Overview
If you’re planning to pursue the Master of Management Studies: Foundations of Business (MMS: FOB) at Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business, understanding the total cost of attendance is an important part of your application journey. Besides tuition, students should also budget for mandatory university fees, health insurance, books, housing, food, transportation, and other living expenses.
This guide provides a breakdown of the latest Duke MMS fees, estimated living costs, and scholarship opportunities to help you plan your finances before starting the programme.
Duke MMS Fees at a Glance (2026–27)
| Expense | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $69,900 |
| Mandatory University Fees | $6,621 |
| Books & Course Materials | $800 |
| Estimated Living Expenses | $28,100 |
| Total Estimated Cost of Attendance | $105,421 |
Note: The total cost of attendance is an estimate and may vary depending on your housing choice, lifestyle, health insurance waiver eligibility, and personal spending habits.
Tuition Fees
For students entering the Duke MMS programme in July 2026 (Class of 2027), the tuition fee is USD 69,900. This amount covers academic instruction for the full-time, 10-month programme.
A USD 4,000 non-refundable enrollment deposit is required after admission and is credited toward the summer tuition payment.
Mandatory University Fees
In addition to tuition, students are required to pay several university fees throughout the programme.
| Fee | Amount (USD) |
|---|---|
| Student Medical Insurance* | 4,290 |
| Health Fee | 1,235 |
| MMS Association Fee | 500 |
| Graduate Activity Fee | 40 |
| Graduate Recreational Facility Fee | 408 |
| Graduate Student Services Fee | 28 |
| Transcript Fee | 120 |
*The student medical insurance fee can be waived if you have qualifying alternative health insurance that meets Duke University’s requirements.
Estimated Living Expenses
Duke estimates that students will spend approximately USD 28,100 on living expenses during the 10-month programme.
| Living Expense | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Housing (including utilities) | 15,800 |
| Food | 4,920 |
| Transportation | 2,380 |
| Miscellaneous Personal Expenses | 5,000 |
These figures are estimates based on Duke University’s cost-of-attendance calculations and are intended to help students prepare a realistic budget before arriving on campus.
Scholarships
Duke Fuqua automatically considers all admitted MMS applicants for merit-based scholarships. There is no separate scholarship application, and awards are based on the overall strength of an applicant’s profile.
Scholarship decisions typically consider:
- Academic achievement.
- Leadership potential.
- Professional and extracurricular accomplishments.
- Community involvement.
If awarded, scholarship details are included in the admission offer and admitted student portal.
Loans and Financial Aid
Duke offers multiple financing options for eligible students to help cover the cost of attendance.
| Financial Aid Option | Eligibility |
|---|---|
| Merit Scholarships | Automatically considered for all admitted applicants |
| Federal Student Loans | U.S. citizens and permanent residents |
| Private Education Loans | Eligible domestic students |
| International Student Loan Programs | Available through participating lenders |
| Yellow Ribbon Program | Eligible U.S. military veterans |
The total amount students can borrow is based on Duke’s official Cost of Attendance and is reduced by any scholarships or other financial assistance received.
Additional Budget Considerations
In certain situations, Duke may approve an increase to a student’s Cost of Attendance for eligible educational expenses.
Examples include:
- One-time computer purchase (up to the approved limit).
- Global Academic Travel Experience (GATE) expenses.
- Approved dependent or childcare expenses.
- Additional family health insurance costs.
- One-time travel expenses to and from home (subject to university limits).
Supporting documentation is required for all budget adjustment requests.
Is the Duke MMS Worth the Cost?
The Duke MMS is a 10-month programme designed to provide recent graduates with strong business fundamentals, access to Fuqua’s global network, and career development resources. While the investment is significant, merit scholarships, financing options, and comprehensive career support help many students manage the overall cost.
Before enrolling, applicants should evaluate the total cost of attendance including tuition, living expenses, and personal costs and create a financial plan that aligns with their career goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the tuition fee for the Duke MMS?
For the 2026–27 academic year, the tuition fee is USD 69,900.
What is the estimated total cost of attendance?
The estimated total cost of attendance is USD 105,421, including tuition, university fees, books, and estimated living expenses.
Does Duke offer scholarships for MMS students?
Yes. All admitted applicants are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships, and no separate scholarship application is required.
Can international students apply for loans?
Yes. Duke provides access to international student loan programs through participating lenders, depending on the loan program.
Can the student health insurance fee be waived?
Yes. Students with qualifying alternative health insurance that meets Duke University’s requirements may request a waiver for the Duke Student Medical Insurance Plan.
Final Thoughts
The Duke MMS offers a transparent cost structure, with clear estimates for tuition, fees, and living expenses. In addition to automatic merit scholarship consideration and multiple financing options, students can plan their budget using Duke’s official Cost of Attendance.
Understanding these expenses early will help you make informed financial decisions and prepare for a successful academic experience at the Fuqua School of Business.
