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Duke Law School's Office of Financial Aid makes every effort to help students who require financial assistance to meet tuition and living expenses. Financial aid at Duke Law comes from several sources: scholarships, federal loans and private loans. A legal education is a significant investment and should be approached by students who know as many of the financial aspects as possible.

Financial Aid Handbook

The Financial Aid Handbook contains a wealth of information about the financial aid process, and should be the first source you consult with any questions about financial aid. Among other topics, the handbook provides information about how to apply for aid, the amount and types of aid students may qualify for, and tuition payments and insurance. If, after reading the handbook, you have any remaining questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Office of Financial Aid.

Scholarships

Duke Law School awards three-year scholarships on the basis of either merit or merit and need to entering law students only. There are no continuing academic performance requirements attached to the grant, relieving students of uncertainty about scholarship renewal.

International students should visit the International Studies website for information on scholarships.

Loans

Educational loans are offered by both the federal government and private lenders. Applicants who have good credit and are U.S. citizens or permanent residents will be able to fully finance the cost of a legal education. More information about loan options can be found in the Financial Aid Handbook.

Loan Repayment Assistance Program

Duke Law has a long-standing tradition of supporting students and graduates who commit to public service careers. The Loan Repayment Assistance Program (LRAP) program greatly reduces the degree to which financing the cost of a legal education limits career options and opens the door to public service careers by providing a path for total loan forgiveness. Duke's LRAP program covers 100% of federal loan payments for graduates making $60,000 or less. Graduates making between $60,000 and $75,000 can receive assistance on a sliding scale.

Tuition and Fees

The legal education that Duke Law School offers is competitively priced. Endowment income and student tuition help cover the expense of offering outstanding professors, small classes and a wide range of program offerings. The Tuition & Fees page provides details about the budget for the current academic year.

Tuition Refund Insurance

Duke Law School has arranged with A.W.G. Dewar Inc. to offer the Tuition Refund Plan to our students to minimize the financial portion of losses incurred when a student suffers a serious illness or accident and has to leave Duke before the semester is completed. The insurance program extends and enhances the University's published refund policy. For a qualifying medical event, you are assured of a refund of covered charges throughout the term even after the University's own refund policy has expired. This can be especially beneficial when a student is forced to withdraw and then return for a later term. Information about coverage and how to apply can be found on the Bursar's website.

Direct Deposit

You may arrange for the direct deposit of your financial aid refund into your personal checking account. Direct Deposit helps to ensure that you receive your funds quickly. In order to set up this service, please fill out the Direct Deposit Authorization Form, include a voided check, and mail or fax the documents to the University Bursar's Office:

Bursar's Office - Student Accounts
324 Blackwell Street, Suite 1000
Durham, NC 27701
FAX: (919) 684-3091

FAFSA

Students seeking federal loan assistance must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is the need analysis document that must be completed by all U.S. citizens and permanent residents, who are applying for any federal aid (i.e., Federal Stafford Loans). Previous aid applicants/recipients can also complete a Renewal FAFSA at the same website. A personal identification number is required (PIN). If you have not received a PIN, you can request one at www.pin.ed.gov. It will take 7-10 days to receive this via U.S. mail. The FAFSA requires you to indicate the name of each school to which you are applying in Step Six of the form. Once the application is completed, you will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR). Be sure to retain this report for your records. To minimize delays, students are encouraged to complete the FAFSA online as soon after January 1 as possible. The priority filing date is March 15. Please include Duke Law School’s Title IV code (002920) on this form to ensure that the School will receive a copy.

The Office of Financial Aid has developed a list of frequently asked questions to assist Duke Law students in filing their FAFSAs. Students who have questions not covered here should contact the Financial Aid Office.