Duke Fuqua MBA Fees, Scholarships & Cost of Living

Overview

The Duke Fuqua School of Business Daytime MBA is a full-time, two-year program designed for high-impact leadership roles across consulting, finance, technology, healthcare, and entrepreneurship. Known for its collaborative culture, global exposure, and leadership development, Fuqua consistently ranks among the top MBA programs in the world.

Understanding the total cost of attendance, available scholarships, and living expenses is crucial for applicants planning their MBA journey. This guide breaks down tuition, funding options, scholarships, and cost of living all sourced directly from Fuqua’s official program information. This guide covers Duke Fuqua MBA Fees.

Duke Fuqua MBA Fees

The Fuqua Daytime MBA publishes a transparent estimate of annual costs, covering tuition, fees, academic materials, and living expenses.

Estimated Annual MBA Cost (Per Academic Year)

Important:

• These figures represent one academic year.

  
  

• The Daytime MBA is typically completed over two years, so students should plan accordingly.

Fees & Funding

Tuition & Mandatory Fees

Tuition covers academic instruction, faculty access, and core program resources. Mandatory fees include technology services, student activities, and institutional services required for all enrolled students.

Fuqua updates tuition annually, and all enrolled students are charged according to the official rates published by the school.

Scholarships

Merit-Based Scholarships

Fuqua primarily offers merit-based scholarships, awarded at the time of admission.

Key points:

• Scholarships are awarded for both years of the MBA.

  
  

• Awards range from partial tuition to full tuition.

  
  

• Selection is based on:

  
  

  • Academic excellence

    
    

  • Leadership potential

    
    

  • Professional achievements

    
    

  • Contributions to community and diversity

If a student is not awarded a scholarship at admission, additional Fuqua scholarships are not typically added in the second year.

Scholarship Summary Table

Loans & Financial Aid Options

All admitted Daytime MBA students are automatically considered for merit scholarships and may also use:

• U.S. federal student loans (for eligible candidates)

  
  

• Private or international education loans

  
  

• Employer sponsorships (if applicable)

  
  

• External scholarships and fellowships

Fuqua’s Financial Aid Office provides structured guidance on loan planning, repayment expectations, and budgeting for international and domestic students.

Cost of Living in Durham, North Carolina

Durham offers a moderate cost of living compared to major U.S. cities like New York or San Francisco, making Fuqua relatively more affordable beyond tuition.

Estimated Living Expenses (Annual)

Budgeting tips:

• Many students reduce costs by sharing off-campus housing.

  
  

• Duke provides student transit options that lower transportation expenses.

  
  

• Health insurance can sometimes be waived with qualifying coverage.

Other Important Costs to Consider

• Global Academic Travel (optional programs)

  
  

• Club activities and conferences

  
  

• Professional attire and recruiting travel

  
  

• Technology upgrades (laptop/software)

While optional, these can add several thousand dollars over the course of the program depending on participation.

Is Duke Fuqua MBA Worth the Investment?

The Fuqua MBA is widely regarded as a high-ROI program, supported by:

• Strong post-MBA employment outcomes

  
  

• Access to top global employers

  
  

• A powerful alumni network

  
  

• Leadership and experiential learning focus

With structured financial planning, merit scholarships, and Durham’s relatively reasonable living costs, many students find Fuqua to be a strategically sound investment for long-term career growth.

Final Takeaway

The Duke Fuqua MBA represents a premium business education with a clear, well-defined cost structure. While the total investment is substantial, Fuqua offsets this through merit-based scholarships, strong career outcomes, and a collaborative ecosystem that supports long-term professional success.