The Duke Graduate School Financial Aid Office works with students to arrange for federal financial aid and student loans. Students apply for financial aid through The Graduate School. Financial aid, which is offered in the form of loans and federal work study, is available to citizens and eligible noncitizens (green card holders).
Financial Aid
In addition to the information listed below, students should also review the Duke University Bursar’s FAQs as well as the Graduate School’s resource page. If students have additional questions about financial support, they should contact grad-finaid@duke.edu. Master’s students who are US citizens are also eligible for federal financial aid and federal work study. US citizens should complete the online Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Graduate students are required to make satisfactory academic progress in their programs in order to remain enrolled in The Graduate School and to receive financial aid.
Loans
Duke University offers the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Programs for graduate students, including Direct Unsubsidized Loan and Direct PLUS Loan. Each of these loans has different terms and conditions, but they are generally deferrable until after graduation or until the student is enrolled less than half-time.
These federal loans are available only to United States citizens and, generally, only to master’s students. Visit the Duke Financial Aid website for more information and application procedures for student loans.
Students who plan to supplement their financial resources through loans or federal work-study employment must complete the above mentioned FAFSA. Students are encouraged to complete the FAFSA online. In order for The Graduate School to obtain the information electronically, Duke’s school code (002920) must be indicated on the form.
Students who are enrolled at least half time, who are US citizens or permanent residents, and who meet the federal criteria for need are eligible for loans.
Scholarships
The Department of Population Health Sciences awards a limited number of scholarships based on financial need and merit. Students are automatically considered for scholarships based on their Graduate School application; no additional application is required.
DPHS anticipates awarding second-year scholarships at the same percentage as the first year to continuing MS students who remain in good academic standing, are achieving program milestones at the appropriate rate, as verified by the DGS, their instructors, and their DPHS advisor.
Research Assistantships
Most DPHS students work on research projects with department faculty. These research assistant (RA) positions do not provide tuition remission but offer hourly compensation. The 2025-26 hourly pay rate for students is $22. Students may work up to 19.9 hours per week during the semesters, and up to 39.9 hours per week during the break, when no classes are in session.
Work-Study Program Employment
Limited funds are available for graduate students through the federal work-study program. A student who wishes to apply for federal work-study must complete the FAFSA. Eligibility requirements are similar to those of the federal loan programs. Awards are based on the assignment, eligibility of the student, and availability of funds. In addition to departmental opportunities, Duke University’s Student Employment Portal (JobX) maintains a listing of work options for students
Other MS Financial information and Resources
Students are responsible for anything on their Duke Bursar account not related to or included in the funding package (e.g., parking tickets, fines, etc.)
In addition to the main support package, The Graduate School also offers several other financial resources, such as conference travel grants, childcare subsidies, medical expense and financial hardship assistance, and short-term loans for emergencies.