The Duke University cost of attendance is one of the highest in the country, at more than $80,000 per academic year. However, paying the price to attend this school is worth it. It is no wonder Duke ranked number 13 in the US News and World Report’s best value schools ranking because of its excellent academic quality.
This article tells you everything you must know about getting into Duke and its cost of attendance. We dive into Duke University tuition rates, administrative fees, and living expenses. Attending college can be a financial hardship. That’s why in this article, we also tell you the Duke University financial aid options available to students.
Duke University Rankings and Profile
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges Acceptance Rate: 6%
- Graduation Rate: 96%
- US News & World Report Ranking: #9
- Times Higher Education Ranking: #5
Duke University (DU) is known as a private research university in Durham, North Carolina. The school first began in 1838 as a preparatory school and became a teaching college in 1851. Duke has a competitive admission process, academic excellence, athletic events, and a global presence. It’s no wonder the US News & World Report considers it one of the best colleges in the nation.
DU has a total enrollment of over 16,000 students. Approximately 6,789 undergraduate and 9,991 graduate students are enrolled across DU’s ten schools and colleges. The most popular degree programs for undergraduate students enrolled in this school are computer science, public policy, biology, economics, and psychology.
How Much Does Duke University Cost?
The Duke University cost, according to the Duke University Bursar, is $81,488 for undergraduate students for the 2022-2023 academic year. This average cost includes tuition, fees, room and board, books, and additional personal expenses. The cost of attendance for graduate students ranges from $41,999 to $43,589 per semester.
Duke University Tuition, Fees, and Other Expenses
| Expense | Duke University Cost |
|---|---|
| Duke University Undergraduate In-State Tuition and Fees | $60,244 |
| Duke University Undergraduate Out-of-State Tuition and Fees | $60,244 |
| Duke University Graduate In-State Tuition and Fees | $59,141 |
| Duke University Graduate Out-of-State Tuition and Fees | $59,141 |
| Duke University Books and Supplies | $1,434 |
According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), Duke university’s tuition and fees for undergraduates are over $60,000 per academic year, both for in-state and out-of-state students. Meanwhile, Duke University tuition and fees for graduate students are over $59,000 per year. DU is one of the most expensive universities in North Carolina, as the average cost of tuition and fees for undergraduate students in this state is $33,990 per year.
Duke University Living Expenses
| Expense | Duke University Cost |
|---|---|
| Duke University On-Campus Room and Board | $16,206 |
| Duke University Off-Campus Room and Board | $9,943 |
DU offers a variety of on-campus housing plans. The cost of room and board ranges from $9,164 to $15,048 per academic year. Duke University’s living expenses are higher than average. According to the Education Data Initiative, the average annual cost of room and board at private, non-profit universities is $12,540 for students living on campus and $9,943 for students living off campus.
Cost of Living in Durham, North Carolina
According to PayScale, the cost of living in Durham, North Carolina, is 11 percent lower than the national average. The median rent in this city is approximately $950 per month, which is around $4,000 per semester.
Durham enjoys a flourishing art scene and food culture. It is also a national leader in the healthcare sector, thanks to Duke University Hospital and other private companies. Duke and its health system are the largest employers in the city. Other global companies employing thousands of workers in Durham include IBM, GSK, RTI International, and Biogen.
Duke University Financial Aid Statistics
According to the NCES, 61 percent of Duke University students receive some form of financial aid like scholarships and grants. In fact, Duke provides more than $130 million in need-based grant programs every year, as this school tries to offer students the maximum amount of financial aid.
In addition to need-based aid, students can apply for merit-based scholarships and grants. After admission, two merit scholarships offered at Duke are the Robertson Scholarship and the Nakayama Scholarship. To apply for Duke University financial aid, students must submit the CSS Profile and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online.
Along with academic scholarships and grants, Duke students can apply for federal student aid such as work-study jobs and federal student loans. Other alternatives that can help you pay for college are applying for an external scholarship, seeking out private loans, or becoming a resident assistant in exchange for financial aid.
Does Duke University Accept FAFSA?
Yes, Duke University accepts FAFSA. In fact, submitting it is necessary for applying to get Duke University financial aid. Your FAFSA application determines your eligibility for institutional financial aid. It also helps you apply for federal student aid such as federal grants, student loans, and work-study jobs, which the university accepts.
Does Duke University Accept GI Bill Benefits?
Yes, Duke University accepts GI Bill benefits. Through the GI Bill, qualifying veterans and their family members can get money to cover all or some of the costs needed to attend college or pursue professional training. In addition to tuition, GI Bill benefits can help you cover expenses such as books, supplies, and on-campus housing.
Is Duke University a Yellow Ribbon School?
Yes, Duke University is a Yellow Ribbon school. This program is an enhancement of the Post 9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008. Yellow Ribbon awards are available to qualifying veterans or children of veterans. Through this program, the university offers yearly awards that range from $3,500 to $22,900 across its 10 schools and colleges.
Duke University Scholarships and Grants
- Angier B. Duke Scholarship. The A.B. Duke scholarship covers the full cost of tuition, fees, room, and board for four years of undergraduate education. Additionally, A.B. Duke scholars receive funding for domestic and international experiences, such as the opportunity to study at Oxford University for one summer. Each scholarship grants over $315,000 for four years per student.
- Alumni Endowed Scholarship. This need-based scholarship is offered to students with outstanding academic achievement who have demonstrated financial need. It covers the cost of undergraduate tuition, fees, and room and board for up to four years.
- Benjamin N. Duke Scholarship. The Benjamin N. Duke scholarship is for undergraduate students from the North and South Carolinas who show academic achievement, community service commitment, and leadership potential. It covers the entire cost of tuition, fees, and room and board for up to four years.
- David M. Rubenstein Scholarship. This merit-based scholarship is for outstanding first-generation college students enrolled in any of Duke’s undergraduate programs. This award covers the cost of tuition, mandatory fees, room, and board for up to four years. It also provides mentorship and domestic and international academic experiences.
- Karsh International Scholarship. This need-based scholarship is for international students with demonstrated financial need who have shown interest in interdisciplinary research. It covers tuition, fees, room and board expenses, and three summers of funding for research and other professional opportunities.
- Reginaldo Howard Memorial Scholarship. This merit-based scholarship is awarded to African Americans and students of African descent with demonstrated academic achievements. Reginaldo Howard scholars have access to funding that provides financial support to pursue their degrees.
- Robertson Scholarship. The Robertson Scholars Leadership Program covers up to six semesters of full tuition, fees, and room and board for students enrolled at Duke University. Eligibility requirements include being a first-year student enrolled full time and having a minimum GPA of 3.0.
- Nakayama Public Service Scholarship. This scholarship program is designed for Duke University seniors pursuing careers in public service. It covers half the tuition for one academic year. This scholarship is awarded on the basis of academic excellence, leadership, and commitment to a career in public service.
- Trinity Scholarships. These scholarships are awarded to students from specific regions of North and South Carolina who have shown academic excellence and leadership potential. This award covers expenses such as tuition, fees, and room and board for up to four years.
- University Scholarship. This scholarship is for Duke students with demonstrated financial need and an interest in research and innovation. This merit-based award covers tuition, fees, and room and board expenses for up to four years.
Duke University Average Net Price by Income
| Family Income | Duke University Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 to $30,000 | $2,945 |
| $30,001 to $48,000 | $4,301 |
| $48,001 to $75,000 | $10,304 |
| $75,001to $110,000 | $18,753 |
| $110,001 and up | $47,805 |
The table above shows the average net price students pay to attend Duke University based on their income. They calculate the net price by subtracting the average financial aid students receive from the school’s total cost of attendance. This cost typically increases with family income, as students with higher family incomes tend to pay higher net prices.
How to Calculate Duke University Cost
You can use Duke’s net price calculator to estimate your Duke University cost of attendance. This tool calculates the amount you’ll pay to attend DU per your financial aid eligibility. To use the calculator, you must answer a series of questions, including information about your parents’ income and retirement savings accounts.
However, the estimate provided using this net price calculator is not an exact cost. It’s to help you anticipate possible college expenses. You can use free budgeting apps or other means to create a budget for additional expenses such as books, housing, meals, and transportation costs to estimate the cost of attending the university.
Is the Cost of College Too High?
No, the cost of college is not too high if you get financial aid and make an effort to save money and be able to afford college. Duke University’s tuition cost is higher than the national average, which is over $51,000 per year at private universities, according to Statista. However, this school offers plenty of financial aid options, such as scholarships and grants, that reduce these expenses significantly.
Duke University Student Debt
- Students Receiving Federal Loans: 19%
- Median Debt After Graduation: $13,500
- Average Monthly Loan Payment: $135
According to the US Department of Education’s College Scorecard, only 19 percent of Duke students receive federal loans as their main form of financial aid. Duke students’ average median student loan debt upon graduation is $13,500, which can be paid in monthly settlements of $135.
DU’s debt is below the average student debt in the US, which is between $37,014 and $40,904, according to the Education Data Initiative. Although student loans may seem like a big financial commitment, they are a great way to pay for college. If you are getting student loans, consider all your options carefully before making a decision.
Duke University Tuition Payment Plans
Duke University has multiple tuition payment plans available to help you pay for college. Duke’s prepaid tuition plan allows you to pay for future college tuition at the current tuition rates. Another option is Duke’s monthly payment plan. This alternative tuition plan enables students to pay term charges in monthly settlements.
Duke University Graduate Salaries and Outcomes
Duke University graduates make a median annual salary of $93,115, according to the US Department of Education’s College Scorecard. This is way above the national average for college graduates. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), bachelor’s degree holders earn over $1,300 per week, which equals over $62,000 a year.
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Moreover, Duke University graduates’ most popular career outcomes are lawyers, judges, clergy, managers, and teachers. According to Data USA, almost 36,000 Duke alumni have become postsecondary teachers, while over 31,000 have chosen to become elementary and middle school teachers.
How to Save Money in College
- Get used books. Students spend over $1,000 on textbooks every year. Buying used books is generally cheaper, so it can help you save a lot of money. Another great alternative to save money is borrowing books from a fellow student or the university’s library.
- Use campus amenities. Duke students have access to a wide range of free amenities and services such as computer labs, cleaning services, wireless Internet access, health services, and Duke’s Health & Fitness Center. Using these amenities can help you save money on things such as Internet plans or gym memberships.
- Stay close to home. A great way to save money when attending college is to stay close to home. This will help you save room and board fees, meals, and transportation expenses. Another option is living with family.
- Take advantage of the discounts. You can save money on meals at many local restaurants through the Duke-Durham Discount Program. Your student ID can help you get discounts on clothing, laptops, and transportation.
- Get a part-time job. Working while attending college is a way to earn and save money. There are plenty of options, from federal work-study programs to on-campus employment opportunities.
Is Duke University Affordable?
Yes, Duke University is affordable if you apply for financial aid. Duke University’s cost of attendance is over $81,000 per academic year. This is above the national average cost of attendance, which is $53,217 per year at private universities, according to the Education Data Initiative. However, this school offers plenty of scholarships and grants every year, with an average award of $51,787 per student.
Duke University Cost FAQ
It costs $85 to apply to Duke University as an undergraduate student. The application fee for graduate students is $95. Some application materials you’ll need to submit your application are academic transcripts, standardized test scores for SATs or ACTs, recommendation letters, and an essay. Other application procedures are interviews and submitting supplemental material.
Duke University doesn’t offer free tuition. However, this school offers plenty of merit-based scholarships that cover the cost of tuition, fees, and room and board for four years for undergraduate students. Moreover, Duke students can apply for any external scholarship, student loans, and federal student aid to pay the cost of attendance at this school.
Duke University’s tuition per semester is $30,217 for full-time students as of the 2022-23 school year. Tuition rates for graduate students range from $4,160 to $30,110 per semester. This may seem like a lot, but fortunately, Duke University offers plenty of financial aid options. Also, Duke University is one of the top 10 accredited online colleges in North Carolina, so you may be able to find a degree with cheaper tuition fees if you opt to study online.
You should choose Duke University because it is a prestigious university that is well-known for its academic excellence. Enrolling in any of Duke’s bachelor’s degrees and graduate programs will ensure you gain the knowledge and skills required to pursue your chosen career. Moreover, Duke alumni have a high rate of employment and earn a median income above the national average.
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