Financial Aid
Financial Aid for JD students
The financial aid staff is responsible for assisting students in developing the means to cover costs associated with attending the School, and they are available for consultation on all aspects of the financial aid process. The primary sources of financial aid are Duke Law scholarships and federal/private loans.
Scholarships for JD students
All Duke Law scholarships are based in part on merit, with consideration given for need-based scholarships to those providing additional financial aid information. Applicants who would like to be considered for merit-based scholarships should check the appropriate box on the admissions application. Only applicants who wish to apply for scholarships based on both merit and need considerations must submit the Scholarship Application Form. Parental information is required when applying for need-based scholarship funds.
International students should visit the International Programs Office website for information on scholarships.
Loans
The source and type of student loans vary. Students may apply for Stafford Loans (federally subsidized and unsubsidized) and GradPLUS Loans. Perkins Loans are also available for eligible students. In addition to federal loans, several private lenders make their products available to students.
Students seeking federal loan assistance must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). 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 (E00167) on this form to ensure that the School will receive a copy.
Online Lender Comparison Chart
The Duke University Financial Aid Office is committed to providing our students and their families with accurate information about the best available rates, benefits and service. Our research indicates that the lenders listed offer our students excellent customer service, competitive interest rates and borrower benefits. However, Duke University students are not required to select a lender from this loan comparison chart; students are free to select any eligible lender of their choice for their loans. If you select a lender that is not listed on our loan comparison chart you will need to contact your lender of choice to complete your application directly with the lender.
Loan Repayment Assistance Program
Duke Law offers a Loan Repayment Assistance Program (LRAP) to students who engage in qualified public interest legal careers. Detailed information on this program and all facets of financial assistance can be obtained from the Office of Financial Aid.
Financial Aid for Joint Degree Students
Students pursuing joint degrees with other departments at Duke may also be eligible for financial aid. Those enrolled in summer-starting programs are eligible only for financial aid through the Law School. Scholarships and loans are available for the summer term.
Students pursuing joint professional degrees through the Law School and another professional school (Fuqua School of Business, Nicholas School of the Environment, etc.) may qualify for financial aid from the other school during the terms in which they are not enrolled at the Law School. During terms in which they are enrolled at the Law School only or are taking classes at both schools, all financial aid will be administered through the Law School Office of Financial Aid. For more information, contact the Law School Financial Aid Office.
Financial Aid for LLM Students
Duke Law School has limited financial assistance to offer international students. A small amount of scholarship assistance based on merit is awarded to outstanding applicants. Very qualified applicants should submit with the application a letter requesting scholarship consideration and explaining the basis for merit consideration.
For additional information on financial assistance for international students, visit International Programs.
International Studies Office
Box 90365
Durham, North Carolina
27708-0365
(919) 613-7033 phone
(919) 681-6550 fax
international@law.duke.edu
College Cost Reduction and Access Act
The College Cost Reduction and Access Act (P.L. 110-84) will make it easier for law school graduates to pursue public interest and public service careers. When the law takes full effect on July 1, 2009, an "Income-Based Repayment Option" -- reduced monthly loan payments -- will be available for all borrowers who have high federal debt loads in comparison to their income. In addition, the law provides that after a borrower makes 120 monthly payments on federal loans while working in public service, the government will forgive the remaining balances on these loans.
To view the recent presentation on the CCRAA sponsored by the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid, the Career and Professional Development Center, and the Office of Public Interest and Pro Bono, please click on the link below.
College Cost Reduction and Access Act Presentation
Summary Statement of Student Lending Principles
Duke University has established a set of publicly available principles and policies to govern educational lending practices for undergraduate, graduate and professional students. These principles emphasize that lending practices proceed from a commitment to the best interests of our students, that we support students’ right to choose their lenders and that neither Duke nor its employees accept financial payments, goods or services of material value from lenders. All employees involved in financial aid and student lending are subject to a rigorous conflict of interest policy. Administrators may serve as unpaid members of lender advisory boards in order to help shape the products and services that will best meet the needs of our students; in such cases, Duke pays all costs associated with that service.
For more information on the principles and policies, visit Duke’s financial aid website.
