By Neil Offen

noffen@heraldsun.com; 419-6646

DURHAM -- More than ever, high school seniors want to go to Duke.

The university announced Thursday that it once again had set a record for applications for admission, with more than 26,400 students clamoring to get in. That's 2,500 more applications than last year and the third consecutive year in which the number of applications at Duke has set a record.

"We've seen a 30 percent increase in applications in the last two years in spite of the worst economic news in a generation," said Christoph Guttentag, the university's dean of undergraduate admissions. "People are recognizing the value of a Duke education, and our strong commitment to affordability."

While Duke is significantly more expensive than public institutions, the cost of attendance is generally less than at many of its elite peer private schools. Duke charges $50,250 a year for tuition, fees and room and board; 49 private colleges charge more, according to a recent survey by The Chronicle of Higher Education..

Duke is also one of a limited number of schools with a "need-blind" admissions policy, and the university guarantees it will meet 100 percent of demonstrated financial need.

The record-setting number of admission applications doesn't come as a complete surprise. In November, Duke announced that more than 2,000 students -- also a record -- had applied to the university through its early decision process.

That was a whopping 32 percent increase from the previous year, which had been the second highest total ever. Six hundred and two early decision students were admitted, which was also a record.

The increased number of early decision acceptances means there will be fewer spots available for regular decision applicants -- those 26,415 students applying will be vying for about 1,100 spaces remaining in the Class of 2014.

Guttentag expects the incoming class to have about 1,700 students.

Duke President Richard Brodhead said the continued strong interest in Duke reflected the university's strong commitment to undergraduate education.

"The best students in the country, and indeed the world, have many choices," Brodhead said. "But they are increasingly drawn to Duke's unique character as a place of reflection, action and growth."

California was the most represented state among the applicants, with New York second and North Carolina a close third. The greatest growth among applicants in recent years has been among students from the West Coast and from overseas, campus officials said.

The students will receive notices of acceptance in early April.