Duke offers financing options for graduate and professional programs
Students enrolling in Duke’s graduate and professional degree programs next fall will have access to a range of options for financing their education.
Duke graduate and professional students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents will continue to be eligible to borrow up to $20,500 per year in federal loans, regardless of credit history, by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Beginning July 1, 2026, Students in Duke’s M.D., J.D., and M. Div. programs will be able to borrow up to $50,000 per year in federal loans.
In addition, all students have access to a curated selection of private lenders that provide additional loans options, and Duke is exploring options with private lenders for students with limited credit history.
“These financing options will make Duke affordable for more graduate and professional students,” said Suzanne Barbour, Dean of the Graduate School and Vice Provost for Graduate Education. “I encourage prospective applicants who don’t think a Duke education is within reach to explore what we have to offer.”
In November, the U.S. Department of Education announced proposed rule-making that would eliminate the Grad PLUS program, which enabled students in graduate and professional programs to borrow up to the cost of attendance, and set new annual and aggregate borrowing limits.
In response, Duke is highlighting access to private loans for graduate and professional students through its preferred lender list, which for well-qualified borrowers can have loan rates even lower than previously offered through Grad PLUS. Just as when shopping for other types of personal credit, students are encouraged to compare rates and apply to multiple lenders to obtain the best loan options.
“Our goal is to ensure students have practical, reliable options to finance their education,” said Michael Relf, Dean of the Duke University School of Nursing. “By expanding these resources, we’re helping students focus on their academic and professional goals without unnecessary financial uncertainty.”
Current students who have borrowed Federal Direct Loans in their current program of study at Duke prior to July 1, 2026, will remain eligible for the Grad PLUS loan under current loan terms for the next three years or until their current program completion, whichever is earlier.
For more information on loans for graduate and professional students, including frequently asked questions and links to Duke’s recommended lenders, visit the Office of Student Loans and Personal Finance.