Duke University's published cost of attendance is $87,072, but need-based aid reshapes that figure meaningfully across income levels. Low-income families pay approximately $735 per year in net price — a figure that reflects the university's commitment to meeting demonstrated financial need.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $87,072 |
| Tuition and Fees | $68,758 |
| Room and Board | $18,128 |
| Books and Supplies | $536 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$57,460 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $29,612 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $735 |
| $30–48k | +$361 (stipend) |
| $48–75k | $5,706 |
| $75–110k | $17,100 |
| $110k+ | $54,230 |
Duke University's published cost of attendance is $87,072, but need-based aid reshapes that figure meaningfully across income levels. Low-income families pay approximately $735 per year in net price — a figure that reflects the university's commitment to meeting demonstrated financial need. Middle-income families see annual costs around $5,706, while higher-income families pay approximately $54,230. Azimuth ranks Duke University #762 for post-graduation affordability among nonprofit four-year institutions. The gap between sticker price and what families actually pay can be substantial at institutions with deep aid programs; the net price illusion is worth understanding before drawing conclusions from the published cost of attendance alone. Duke University's need-based aid structure covers a meaningful share of cost for qualifying families. The university meets demonstrated financial need for admitted students, and aid packages are built around grants rather than loans for lower-income households, reducing the debt burden for those who qualify. Families apply through the FAFSA and CSS Profile, and the aid program extends across all four years for students who maintain eligibility. Median federal student loan debt at graduation is $13,000, and families using Parent PLUS borrow a median of $27,998; private or institutional loans may add further borrowing that falls outside these federal-only figures — see the Parent PLUS risk framework for how household context shapes PLUS decisions. For a graduate at the institution's median four-year earnings of $115,722, median federal debt of $13,000 projects to a monthly payment of about $147 under standard ten-year repayment. For personalized projections across earnings scenarios — including Parent PLUS planning — use Azimuth's Financial GPS tool.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt-to-earnings data not available.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Graduates of Duke University earn median earnings of $115,722 four years after enrollment, placing Duke University in the 99.7 percentile for median earnings four years after enrollment among nonprofit four-year institutions. That figure runs well above the $67,139 median at comparable institutions (same control and size band). Graduates earn about $11,170 more than similar students at comparable institutions, placing Duke University in the 87.4 percentile for earnings beyond expectations among nonprofit four-year institutions. Azimuth ranks Duke University #7 for return on investment among nonprofit four-year institutions. The program mix at Duke University is anchored by Computer Science, with Social Sciences accounting for 15% of degrees and Engineering representing 13%. Computer Science combines large cohort scale with strong pay, making it a key contributor to the university's overall earnings profile. Azimuth ranks Computer Science #9 nationally among nonprofit four-year institutions for median earnings four years after enrollment, with 370 graduates earning median earnings of $195,809 — 1.8x the national benchmark for the field per the . The Economics program graduates 209 students and Azimuth ranks it #4 nationally among nonprofit four-year institutions for median earnings four years after enrollment, with graduates earning median earnings of $161,149. Public Policy Analysis and Biology, General round out the high-earning lineup, with Azimuth ranking them #3 and #10 nationally among nonprofit four-year institutions respectively and graduates earning median earnings of $103,071 and $83,192 four years after enrollment.
