Duke University

Duke University is home to nearly 15,000 Blue Devils who attend undergraduate- and graduate-level classes in 10 schools and colleges. Trinity College of Art and Sciences, the Fuqua School of Business, and the Pratt School of Engineering are among the most well known; its law and medical schools are also highly regarded nationally. The private institution has an endowment of about $5 billion and a student-teacher ratio of 8:1. Notable alumni include Richard Nixon, Melinda French Gates, Elizabeth Dole, and talk show host Charlie Rose. Founded in 1838 as Trinity College, Duke adopted its present name in 1924 after American Tobacco Co. magnate James Duke established the Duke Endowment. View More