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Master's Degree Tuition & Financial Aid

Cost of Attendance

Master of Science (MS)

Master of Engineering (MEng)

Master of Engineering Management (MEM)

Financial Aid

Because many master's degrees are professional degrees rather than research degrees, most students pay their own tuition costs. Many students take out loans and feel there will be an excellent return on investment when they get out into the workforce.

In certain circumstances, we provide limited financial aid to MS and MEng students, as detailed below:

Diversity Scholarships

For Master of Science and Master of Engineering students, limited financial aid is available to highly qualified candidates through academic scholarships with an emphasis on increasing diversity within our master's degree programs.

Underrepresented minorities may receive up to 50 percent per year in tuition scholarship through our Diversity Scholarships. Additionally, up to $10,000 per year may be allocated for the student to gain experience in a research setting under the direction of a principal investigator (PI).

Externally Funded Scholarships

For MS and MEng students, we also offer support to recipients of select competitive externally funded scholarships, such as:

  • National Science Foundation (NSF) Fellowships
  • Fulbright Scholar Program

Fellowships

Some departments will occasionally provide some reduced-tuition assistance, but most of Pratt’s master's students pay through a combination of loans and their own money.

Also, see Duke Graduate School Master Student Financial Aid webpage.

Federal Loan Programs

Duke University offers the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Programs for graduate students, including Stafford unsubsidized loans, Graduate PLUS, and Perkins loans. Each of these loans has different terms and conditions, but they are generally deferrable until after graduation or until the student is enrolled for less than half-time.

These federal loans are available only to United States citizens and, generally, only to master’s students, because PhD scholarships and fellowships typically exceed the cost of attendance. Visit the Duke Financial Aid website for more information and application procedures for student loans.

On-Campus Work

While enrolled in the program, many students work in a variety of places, such as campus libraries and various departments within Duke University. Teaching assistantships are available in various departments, and some departments have research assistantships as well.

These positions are paid an hourly rate, and most students work between 10 to 20 hours per week. Positions are generally posted and filled just a week or two before classes begin each semester.

External Funding Opportunities

Browse our extensive list of potential external funding opportunities on our dedicated website for MEng students.