The Nicholas School works with three primary types of financial aid: merit-based aid from the school, need-based aid from the school, and federal loans. Some students may seek outside scholarships and grants or private loans. We offer more than 100 types of financial aid awards. Our Financial Aid Office will be happy to help you review your options and identify which merit- or need-based aid options are right for you.
In evaluating applicants for admission, the Nicholas School maintains a strict policy of selecting candidates without regard to their ability to pay tuition. If the applicant is offered admission, the school will notify the admitted student if they are eligible to receive financial aid and in what form.
View / Print Financial Aid Manual
Financial Support for Master's Degree Students
The Nicholas School awards scholarships to MEM, MF, and DEL-MEM students on the basis of demonstrated outstanding academic ability and a high degree of professional promise.
Funding for these awards is limited. Not all incoming students will receive financial assistance, and many of those who do will still need other financial resources to meet their tuition obligations and living expenses. Financial assistance is typically offered for a period of two years; students are expected to complete their degree within this period of time.
How to Apply
Decisions regarding these awards are made on the basis of the completed application; no additional application is required.
Accept / Decline
Applicants who are offered financial support typically are notified shortly after the time of admission and generally must accept or decline the offer by the deadline for accepting the school’s offer of admission. Once accepted, the award is binding for both the student and the school.
Conditions
- The Nicholas School reserves the right to discontinue financial support depending on a student’s academic standing and progress in the program. The school reserves the right to review academic progress to ensure that the student is making appropriate progress towards the degree and is in good standing before awarding aid for the second year.
- No student will receive financial aid while on probation unless an appeal is approved by the Senior Associate Dean for Academics and the Assistant Dean for Student Services.
- In no case may the amount of financial aid awarded to a student from all sources in a given year exceed the estimated annual costs of attending the Nicholas School.
In addition to the opportunity to apply for federal financial aid through FAFSA in the form of loans, and to be considered for merit-based scholarships, the Nicholas School of the Environment offers a need-based grant program for applicants who demonstrate the greatest financial need. This funding is available to on-campus MEM & MF and DEL-MEM students.
Eligibility
To be eligible, a student must be enrolled full-time in the professional master's program (MEM, MF or DEL-MEM) and demonstrate significant financial need prior to beginning the program, based upon the federal criteria established through the FAFSA process. Grants are terminated if/when a student is no longer in good academic standing with the Nicholas School.
Whereas the federally supported loan programs are not available to non-US citizens or permanent residents, the Nicholas School’s need-based grant program is open to F-1 and J-1 visa holders provided they can supply the necessary documentation to support their application.
For Returning Students: A student who applied for and received a need-based grant in 2023-2024 may retain their grant in 2024-2025 provided: (1) The student will be enrolled full-time in the MEM, MF or DEL-MEM program during the entire 2024-2025 academic year, and (2) The student's financial status has not improved since the award was received. The student must send an email to nsoe-financialaid@duke.edu affirming under the Nicholas School Honor Code that the student is in good academic standing and that their financial status has not changed positively.
Returning students who did not apply last year—or did apply but did not receive a grant—may apply for 2024-20254 provided they will be enrolled full-time in the MEM, MF or DEL-MEM during the 2024-2025 academic year.
Determining Need & Eligibility
The decision to attend the Nicholas School of the Environment for your master's degree should involve the entire family. For purposes of the School’s need-based funds, the student is not viewed as financially independent of parents. Individual students (and spouses, if married) and their parents have the primary responsibility for financing the cost of your education at Duke. Parental information will be used to determine grant eligibility each year of enrollment. Duke looks at both natural parents for purposes of determining Duke-based financial aid for a student with divorced or separated parents. This information is collected each year regardless of age or change in marital status.
Applicant Instructions
To be considered for a need-based grant, the following must be completed by the deadline:
Step 1 – Complete an application in CSS Profile
https://student.collegeboard.org/css-financial-aid-profile
- Use code 5158 to ensure that your information gets transmitted to the Nicholas School of the Environment.
- In CSS Profile, you must enter parental names and addresses and other demographic information.
- If parental information is not available for a justifiable reason (e.g., parents deceased, incapacitated, student has been independent and employed full-time for a significant period of time, etc.), please:
- Complete the Parental Waiver Petition Form and submit it. The committee will take your statement under consideration when reviewing completed applications.
- In CSS Profile, you must still enter parental names and addresses and other demographic information even if you are requesting a waiver. Enter zeroes for any amounts.
- A nominal fee is required to submit your application through CSS Profile.
Step 2 – Upload tax documents to IDOC in CSS Profile
- From your dashboard in CSS Profile locate the tab for IDOC. Submit signed copies of your income tax return and associated W-2 forms via IDOC. Do not send tax documents to the Nicholas School, please.
- If you filed your income tax form electronically you may submit an electronic version without a "wet" signature. Similarly, the W-2 does not require a signature.
- If you are a non-U.S. citizen/permanent resident, upload your and your parents' tax documents from your home country. If such tax documents are not available, you may use International Business Supplement Form, if applicable, uploaded through IDOC and/or Income Statement for Parents Living Abroad Form, if applicable, uploaded through IDOC.
Once you submit the CSS Profile and upload your tax documents to IDOC, there could be up to a week before the documents reach Duke. Please be sure to submit the CSS Profile sufficiently early that there will be time for Duke to receive all of your documents by the deadline. Checklists in DukeHub could take considerably longer to be updated.
Step 3 – Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/fafsa
- The FAFSA is only required for U.S. citizens and permanent residents.
- Use code 002920 to ensure the information is sent to Duke University.
- For 2024-2025, the FAFSA has undergone a significant revision; students who have previously completed the form will find it very different. From Federal Student Aid, www.studentaid.gov, all students must first obtain an FSA ID. This process takes several days so students are encouraged to proceed with obtaining their ID as soon as possible.
- The actual FAFSA form will be available December 31, but be sure to read details at the above website. Any US citizen/permanent resident submitting an application for need-based aid from the Nicholas School and/or hoping to borrow through the federal loan programs, must submit a FAFSA.
parent Instructions
For your student to be considered for a need-based grant, the following must be completed by the deadline:
Step 1 – Complete an application in CSS Profile
https://student.collegeboard.org/css-financial-aid-profile
- Use code 5158 to ensure your application gets transmitted to the Nicholas School of the Environment.
Step 2 – Upload tax documents to IDOC in CSS Profile
- From your dashboard in CSS Profile locate the tab for IDOC. Submit signed copies of your income tax return and associated W-2 forms via IDOC. Do not send tax documents to the Nicholas School, please.
- If you filed your income tax form electronically you may submit an electronic version without a "wet" signature. Similarly, the W-2 does not require a signature.
- If you are a non-U.S. citizen/permanent resident, upload your tax documents from your home country. If such tax documents are not available, you may use International Business Supplement Form, if applicable, uploaded through IDOC and/or Income Statement for Parents Living Abroad Form, if applicable, uploaded through IDOC.
Deadline
For Entering Students: FEBRUARY 2, 2025
To be considered, applications will be accepted starting November 1 and must be submitted through CSS Profile by February 2, 2025 along with all required supporting documentation.
For Returning Students: APRIL 19, 2025
To be considered, applications will be accepted starting March 15, 2025 and must be submitted through CSS Profile by April 19, 2025 along with all required supporting documentation.
Late submissions will not be considered. Be sure to begin the application process well enough in advance that you will have time to gather your and your parents' tax documents, upload your documents through IDOC, and submit everything by the deadline. The FAFSA form will be available in December 2024. CSS Profile application is not available for completion until after October 1.
Application submission does not guarantee funding.
Questions
Contact the Nicholas School Financial Aid Office at nsoe-financialaid@duke.edu.
Through the Yellow Ribbon Military Veterans Program, we support up to five Yellow Ribbon awards at up to $10,000 per year. This funding is available to on-campus MEM & MF and DEL-MEM students. Availability of awards depends on the number of students currently receiving this benefit.
Students must have their eligibility verified through the Veterans Education Office at Duke veteranseducation@duke.edu.
Eligible service members may also complete the application fee waiver request embedded in the application.
If you are a veteran and wish to explore federal aid options, you will need to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Go to https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa to submit the application. Use your “prior prior” year taxes: for fall 2024 use your 2022 federal tax return; fall 2025 requires your 2023 tax return.
If you are entering the Nicholas School for the first time, you should submit your FAFSA no later than the third Friday in February for Fall matriculation (February 16, 2024 for fall 2024) to ensure that your documents are in order prior to the admissions decision. That will facilitate the process for notifying you of your eligibility for loans and work/study should you be offered admission.
Students who did not submit a FAFSA for the fall term but wish to be notified of their loan eligibility for spring term should submit their FAFSA no later than the third Friday in October (October 20, 2023 for spring 2024).
Students in their first year who will be returning for their second year should submit their FAFSA no later than the third Friday in April (April 19, 2024 for fall 2024).
The Nicholas School values the diversity of experiences from our students who have served as volunteers in AmeriCorps, City Year, Peace Corps, and Teach for America. Alumni of these service organizations admitted into the MEM, MF, and DEL-MEM programs are eligible for a minimum merit aid package of $5,000-10,000—depending on total length of service—per academic year for up to two years.
Students in concurrent degree programs should contact the financial aid counselor to determine how their financial aid will be adjusted.
Additional Support
- In addition, admitted applicants from partner programs will receive full consideration for additional school-supported merit scholarships (as available), based on their application for admission.
- Need-based grants may also be available.
application instructions
- Please indicate Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, City Year and/or Teach for America service dates and description of service in the appropriate sections of the online application, as well as the resume.
- Upload a signed and dated completion of service letter (provided by the organization) on the Supplemental Uploads tab of the online application. The letter must be on the organization's letterhead, signed and dated by the supervisor, and include term(s) of service (dates). Eligibility for the Service Volunteer Fellowship will be determined by what is in the letter, therefore please make sure the entirety of the service term(s) is reflected in the letter uploaded. Service volunteers who did not complete their service because of disciplinary reasons are not eligible for the Service Volunteer Fellowship.
NOTIFICATION
If eligible, the fellowship will be included in the financial aid letter sent to the student after admission.
Questions?
Please contact Enrollment Services at nicholas-admissions@duke.edu.
SPECIAL NOTE, Please read carefully: For 2024-2025, the FAFSA has undergone a significant revision; students who have previously completed the form will find it very different. From Federal Student Aid, www.studentaid.gov, all students must first obtain an FSA ID. This process takes several days so students are encouraged to proceed with obtaining their ID as soon as possible.
The actual FAFSA form will be available December 31 but be sure to read details at the above website. Any US citizen/permanent resident submitting an application for need-based aid from the Nicholas School and/or hoping to borrow through the federal loan programs, must submit a FAFSA. The application deadline for need-based grant consideration is February 2, 2024 so be sure to submit the FAFSA by February 2, 2024. (See information above under “Nicholas School Need-based Grant Program” for more details.
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is your one-stop application for grants, work-study, and educational loans offered by the U.S. government. Many of our students supplement school-based aid and other financial resources with federal loans acquired through FAFSA. Use your “prior prior” year tax information: for 2024-2025 use your 2022 tax information. FAFSA calculations for students attending graduate school do not include parental tax information.
Students who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents are not permitted to submit a FAFSA.
FAFSA Application Deadlines
- First-time students for fall 2024 applying for a need-based grant: February 2, 2024. (See information above under “Nicholas School Need-based Grant Program” for more details.)
- First-time students for fall 2024 not applying for a need-based grant: February 16, 2024 (third Friday in February).
- Returning students for fall 2024: April 19, 2024 (third Friday in April).
- Current students seeking loan eligibility for spring 2025: October 18, 2024 (third Friday in October).
Once you submit your FAFSA, you will receive your Student Aid Report (SAR); please review it carefully. If everything is accurate, you do not need to do anything else. The Federal Processor will send your report directly to the Nicholas School. From that report, the Nicholas School will generate a Financial Aid Notice (FAN) that will include any school-based aid you have been offered as well as any of the federal loans for which you may be eligible. FANs are sent out electronically via email.
On the FAN, there are two federal loans that students will see most often:
- Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan (“unsub”): $20,500 per year cap.
Loan origination fee through 9/30/24: 1.057%
Interest rate for 2024-2025: 8.08%
- GradPlus Loan (“Plus”): can borrow up to the full estimated cost of attendance.
Loan origination fee through 9/30/2024: 4.228%
Interest rate for 2024-2025: 9.08%
- Both loans are unsubsidized which means that the interest accrues while you are a student, though you are not required to make any payments until six months after you graduate.
- Both federal loans have loan origination fees that come off the top of the loan before it disburses. The loan origination fee changes on September 30 each year. The interest rate for each loan is different and that rate changes in spring each year.
- Students are free to accept, decline, adjust loans and should do so through DukeHub. Students are also not obligated to accept the federal loans and are certainly free to seek private lenders of their choice. Private loans cannot be consolidated.
Submit FAFSA Application
When submitting your FAFSA please submit to Duke University, code 002920.
Every year a small number of students are selected at random for verification. If you are selected, we will notify you and request additional documentation. Most often the documentation required is your federal tax return but it could be other documentation like proof of citizenship. Your prompt compliance will be much appreciated.
More Options for Residential MEM & MF Students
We award up to 15 Nicholas Scholarships, our most prestigious merit award, every year. This competitive scholarship is awarded to incoming students who demonstrate exceptional leadership potential and academic excellence through their personal, professional, and academic experiences.
The Nicholas Scholars cohort is limited to on-campus MEM & MF students. Students are selected to be Nicholas Scholars; no application is necessary.
Meet the Nicholas Scholars
Some students, as part of their merit-based aid, will be offered an assistantship, which includes a work component. The student is put on the Duke payroll and works 8 hours per week during their first year of enrollment. In their second year, if the student is in good academic standing and has met the obligations of the assistantship, the funds are applied directly to the student's bursar account as a scholarship. Information on the assistantship process will be conveyed during the summer.
How to apply
Decisions regarding these awards are made on the basis of the completed application; no additional application is required.
Accept / Decline
Applicants who are offered financial support typically are notified shortly after the time of admission and generally must accept or decline the offer by May 1. Once accepted, the award is binding for both the student and the school.
CONDITIONS
- The Nicholas School reserves the right to discontinue financial support depending on a student’s academic standing and progress in the program. The school reserves the right to review academic progress to ensure that the student is making appropriate progress towards the degree and is in good standing before awarding aid for the second year.
- No student will receive financial aid while on probation unless an appeal is approved by the Senior Associate Dean for Academics and the Assistant Dean for Student Services.
- In no case may the amount of financial aid awarded to a student from all sources in a given year exceed the estimated annual costs of attending the Nicholas School.
Apply
This opportunity is limited to on-campus MEM and MF students. Current students are also eligible to apply prior to the start of their second year of study. Those interested must submit their online application according to COLFUTURO's deadlines.
Contact COLFUTURO directly to discuss the application process and eligibility: https://www.colfuturo.org/, Johanna Torres, (johanna.torres@colfuturo.org, +52 (57)1 3405394 x. 124.
More suggestions for DEL-MEM Students
The general benefits of the DEL-MEM program—leadership, new analytical skills, strategy, increased depth of knowledge, new and expanded networks—tend to resonate with many employers, but it is always best when you can frame them with examples specific to your work. Tips on starting this conversation with your employer:
- State your case for support of this opportunity strategically. Focus on metrics that you and your organization both value – mission, annual goals, or strategic plan.
- Inquire with your supervisor or HR representative about your organization’s policies related to contractual agreements for financial or in-kind support of your continuing studies or professional development.
- Create a proposal that highlights potential outcomes. Write down your career goals, time frame, specific skills you hope to gain from the DEL-MEM program, and how your organization will benefit from supporting your advanced degree, including a shared vision for the master’s project.
- Initiate the conversation well in advance of the application deadline.
view / print Flyer for Employers
Concurrent Degree Students
On-campus MEM or MF students who matriculate as a concurrent degree student or who add a concurrent degree to their MEM or MF will have a tuition based on a blended rate. Financial aid from the Nicholas School, if awarded, will then be adjusted accordingly.
It is imperative that any MEM or MF student who is also a concurrent degree student or who is contemplating adding a concurrent degree, consult in person with the Nicholas School financial aid counselor to review the adjustments that will affect their Nicholas School-offered financial aid.
View Tuition and Financial Aid Policy for Concurrent Degree Students
Once Notified of Your Financial Aid Package
Log in to DukeHub, and under Financial Aid, check to see that the financial aid you were offered from the Nicholas School has been posted. Please be aware that all awards, including scholarships and loans, may be posted to your account but will not be applied towards your tuition and fees until 10 days prior to the beginning of the semester. You must actively accept loans in order for them to disburse.
Even though your bill is due August 1st, the Bursar will be able to see if you have accepted your financial aid and they will refrain from applying a late payment penalty provided the aid you have accepted covers your tuition and fees for the semester. By August 1 you will be expected to have paid any amount not covered by scholarships, grants or loans.
Outside Scholarships
Contact Us
Nicholas School Financial Aid Office
Email: nsoe-financialaid@duke.edu
(919) 613-8071
Levine Science Research Center, Suite A101
Box #90330
308 Research Drive
Durham, NC 27708-0330
View / Print Financial Aid Manual
Financial Aid staff in the Nicholas School adhere to Duke University's code of conduct in all actions related to financial aid for Nicholas School students, particularly actions related to loans and lending practices.
In accordance with federal regulations set forth under the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended, the Duke University Office of Audit, Risk and Compliance provides a summary of consumer information.
