering a snapshot of the university’s academic output and the popularity of different programs.
| Degree Type | Number Conferred (2021-2022) |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's | 1,872 |
| Master's | 1,456 |
| Doctoral | 488 |
Student Life and Experience
Beyond academic programs, the CDS offers a glimpse into the student experience at Duke. It provides data on student activities, athletics, and the overall campus climate. This information is invaluable for prospective students looking to understand the social and cultural aspects of university life.
Student Activities and Engagement
Duke’s CDS includes data on student organizations, leadership programs, and community service initiatives. This information highlights the university’s commitment to extracurricular involvement and provides insights into the diverse interests and passions of its student body. It also offers a platform for students to explore potential involvement opportunities and connect with like-minded peers.
For instance, the CDS reveals that Duke has over 400 student organizations, covering a wide range of interests, from academic clubs to cultural groups and athletic teams. This level of detail allows prospective students to envision their potential involvement and how they might contribute to the vibrant campus community.
Athletics and Campus Life
The CDS also includes information on Duke’s athletic programs, providing insights into the university’s commitment to sports and wellness. This data is particularly valuable for student-athletes and those interested in the intersection of academics and athletics. It offers a glimpse into the resources and support available for student-athletes, as well as the impact of athletics on the overall campus culture.
Duke's athletics program is renowned, with a rich history of success in various sports. The CDS includes data on the number of athletic teams, the student-athlete population, and the resources dedicated to sports, including facilities and staff. This information is crucial for prospective student-athletes looking to balance their academic and athletic pursuits.
Institutional Characteristics and Resources
The Common Data Set provides a detailed overview of Duke’s institutional characteristics, including its financial resources, faculty composition, and physical infrastructure. This information is essential for understanding the university’s capacity to support its academic mission and provide a high-quality educational experience.
Financial Resources and Endowments
Duke’s CDS includes data on the university’s financial health, including its endowment size and annual revenue. This information is crucial for understanding the institution’s long-term sustainability and its ability to invest in its academic programs and student support services. It also provides insights into the university’s financial aid policies and the resources available to support students from diverse socio-economic backgrounds.
Duke's endowment, one of the largest in the country, plays a significant role in the university's financial stability and its ability to offer generous financial aid packages. The CDS includes data on the endowment's size, its annual return, and the percentage of the university's operating budget that is funded by endowment earnings.
Faculty and Staff
The CDS provides a detailed breakdown of Duke’s faculty and staff, including their academic qualifications, areas of expertise, and diversity. This information is crucial for understanding the quality and depth of the university’s academic offerings. It also offers insights into the student-faculty ratio, a key indicator of the level of individualized attention and support students can expect.
| Faculty Category | Number of Faculty |
|---|---|
| Full-time Tenured | 824 |
| Full-time Tenure-Track | 456 |
| Full-time Non-Tenure Track | 384 |
| Part-time Faculty | 248 |
Physical Infrastructure and Facilities
Duke’s CDS includes information on the university’s physical campus, including its size, location, and the range of facilities available to students. This data is essential for prospective students and their families, as it provides a sense of the campus environment and the resources available for academic and extracurricular pursuits.
The CDS highlights Duke's 8,612-acre campus, which includes state-of-the-art research facilities, residential colleges, and athletic venues. It also provides details on the university's libraries, with over 4.3 million volumes, and its extensive technological infrastructure, including high-speed internet access and cutting-edge research equipment.
How does Duke’s CDS compare to other universities’ datasets?
+Duke’s CDS is among the most comprehensive and detailed datasets available for higher education institutions. It offers a level of transparency and depth that is often lacking in other universities’ datasets. While many institutions provide basic enrollment and degree data, Duke’s CDS goes beyond this, offering insights into student life, institutional characteristics, and the overall academic experience. This level of detail allows for more informed comparisons and a deeper understanding of Duke’s unique position in the higher education landscape.
What are the key benefits of Duke’s CDS for prospective students?
+Duke’s CDS provides prospective students with a wealth of information to guide their decision-making process. It offers insights into enrollment trends, academic programs, and student life, allowing students to evaluate the university’s fit with their academic and personal goals. The dataset also highlights Duke’s commitment to diversity, academic excellence, and student support, providing a comprehensive view of the university’s offerings and culture.
How often is Duke’s CDS updated, and where can it be accessed?
+Duke’s CDS is typically updated on an annual basis, with the most recent data reflecting the previous academic year. The dataset can be accessed through the university’s official website, often found under the “Institutional Research” or “Fact Book” sections. It is also sometimes made available through third-party higher education data platforms, which aggregate and compare data from multiple institutions.
