About Duke Fuqua
In its relatively short history, The Fuqua School of Business at Duke University has established itself as one of the leading MBA programs in the world. Based in Durham, North Carolina, Duke is part of the world-renowned Research Triangle Park (RTP), one of the oldest and largest science parks in the US with over 300 companies ranging from startups to multinationals including Biogen, Credit Suisse, and Cisco Systems.
Fuqua and Duke see themselves as a vital part of this growth. The school has long-standing relationships with firms in key industries, including healthcare, financial services, consulting, technology, consumer goods, energy and the environment, and media, as well as a focus in the areas of entrepreneurship and social impact. They also have a network of 25,000+ alumni, many of whom remain highly engaged with the school.
They are looking for individuals who thrive in diverse environments, enjoy collaboration and the innovation it fuels, and believe the collective is just as if not more important than any one member of the team. (Prominent alumni include Apple CEO Tim Cook and philanthropist Melinda Gates.)
Fuqua’s mission is to transform its students into leaders who are equipped to inspire organizations in a way that leads to positive impact on the bottom line, but also positive impact on the world. Over and over again, companies say they recruit at Fuqua because of their intelligence, drive, and team-oriented nature as well as the “decency quotient” which Fuquan students are known for.
The decency quotient is fostered by the Fuqua culture which is incredibly collaborative and close-knit – Team Fuqua isn’t just a saying, but a commitment that the students, faculty, and staff make to one another (which also extends to partners of students). And while Fuqua may have built a reputation for marketing & general management early on, but consulting, technology, finance, and healthcare have quickly become significant areas of focus.
Strengths and Specializations
Healthcare management, energy & the environment, technology, social entrepreneurship, entrepreneurship & innovation, marketing
Graduating Class of 2025
Number of Applicants: 3292
MBA Class Size: 385
Avg. Age: 29
Avg. Work Experience: 6.1 years
Avg. GPA: 3.49
Avg. GMAT: 715
International Students: 47%
Female Students: 45%
Tuition: $77,925/year
Post-MBA Careers (class of 2023)
Career Sectors: Consulting 43%; Finance 21%; Tech 17%; Healthcare 6%; CPG 6%; Starting Own Business 2%
Top Recruiters: BCG, McKinsey, Bain & Company, Deloitte Consulting, Accenture Strategy, EY-Parthenon, Wavestone (formerly Everest Group), Oliver Wyman, Kearney, Alvarez & Marsal, L.E.K. Consulting, Amazon, Google, Adobe, Dell, Apple, Microsoft Corporation, Salesforce, IBM Corporation, Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo, Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, Moelis & Company, Vanguard, Barclays, Amgen, Pfizer, Conagra Brands
Avg. Base Salary: $175,000; Salary Increase: 133% (source: FT Rankings 2024)
Employment offered within 3 months of graduation: 93%
Duke Fuqua Rankings
Admissions
Deadlines for 2023-2024: Early Action Sept 7, 2023; R1 Sept 28, 2023, R2 Jan 9, 2024; R3 Feb 22, 2024; R4 Apr 4, 2024
Essays:
Short Answer Question:
What are your post-MBA career goals? Share with us your first choice career plan and your alternate plan. (100 word limit)
Essay 1) 25 random things about yourself
Present your response in list form, numbered 1 to 25; limit your response to 2 pages / 750 words maximum.
Essay 2:) Fuqua prides itself on cultivating a culture of engagement. Our students enjoy a wide range of student-led organizations that provide opportunities for leadership development and personal fulfillment, as well as an outlet for contributing to society. Our student-led government, clubs, centers, and events are an integral part of the student culture and to the development of leaders.
Based on your understanding of the Fuqua culture, what are 3 ways you expect to contribute at Fuqua? (500 word limit)
Optional Essay) If you feel there are circumstances of which the admissions committee should be aware (such as unexplained gaps in work, choice of recommenders, inconsistent or questionable academic performance), please explain them in an optional essay. (500 words limit)
Fortuna Tips & Advice
Read Fortuna’s Essay Tips & Strategy for Duke Fuqua.