Financial Matters

Tuition and Fees

Tuition for the Master of Arts in Liberal Studies degree is based on a per-course rate for graduate study for a total of 9 courses and Final Project. Tuition for the 2011-2012 academic year is $3,402 per course. Tuition typically increases about 5% each academic year.

Additional Fees

  • One-time transcript fee (unlimited copies of your transcript): $40
  • Continuation fee (applied if not registered for a course): $100

Estimated Costs

  • Books per course: $150
  • Study Abroad: $1,200-$2,500 (non-tuition program costs - does not include airfare and personal expenses)

Tuition Assistance

GLS admissions decisions are made without regard for financial need. Although the cost of graduate tuition is significant, students should not assume a Duke education is beyond their means. More than 75% of GLS students receive some form of aid towards their course via one or more of the following options:

  • Employer Assistance - Many employers provide some level of tuition assistance for higher education. For information to present to your employer about the benefits of obtaining a MALS degree, please contact the GLS office.
  • Duke Tuition Benefit - Duke employees who have completed two years of service may be eligible for a tuition benefit. Contact the Duke Human Resources Office for more information.
  • GLS Scholarships - Scholarships funded by the program are awarded primarily on need-based criteria. Scholarships normally range from 40-65% of tuition; full tuition scholarships are not available. To be considered for a GLS scholarship, applicants must submit the GLS scholarship form (pdf) directly to the Graduate Liberal Studies office at the time of application to the GLS program.
  • Student Loans – Qualified students may apply for federal and private loans to finance part or all of their education.

Monthly Payment Plan

This plan, administered by Tuition Management Systems (TMS), allows students to make payments on their tuition in equal installments over the course of the semester. For more information, click here.