Tuition & Fees

When deciding to make the investment in a college education, students are urged to give their attention first to the selection of institutions that meet their intellectual and personal needs, and then to the devising of a sound plan for meeting the cost of their education. This process requires an in-depth knowledge of both the university’s financial aid program and the resources of the student’s family. Information describing in detail the various forms of financial aid available at Duke may be obtained from the Karsh Office of Undergraduate Financial Support website at financialaid.duke.edu.

The figures in this section are projections and are subject to change.

Estimated Expenses

The figures in this table are projections and are subject to change. Certain basic expenditures, such as tuition, room, and board, are considered in preparing a student’s budget. These necessary expenditures, with a reasonable amount allotted for miscellaneous items, are shown above. Food projections include a meal plan service fee and NC tax surcharge. There are no meal plans for Summer Session. Students can add points or select a debit account that is either small, medium, or large.

It should be realized that additional expenses may be incurred that will depend to a large extent upon the tastes and habits of the individual. The average undergraduate student, however, can plan on a budget of approximately $84,513. The budget estimate for the summer (two terms, one semester equivalent) is $19,724. These budgets represent most student living expenses except for cable, telephone, parking, travel costs, loan fees, and major clothing purchases.

Fees and Deposits for Fall and Spring

On the first bill from Duke, students (including transfer students) are required to pay a one-time nonrefundable registration fee of $180, which includes transcript processing.

Late Registration

Continuing students who fail to register during the registration period must pay a late registration fee of $50, posted to their bursar account.

Part-Time Students

In the regular academic year, students who, with permission, register for no more than 2.5 courses in a semester will be classified as part-time students. Part-time students will be charged tuition at the rate of $7,553; half course, $3,776; quarter course, $1,888. Registration for more than 2.5 courses requires payment of full tuition. Students in nondegree programs who are being considered for admission to degree programs, as designated by the Office of Continuing Studies, pay fees by the course whether the course load is one, two, or three courses.

Auditing one or more courses without charge is allowed for students paying full fees, provided that the consent of the instructor is obtained. Audited courses are counted toward the total credit limit of 6.0 that no student may exceed, and toward the maximum of 2.5 credits for seniors who wish to be part-time in their final semester. With the consent of the appropriate instructor and the director of continuing studies, graduates of Duke, Duke employees, members of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI), and qualified members of the local community may audit undergraduate courses for the above payment per course.

Duke Employees

Many employees may be eligible to receive either a Tuition Grant from Trinity College of Arts & Sciences or an Employee Tuition Benefit through Duke Human Resources to enroll in regular university classes, or both, to assist with the cost of tuition or audit fees. The details of these two plans can be found at learnmore.duke.edu/academics and hr.duke.edu/benefits/educational/employee-tuition-assistance.

Fees for Courses

Additional fees are charged for certain physical education activity, field trips, and applied music courses. For specific charges, consult the Bursar’s Office. For students receiving financial aid, all fees are paid in full.

Music Fee

A fee of $190 will be charged for Music 101. A fee of $380 will be charged for Music 103 to 108. A fee of $760 will be charged for Music 203 to 208. Fees for these courses for students receiving need-based aid are paid in full.

Fees for Study Abroad

Students who register to study abroad on programs administered by institutions other than Duke University will pay the tuition and fees of the administering institution. There will be a fee of $4,580 per semester, payable to Duke University, to maintain a student’s enrollment at Duke. Students receiving financial aid will receive aid based on revised costs from administering institution.