Financial Aid & Scholarships
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
Duke Law School awards three-year scholarships to entering law students. All scholarships are based in part on merit, defined broadly to include academic excellence as well as a range of other personal accomplishments and experiences. To apply for a scholarship, applicants that are selected for admission will complete the Scholarship Application Form located on the Welcome website. This form will allow you to choose whether you would like apply for a scholarship based on merit or on merit and financial need. Those who choose to apply on the basis of merit and need are also required to complete the Need Access application.
Loans
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.
Loan Options, Instructions, and Information
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 Dual Degree Students
Students pursuing dual 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 dual 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
LLM for International Law Graduates
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.
Law and Entrepreneurship LLM Students
U.S. citizens and permanent residents are eligible to apply for federal loans. Most students who are eligible for federal student loans will be able to borrow an amount sufficient to cover the cost of attendance, including tuition and living expenses, but the type of federal loan available will depend on the borrowing history of the applicant. For more information and a loan application, see the Duke Student Loan Office's website.
Limited scholarship assistance may be available to some applicants; students will be invited to complete a scholarship application upon admission to the program.
For more information, please contact our financial aid office at financial_aid@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.
