By Kelly Boyer Sagert

(Last Updated – 01/2025)

Duke is a prestigious university with outstanding academics and an interdisciplinary approach to learning. It’s also well-known for its athletic programs: Duke’s basketball team (the Blue Devils) is one of the most successful in the country.

Total Cost of Attendance

Duke tuition, housing, and fees were as follows in 2023-24:

•  Duke University tuition: $65,805, 5% higher than the previous year

•  Books and supplies: $1,602, up 11% over the previous year

•  Room and board: $17,458, 4.8% less than the previous year

•  Other fees: $2,207, up 11.7% over the previous year

•  Total expenses: $87,072, 5.2% higher than the previous year

Financial Aid

Duke University meets 100% of the demonstrated need for undergraduates, providing $149 million annually in grant aid.

In 2022-23, 56% of first time, full-time undergraduates received some sort of financial aid. More specifically:

•  Grant or scholarship aid: 41% of students received this type of funding with the average award being $59,327

•  Federal grants: 11% of students received this type of funding with am average award of $8,830

•  Pell grants: 11% of students received this type of funding with the average award being $5,507

•  Other federal grants: 10% of students received this type of funding with an average award of $3,968

•  State/local: 2% of students received this type of funding with the average award being $6,611

•  Institutional: 41% of students received this type of funding with an average award of $56,922

•  Student loan aid: 16% of students received this type of funding with the average award being $11,551

•  Federal student loans: 15% of students received this type of funding with an average award of $4,426

•  Other student loans: 3% of students received this type of funding with the average award being $34,387

Generally, financial aid is monetary assistance awarded to students based on personal need and merit. Students who qualify for financial aid can use it to pay for college costs like tuition, books, and living expenses.

The federal government is the largest provider of student financial aid. However, aid can also be given by state governments, colleges and universities, private companies, and nonprofits. The different types include:

•  Scholarships: These can be awarded by schools and other organizations based on students’ academic excellence, athletic achievement, community involvement, job experience, field of study, or financial need.

•  Grants: Generally based on financial need, these can come from federal, state, private, or nonprofit organizations.

•  Work-study: This federal program provides qualifying students with part-time employment to earn money for expenses while in school.

•  Federal student loans: This is money borrowed directly from the U.S. Department of Education. It comes with fixed interest rates that are typically lower than private loans.

Colleges, universities, and state agencies use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine financial aid eligibility. The FAFSA can be completed online, but note that state, federal, and school deadlines may differ.

You can find other financial aid opportunities on databases such as:

•  US Department of Education – Search for grants from colleges and universities by state

•  College Scholarship Service Profile (CSS) – A global college scholarship application used by select institutions to award financial aid

Recommended: The Differences Between Grants, Scholarships, and Loans

Private Student Loans

In 2022-23, 3% of students received private student loans, with the average award being $34,387. Duke University provides a resource for students wishing to explore private loans.

Private loans are funded by private organizations such as banks, online lenders, credit unions, some schools, and state-based or state-affiliated organizations. While Federal student loans have interest rates that are regulated by Congress, private lenders follow a different set of regulations so their qualifications and interest rates can vary widely.

What’s more, private loans have variable or fixed interest rates that may be higher than federal loan interest rates, which are always fixed. Private lenders may (but don’t always) require you to make payments on your loans while you are still in school, compared to federal student loans, which you don’t have to start paying back until after you graduate, leave school, or change your enrollment status to less than half-time.

Private loans don’t have a specific application window and can be applied for on an as-needed basis. However, if you think you may need to take out a private loan, it’s a good idea to submit your FAFSA first to see what federal aid you may qualify for as it generally may have better rates and terms.

If you’ve missed the FAFSA deadline or you’re struggling to pay for school during the year, private loans can potentially help you make your payments. Just keep in mind that you will need enough lead time for your loan to process and for your lender to send money to your school.

Recommended: Guide to Private Student Loans

Projected 4-Year-Degree Price

Duke’s cost of attendance for 2023-24 was $87,072. Over a four year period, this would equal $348,288, not accounting for cost increases.

Here’s some North Carolina Student Loan & Scholarship Information for you.

Undergraduate Tuition and Fees

In 2023-24, Duke University tuition was $65,805, 5% higher than the previous year. Total cost of attendance was $87,072. In the same year, the average total cost for a private four-year university was $60,420.

Graduate Tuition and Fees

In 2022-23, the average Duke University tuition for graduate students was $60,220 with fees of $1,302 for a total of $61,522. In the U.S., the average graduate student spends $23,130 each year on school.

Cost per Credit Hour

Using the current Duke tuition of $60,244 and assuming two semesters at 15 hours each, the cost per credit hour at Duke is Students who register for no more than 2.5 courses in a semester are considered part-time students. Part-time students pay a tuition rate of $7,553; half course, $3,776; quarter course, $1,888.

Campus Housing Expenses

In 2023-24, room and board cost $17,458, which was 4.8% more than the previous year.
Duke provides guidance for finding off-campus housing with a sampling of current listings:

•  Studio: $1,431

•  1 Bedroom: $1,532

•  2 Bedrooms: $1,875

Note that apartment leases may require you to sign for a full year rather than just the academic one.

Duke University Acceptance Rate

In fall 2023, 46,365 people applied to the university. The Duke University acceptance rate is just 7%, meaning the school is highly competitive.

Admission Requirements

Early Decision applications are due on November 4 of the previous year, and Regular Decision applications due on January 2 of the academic year.

Duke University is test-optional during 2024-25. When applying, you must provide:

•  Transcripts

•  Three letters of recommendation: one from a school counselor and two from teachers in major academic courses

•  Extracurricular activities (up to 10) with sustained commitment is more impressive than a long list

•  Essay and writing prompt answers

What’s optional:

•  One personal recommendation letter from a mentor, employer, or other person who knows you well

•  An interview with a Duke alumni, if offered to you

SAT and ACT Scores

Duke is a test-optional university during 2024-25. In fall 2023, 50% of applicants submitted SAT scores and 31% submitted ACT scores with the following 25th and 75th percentile numbers:

Popular Majors at Duke University

In 2022-23, Duke awarded 1,850 undergraduate degrees in a couple of dozen areas of study. Here are some of the popular majors.

1. Computer Science

Duke is well known for its computer science program, with graduates pursuing careers in a wide range of sectors: technology, business, health care, science, and more.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 249

2. Registered Nursing

U.S. News and World Report rank Duke’s School of Nursing as the third best in the nation. This program includes an accelerated BS in Nursing degree for students who already have a college education.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 224

3. Econometrics and Quantitative Economics

Economics focuses on resource allocation and management, with econometrics taking a mathematically based approach. Undergraduates learn how this field provides an understanding of human behavior.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 186

4. Biology

Undergraduates benefit from a wide range of classroom and hands-on field experiences. This degree can assist students in biological research careers, education, health professions, and more.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 157

5. Public Policy Analysis

Students take classes in social policy, environment and energy, global governance, and more. They become prepared to analyze political and economic issues and make ethical decisions.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 128

6. Experimental Psychology

Psychology students learn about human and animal behavior—its origins, processes, and consequences—with graduates applying their knowledge in a wide range of professional fields.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 107

7. Computer Engineering

Five concentration areas in this major are computing engineering and digital systems; signal processing, communications, and control systems; solid-state devices and integrated circuits; electromagnetic fields; and photonics.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 101

8. Bioengineering

U.S. News and World Report ranked Duke’s biomedical engineering program as fourth in the nation. Students learn about data science, entrepreneurship, hands-on design, computing, and more.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 95

9. Political Science and Government

This program provides a systematic understanding of politics: from local to international and from authoritarian to democratic. Political scientists use data, human psychology, and more in their field.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 91

10. Mechanical Engineering

Undergraduates study mathematics, basic sciences, engineering sciences, and more. Students are taught to think critically when managing tasks, communicating, and solving problems.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 70

Graduation Rate

For students who began their studies in fall 2017, here are the graduation rates:

•  4 years: 88%

•  6 years: 96%

Post-Graduation Median Earnings

Graduates of the university earn a median salary of $98,000 compared to a national average for college graduates of $68,516, making Duke graduate salaries 43% higher.

By Susan Guillory

(Last Updated – 01/2025)

Total Cost of Attendance

Purdue University, located in West Lafayette, Indiana, is well-known for its engineering, education, business, and nursing programs. Purdue tuition for the 2023-24 school year was $9,992 for in-state students and $28,794 for out-of-state students. Notably, tuition has not increased for several years, although other expenses have. Purdue tuition is comparable to the national averages of $11,260 for in-state students and $29,150 for out-of-state students.

Financial Aid

More than half of students at Purdue (60%) use student loans, grants, or scholarships to cover Purdue tuition. There are many financial aid options available.

Generally, financial aid is monetary assistance awarded to students based on personal need and merit. Students who qualify for financial aid can use it to pay for college costs like tuition, books, and living expenses.

The federal government is the largest provider of student financial aid. However, aid can also be given by state governments, colleges and universities, private companies, and nonprofits. The different types include:

•  Scholarships: These can be awarded by schools and other organizations based on students’ academic excellence, athletic achievement, community involvement, job experience, field of study, or financial need.

•  Grants: Generally based on financial need, these can come from federal, state, private, or nonprofit organizations.

•  Work-study: This federal program provides qualifying students with part-time employment to earn money for expenses while in school.

•  Federal student loans: This is money borrowed directly from the U.S. Department of Education. It comes with fixed interest rates that are typically lower than private loans.

Colleges, universities, and state agencies use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine financial aid eligibility. The FAFSA can be completed online, but note that state, federal, and school deadlines may differ.

You can find other financial aid opportunities on databases such as:

•  US Department of Education – Search for grants from colleges and universities by state

•  College Scholarship Service Profile (CSS) – A global college scholarship application used by select institutions to award financial aid

Recommended: The Differences Between Grants, Scholarships, and Loans

Private Student Loans

One form of financial aid to help with Purdue University tuition is a student loan: 27% of students take out federal student loans, while 6% take out private loans. The average private student loan is $19,587.

Private loans are funded by private organizations such as banks, online lenders, credit unions, some schools, and state-based or state-affiliated organizations. While Federal student loans have interest rates that are regulated by Congress, private lenders follow a different set of regulations so their qualifications and interest rates can vary widely.

What’s more, private loans have variable or fixed interest rates that may be higher than federal loan interest rates, which are always fixed. Private lenders may (but don’t always) require you to make payments on your loans while you are still in school, compared to federal student loans, which you don’t have to start paying back until after you graduate, leave school, or change your enrollment status to less than half-time.

Private loans don’t have a specific application window and can be applied for on an as-needed basis. However, if you think you may need to take out a private loan, it’s a good idea to submit your FAFSA first to see what federal aid you may qualify for as it generally may have better rates and terms.

If you’ve missed the FAFSA deadline or you’re struggling to pay for school during the year, private loans can potentially help you make your payments. Just keep in mind that you will need enough lead time for your loan to process and for your lender to send money to your school.

Recommended: Guide to Private Student Loans

Projected 4-Year-Degree Price

Based on 2023-24 numbers, Purdue tuition for four years would cost $99,528 for in-state students and $174,736 for out-of-state students. For comparison, the average total cost for four years for a public university in the U.S. is $115,360 for in-state, and $186,920 for out-of-state.

Here’s some Indiana Student Loan & Scholarship Information for you.

Undergraduate Tuition and Fees

In 2023-24, students who lived in Indiana paid a total of $24,882 for tuition, fees, and room and board. Those who came from other states paid $43,684.

Graduate Tuition and Fees

Purdue tuition for graduate school was $9,992 for in-state students in 2023-24 and $28,794 for out-of-state students. The overall average cost of graduate school tuition in the U.S per year is $21,730. There are graduate loans available to help with these costs.

💡 Quick Tip: Graduate student loans can help cover tuition, fees, and other education-related expenses.

Cost per Credit Hour

To attend Purdue part-time, in-state students pay $347.85 and out-of-state students pay $948.30 per credit. You may also be eligible to take out student loans as a part-time student.

Campus Housing Expenses

At Purdue University, freshmen are not required to live on campus, though most do. Students can opt to live in university residences, cooperative housing, or fraternity or sorority houses. Those who choose to live off-campus have many options in housing, either living alone or with roommates.

Purdue University Acceptance Rate

The Purdue acceptance rate is 50%, based on fall 2023 figures.

Admission Requirements

Here’s what’s required with your application to Purdue University.

Required:

•  Self-reported high school grades

•  SAT or ACT scores

Recommended:

•  Recommendations

The deadline for Early Action is November 1, with a decision given by January 15. The Regular Decision deadline is January 15, with a decision given by March 31. You can apply to Purdue here .

SAT and ACT Scores

SAT or ACT scores are required for first-time, first-year applicants. (In past years, Purdue was test-flexible, which means SAT and ACT scores were not required.) Here are the average scores at the 25th and 75th percentile.

Popular Majors at Purdue University

Purdue University offers a wide range of majors, and graduates are in high demand after completing their studies. Here are the most popular fields of study.

1. Computer Science

Purdue has the world’s oldest existing computer science department and offers computer science students different tracks to specialize in: computational science and engineering, computer graphics and visualization, database and information systems, foundations of computer science, machine learning and artificial intelligence, programming languages, security, software engineering, or systems programming.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 521

2. Mechanical Engineering

After learning how to research, design, develop, manufacture, manage, and control engineering systems and their components, students are prepared for careers in a variety of industries.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 478

3. Psychology

Students in Purdue’s psychological sciences program study clinical psychology, cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, industrial/organizational psychology, behavioral neuroscience, social psychology, learning and motivation, statistics, and mathematical models of behavior.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 318

4. Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical Engineering

Students in this program get a solid foundation in engineering science and the technologies and design of flight vehicles. They also learn to design and operate aircraft, missiles, and space vehicles.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 314

5. Industrial Engineering

Students in this program learn how to design, analyze, and manage complex human-integrated systems such as manufacturing systems, supply chain networks, and service systems.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 269

6. Mathematical Statistics

As a leading technical university, Purdue offers programs in many areas that apply statistics, including this rigorous program that leads to a double major in statistics and mathematics. This path prepares students for graduate work in both applied statistics and mathematical statistics or a quantitative field.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 199

7. Electrical Engineering

This program delves into the research, development, design, and operation of electrical and electronic systems and their components. Students can specialize in: automatic controls; communication, networking, signal, and image processing; fields and optics; power and energy systems; microelectronics and nanotechnology; VLSI and circuit design; or computer engineering.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 174

8. Registered Nursing

Nursing students at Purdue University get real-world experience using technology and strategies to help patients in a variety of health situations. Students have three years of clinical placements.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 162

9. Computer Graphics

A career-ready major that focuses on all aspects of computer graphics, from animation to scientific visualization, and from user experience to game studies. Research projects prepare students to be practitioners and managers in computer graphics-related careers.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 155

10. Information Technology

Students in the information technology department will learn to work with databases, information systems, and computer apps. They will also learn to plan, design, build, analyze, manage, and maintain computer networks, and gain valuable communication skills.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 121

Learn more about the majors at Purdue here .

Graduation Rate at Purdue

The graduation rate for students who started at Purdue in fall 2017 was 83%.

Post-Graduation Median Earnings

After graduating from Purdue, students earn, on average, $72,000 a year. This is higher than the national average for graduates of four-year institutions of $68,516.