Financial Aid Updates and Recent Legislation
Starting July 1, 2026, graduate and professional students will experience several important changes to federal student loans, though current students may continue to borrow under legacy provisions.
Duke University has a assembled a list of private lenders offering competitive rates and terms designed specifically for Duke graduate and professional students. These private solutions, coupled with institutional aid, assistantships, fellowships, and federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans, are in place to bridge any gaps and keep your education affordable and within reach.
Guide to 12-Month Ph.D. Funding
Starting in the 2022-2023 academic year, all Ph.D. students in their five-year guaranteed funding period will receive 12-month stipends. Because programs have different funding sources, their mechanisms for providing 12-month stipends will vary. The Graduate School has put together a guide listing how this will be handled in each program.