CAMPUS · DURHAM, NC · PRIVATE

Duke University

6.8%

01Acceptance 02Tuition 03Transfer 04ROI 05AP Credit 06Majors 07Housing 08International

Sticker Price vs What You Actually Pay

13% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating Duke enrolls a meaningful share of lower-income students.

Full Cost Breakdown

Room & Board	$17,359
Total Cost of Attendance	$87,072

What You'll Actually Pay (Net Price by Income)

After financial aid, the real cost depends on your family's income. These are average net prices for students receiving aid.

Family Income	Annual Net Price	4-Year Total
$0-30k	$735	$2,940
$30-48k	$-361	$-1,444
$48-75k	$5,706	$22,824
$75-110k	$17,100	$68,400
$110k+	$54,230	$216,920

Financial Aid & Student Debt at Duke University

13.0%

Pell Grant Recipients

$13,000

Median Debt at Graduation

Is Duke University Worth the Cost? (ROI Analysis)

$97,800

Median Earnings (10yr)

$13,000

Median Debt

7.5x

Earnings-to-Debt Ratio

A ratio above 2x generally means the investment pays off. Duke University — 7.5x ratio is excellent — graduates earn well relative to their debt burden.

Duke University True Cost by Family Income

13% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating Duke enrolls a meaningful share of lower-income students.

Family Income	Annual Net Price	4-Year Total
$0-30k	$735	$2,940
$30-48k	$-361	$-1,444
$48-75k	$5,706	$22,824
$75-110k	$17,100	$68,400
$110k+	$54,230	$216,920

Cost Breakdown

Room & Board	$17,359
Total Cost of Attendance	$87,072

Financial Aid & Student Debt

13.0%

Pell Grant Recipients

Students from low-income families

$13,000

Median Debt at Graduation

Federal loans only

$85,792

Median Earnings (6yr)

6 years after enrollment

Duke University Tuition & Cost FAQs

How much does Duke University actually cost per year?

Duke University's sticker price (cost of attendance) is $87,072/yr — that includes tuition, room and board, and fees. After financial aid, the average family pays just $15,482/yr, a 82% discount off sticker price.

Does Duke University offer good financial aid?

13% of Duke University students receive Pell Grants (federal need-based aid). Most US colleges including Duke University also award institutional grants on top of federal aid — apply via FAFSA, plus the CSS Profile if Duke University requires it.

What income bracket pays the least at Duke University?

Families earning under $30,000/yr typically pay around $735/yr at Duke University after financial aid, while families earning over $110,000/yr pay closer to $54,230/yr. The full breakdown by income bracket is in the True Cost table above.

Is Duke University worth the cost?

Duke University graduates earn a median of $97,800 10 years post-graduation. Against a 4-year sticker cost of about $348,288 (less for most families with aid), grads typically recoup the investment within several years of work.