Loan Options
Graduate Federal Loans
Availability: MN MSN DNP CRNA PGC
To apply for federal loans, complete the following applications after you have submitted your admission application.
- Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA):
- School Code: 002920
- Complete tax information using IRS Data Retrieval
- Parent financial information is NOT required
Students interested in borrowing federal loans must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Eligibility for graduate federal loan funding is based on a minimum enrollment of three credit hours during the fall/spring semesters and two credit hours during the summer semester. Federal policy does not allow the disbursement of a loan during a semester in which a student is enrolled in fewer credit hours than the minimum requirements. Specialty Certificate students are not eligible for Federal Loans. Federal student loan amounts will be prorated for students who are enrolled less than full-time across the portion of the academic year they are attending (six credit hours during the fall/spring semesters and four credit hours during the summer semester).
New students who begin their program in Fall 2026 or later are eligible for one federal student loan: Federal Direct Unsubsidized. Legacy Borrowers are students who started their program prior to July 1, 2026, and previously borrowed a federal student loan for it. These students are eligible for two federal student loans: Federal Direct Unsubsidized and Grad Plus. For a more detailed definition of “Legacy Borrower,” please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions. The Federal Direct Unsubsidized and Graduate Plus loans accrue interest at the time of disbursement. Visit the Department of Education website for federal loans and current interest rates.
| Direct Unsubsidized Loan | Direct Grad Plus Loan (Not available for new students as of 7/1/2026) | |
|---|---|---|
| Each academic year | $20,500 | Up to the total Cost of attendance |
| Interest rate | 8.07% | 9.07% |
| Origination Fee | 1.057% | 4.228% |
| Credit-based | No | Yes |
| Aggregate Limit | $138,500 (for legacy borrowers) $100,000 (for new students) | Up to the cost of attendance |
| Lifetime Maximum Loan Limit | $257,500 (for new students) | |
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen
- Must have a valid social security number
- Be enrolled in a degree seeking program
- Be enrolled in a minimum of 3 credit hours in fall/spring semesters and 2 credit hours in summer semester
- Must maintain satisfactory academic progress
Private Education Loans
Availability: MN MSN DNP CRNA PGC SCT
When all federal loan options have been exhausted, or when a student is enrolled below the minimum credit hour requirement and not eligible for federal loan funding, private student loans may be available. Private student loans are borrowed from a private lender source other than Duke or the federal government to help finance education expenses. Approval of a private student loan is based on your credit history and the additional qualifications of the private lender.
A student may borrow a private student loan from a private lender. Duke also offers a Lender List to assist students when applying for a private loan.
Find information on the Private Loan Process at the link below.
Nurse Faculty Loan
Availability: MSN DNP
MSN - Nursing Education Only
Updated June 16, 2025: Nurse Faculty Loan funding is currently paused for new student borrowers.
The Nurse Faculty Loan Program (NFLP) is a Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)-funded loan forgiveness program for Post-Master's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and Master's in Nursing Education students committed to becoming a faculty member in an accredited school of nursing.
To learn more, visit our Nurse Faculty Loan Program page:
International Students
International Students are not eligible for federal student loans or DUSON scholarships but may be able to secure a private student loan using a U.S. cosigner.
For information regarding private lenders, visit the Duke Office of Student Loans and Personal Finance.
Duke Office of Sudent Loans & Personal Finance