Estimated Cost of Attendance
Estimated cost for the first year of study, rounded to the nearest U.S. dollar (cost for the second year of study may be based on a 3-5% percent increase of the figures below).
Students enrolled in the accelerated program are required to attend a summer session and will incur additional tuition and university fees, as well as living expenses.
*This cost of attendance estimate is based on the academic year, including the fall and spring semesters (9 months).
| Estimated Costs | Fall 2025 | Spring 2026 | Academic Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Educational Expenses | |||
| Sanford MIDP Tuition | $28,014 | $28,014 | $56,028 |
| Student Medical Insurance | $3704 | - | $3,704 |
| Student Health Fee | $503 | $503 | $1006 |
| Sanford Activity Fee | $50 | $50 | $100 |
| Graduate Activity Fee | $19 | $19 | $38 |
| Graduate Recreational Facility Fee | $194 | $195 | $389 |
| Transcript Fee | $120 | - | $120 |
| Graduate Student Services Fee | $13 | $12 | $25 |
| Total | $32,617 | $28,793 | $61,410 |
| Educational Supplies | |||
| Books & Supplies | $330 | $330 | $660 |
| Total | $330 | $330 | $660 |
| Student Living Expenses | |||
| Board (Food) | $2,160 | $2,160 | $4,320 |
| Housing & Utilities | $6,921 | $6,921 | $13,842 |
| Miscellaneous | $2,187 | $2,187 | $4,374 |
| Transportation | $1,044 | $1,044 | $2,088 |
| Total | $12,312 | $12,312 | $24,624 |
| Total Cost of Attendance | $45,259 | $41,435 | $86,694 |
| Summer Estimated Cost | |
|---|---|
|
Summer Tuition (2 courses @ $2,405 per credit) | $14,430 |
|
Summer Student Health Fee (estimate) | $302 |
|
Estimated Cost 2025-2026 |
Traditional (48 credits) MIDP FA25 & SP26 |
Accelerated (30 credits) MIDP FA25, SP26, SU26 |
|---|---|---|
|
Estimated Direct Costs | ||
| Tuition and Registration Fee | $56,028 | $56,028 |
| Transcript Fee | $120 | $120 |
| Student Health Fee | $1,006 | $1,006 |
| Sanford School Fee | $100 | $100 |
| Recreational Facilities Fee | $389 | $389 |
| Graduate Activity Fee | $38 | $36.50 |
| Graduate Student Service Fee | $25 | $25 |
| Student Medical Insurance Program (SMIP) | $3,713 | $3713 |
| Summer Tuition ($2,405 per credit hour) | - | $14,430 |
| Summer Health Fee (estimated) | - | $302 |
| Total Direct Costs | $61,419 | $76,151 |
|
Estimated Indirect Costs | ||
| Books and Supplies | $660 | $990 |
| Board (food) | $4,320 | $5,760 |
| Housing and Utilities | $13,842 | $18,456 |
| Miscellaneous | $4,374 | $5,832 |
| Transportation | $2,088 | $2,784 |
| Total Estimated Indirect Costs | $24,624 | $32,832 |
| Total Estimated Cost of Attendance (Direct + Indirect Costs) | $86,964 | $110,558 |
For International Students
Duke Visa Services (DVS) is required to verify that you have evidence of funding that meets or exceeds the estimated student expenses for the first year of your degree program, which for most programs is nine months long.
International students will require a Form I-20 (for an F-1 visa) or a Form DS-2019 (for a J-1 visa). Duke Visa Services is unable to issue these documents unless a student is able to demonstrate funding for living expenses at a minimum of US $2,200/month for a single person. Additional proof of funding is required if students will be accompanied by a spouse and/or children. The minimum amount of funding that must be demonstrated for a spouse is $850/month and the amount for each child is $450/month excluding health insurance.
Proof of Funding:
- Must be in English or with an official translation (cannot be self-translated)
- Must reflect liquid assets - no real estate, stocks/bonds, or salary to be earned
- Must identify the source, funding amount, type of currency, and dates of coverage
- Must be current (4 months old or less)
- Must be original (Refer to Additional Suggestions below)
Examples of Acceptable Proof of Funds:
- Personal (checking/savings account statements)
- Family funds (checking/savings account statements)
- Scholarship award letters from home university
- Scholarship/Fellowship/Assistantship letters from Duke University
- Government grant/award letters
- Employer sponsorship letter
For F-1 status, proof of funding is required for the first year of your degree program. For J-1 status, proof of funding is required for the full length of the degree program. You must also prove you have the additional funds required for family members to be issued dependent visa documents.
The table below displays the proof of funding amounts required for an individual for the 25-26 academic year (nine months).
| Tuition & Fees | $61,410 |
| Books | $660 |
| Living Expenses | $19,800 |
| Total | $81,870 |
If a student is accompanied by a spouse or dependent, additional proof of funds will be required to account for living expenses:
For the 25-26 academic year (nine months):
| Total: | |
| Spouse | $7,650 |
| Per Child | $4,050 |
Health Insurance Requirement
All students are required to maintain adequate medical insurance during their enrollment at Duke University. You must complete either the enrollment or waiver process within the open enrollment period. Failure to do so will result in a delay in coverage or a charge for insurance you do not need.
Duke offers a Student Medical Insurance Plan (SMIP) designed to meet the needs of students who have no insurance or who have inadequate insurance coverage in the Durham, NC area. Please review your coverage. While it may be acceptable for a waiver, it may not provide the kind of security and coverage provided by our student plan, which is tailored to a Duke students specific needs.
If you are an international student holding an F1 or J1 visa, enrollment in the SMIP is mandatory.
The Duke SMIP is underwritten by Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) of North Carolina. Student insurance plans with BCBS are identified as Student Blue.
Learn more about Duke's health insurance requirement.
Health Insurance Rates
The annual cost of coverage for all eligible students for the 2024-2025 plan year is $3,461.64.*
For dependents, the annual premium rates are as follows:
- Add Spouse, $3,168.60* (in addition to the student premium)
- Add Child(ren), $3,529.20* (in addition to the student premium)
- Add Family, $6,697.80* (in addition to the student premium)
A portion of the cost of the SMIP is retained by Duke University to pay for administrative costs incurred by the University and for reserve funds. Any portion of the cost of the plan retained by Duke University is encumbered solely for the purpose of funding plan expenses or the equitable and non-discriminatory benefit of plan participants.
*Rates pending regulatory approval.
Duke has partnered with Aetna Student Health to provide an enhanced dental plan for students. The Aetna dental plan provides 100% coverage (up to the policy limits) at Campus Smiles and all In-network providers. This plan can be used nationwide.
Domestic Students
- Domestic (non-PhD) students must Opt-in to dental coverage. You will not be automatically enrolled.
- Domestic (non-PhD) students can choose to Opt-in to the Aetna Dental plan by visiting www.gallagherstudent.com/duke. Student Dental Premium will be billed to your student account. You can enroll your eligible dependents online at www.gallagherstudent.com/duke.
- If you do not wish to enroll in the Aetna dental plan, no action is required. Only students who Opt-in to coverage will be enrolled and billed for the plan.
International Students
- International students will be automatically enrolled in the Duke dental plan through Aetna unless you Opt-out of coverage by the established deadline.
- International students are automatically enrolled in the Aetna dental plan. The premium is billed to your student account. You may enroll your eligible dependents online at www.gallagherstudent.com/duke.
- If you do not wish to be enrolled in the Aetna dental plan, Opt-out of coverage online at www.gallagherstudent.com.
Important Information
- The Annual cost of coverage is $329.00
- Coverage effective from August 1, 2024 through July 31, 2025
- There is no deductible
- $2,000 benefit maximum
- In-network clinic on site at Duke
- The online enrollment site will be live June 17, 2024 through September 14, 2024.
Note: enrollment and opt-out applications must be completed and submitted online by 11:59pm on September 14, 2024.
Additional Funding Resources
To explore additional funding opportunities: