Duke MMS Fees : Tuition, Scholarships, Cost of Living & Funding Guide
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Overview
The Master of Management Studies (MMS): Foundations of Business at Duke University Fuqua School of Business is a 10-month, STEM-designated graduate program designed for early-career professionals and recent graduates.
Given its accelerated format, global reputation, and strong career preparation, understanding the full cost of attendance, funding options, and scholarships is essential before applying. This guide covers Duke MMS Fees.
Duke MMS Fees
Below is the official tuition and required fee structure for the MMS: Foundations of Business program.
Expense Category | Amount (USD) |
Program Tuition | $67,600 |
Student Medical Insurance* | $3,752 |
Health Fee | $1,182 |
MMS Association / Government Fee | $450 |
Graduate Activity Fee | $38 |
Graduate Recreation Fee | $389 |
Graduate Student Services Fee | $25 |
Transcript Fee | $120 |
Total Educational Charges | $73,556 |
Books & Educational Supplies | $800 |
*Medical insurance is mandatory unless waived with equivalent coverage.
Cost of Living in Durham, North Carolina
In addition to tuition, Duke provides an estimated living expense budget to help students plan realistically for the program duration.
Living Expense Category | Estimated Cost (10–11 Months) |
Housing & Utilities | $16,918 |
Food (Board) | $5,280 |
Transportation | $2,552 |
Personal & Miscellaneous | $5,346 |
Total Living Expenses | $30,096 |
Total Cost of Attendance
Category | Cost (USD) |
Educational Charges + Supplies | $74,356 |
Living Expenses | $30,096 |
Estimated Total Program Cost | ~$104,452 |
This figure represents the all-inclusive estimated investment required to complete the Duke MMS program.
Fees Explained
Tuition: Academic instruction, faculty access, case materials, and core program delivery
Health & Activity Fees: Campus health services, student engagement programs, and recreation facilities
Medical Insurance: Required for all students unless waived
Transcript Fee: Covers official academic documentation
Educational Supplies: Books, course packs, and required learning materials
Scholarships & Financial Aid
Merit-Based Scholarships
All admitted MMS applicants are automatically considered for merit scholarships
No separate scholarship application is required
Awards are based on:
Academic excellence
Leadership potential
Professional and community involvement
Overall strength of the application
Scholarship decisions are released along with the admission offer
U.S. Federal Loans (For U.S. Citizens & PRs)
Eligible students may apply for:
Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans
Other approved federal loan programs
Funds are disbursed directly to the Duke Bursar account to offset tuition and fees.
International Student Loans
Duke Fuqua supports international student loan options, including:
Loans with U.S. cosigners
Select no-cosigner loan programs
Availability depends on lender criteria and country of origin.
Veteran Benefits & Yellow Ribbon Program
Duke Fuqua participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program
Eligible U.S. military veterans may receive substantial tuition support under this benefit
Financial Aid Counseling
Students have access to dedicated financial aid advising, helping them:
Understand loan options
Plan funding strategies
Explore external scholarships
Cost of Living: What to Expect in Durham
Durham offers a lower cost of living compared to major U.S. metro cities like New York or San Francisco. Students typically manage expenses by:
Opting for shared off-campus housing
Using local public transport or biking
Balancing campus dining with grocery shopping
The city provides a strong balance of affordability, safety, and student-friendly infrastructure.
Is Duke MMS Worth the Cost?
The Duke MMS program delivers value through:
Top-tier U.S. business school brand
STEM designation with extended OPT eligibility for international students
Accelerated 10-month format reducing opportunity cost
Strong access to Fuqua’s alumni network and recruiters
Career preparation for roles in consulting, technology, finance, operations, and strategy
For early-career candidates seeking fast entry into high-impact business roles, the ROI justifies the investment.
Final Takeaway
The Duke MMS (Foundations of Business) represents a significant but strategic financial commitment. With transparent tuition, structured cost estimates, automatic merit scholarships, and multiple funding avenues, the program is well-positioned for students seeking a high-quality, short-duration business master’s degree from a globally respected institution.
Planning early both academically and financially can significantly reduce the burden and maximize returns.
