Tuition, Cost & Aid

The many programs and things to do at Duke, make it for the most part worth the money. We have unique study abroad programs such as DukeEngage that allow you to spend a summer in another country for free doing civic engagement, cultural immersion study abroad programs, and programs dedicated specifically towards your field of study. For instance, you can spend a semester at Duke's marine lab to learn about marine biology or in L.A. to study film. There are also a lot of help services such as the career center, study abroad office, psychological services office, academic advising for regular students and athletes, along with a ton of other services just for students. The one thing that I will say seems to me to be a huge rip off is the Freshman meal plan. Freshman have an allotted amount of meal swipes per week that can only be used at the Dining hall on East Campus, while upperclassmen are on a foodpoints system that allows them to eat virtually anywhere on campus. Each dinner meal swipe is supposed to be equal to $12, but in reality with the price of the meal plan it's equal to something like $23...that's a lot of money for dinner. (But I guess it's all you can eat so you can't complain too much). The one thing I wish Duke would do to help those in need of money for tuition is offer a few more scholarships to students. While, yes, they do offer some scholarships, these are usually reserved for a very very very small and incredibly intelligent portion of the student body. Also, they do a good job on financial aid for low income families, but not as well for medium income families.

Yes, Duke's tuition and housing is now about $50,000 per year. However, it covers 100% of your demonstrated financial need as shown by FAFSA, loan-free. I come from a family of seven (four younger sisters) on a pastor's salary, and we're fine!

Duke is an incredibly expensive university - but often times the amenities offered seem to make up for this. There are top notch academic professors, there is easy to find funding for special events and activities, new, well kept athletic facilities are readily available, freebies are often easy to find, and one always feels safe on campus. I can't say for sure whether Duke is worth the price tag, but most students rarely feel they're being cheated.

With the networking and connections you'll make throughout Duke, it is Worth the Buck! My freshman year, I had a very prominent professor offer me a job after I graduated (that's a Huge opportunity)! You'll have the option to do professional level research with faculty members, or you can be sponsored to attend prominent conferences throughout the country (at no charge). Duke has an amazing integration of students and faculty, so if you take advantage of the tools you're giving, you will Enjoy It!

Duke's expensive tuition can be a deterrent for those who don't qualify for financial aid. Although Duke does have decent financial aid, many families may find it lacking. Personally, while Duke does offer a world-class education, I wouldn't consider it a good bang for your buck.
However, much of this depends upon the individual student's own willingness to take advantage of the opportunities that Duke offers. By doing something like DukeEngage, a fully paid 8-week immersive volunteer trip to places all around the world or participating in one of the many undergraduate research opportunities with faculty members, students can make full use of their tuition.
Of course, a Duke education also comes with its prestigious reputation, which to some people may justify its pricey tuition.

It is costly, but financial aid and scholarships can alleviate the burdens. Yet I think after it's all said and done in four years, every graduate feels that it was worth every penny.

Duke is expensive but they always make sure to help with the payment if your family has financial need.

Duke is expensive but has great financial aid. The Duke name carries.

For such an expensive school, Duke still sucks every penny that you have left out of you. A parking pass is around $300 and you WILL get at least 3-4 parking tickets in your years here. In addition, the club sports and Greek fees are ridiculous. However, the fact that your professor probably wrote the textbook you're studying and the daily maid service in the dorms definitely make the financial crunch worth it in the long run.