Duke University Master’s in Applied Ethics & Policy 2025-2026 Estimated Cost of Attendance
The MA in Applied Ethics & Policy is designed to be completed in twelve calendar months, across three academic semesters. Tuition is set by the Duke Graduate School at $33,862 per semester in AY26.
The most common course of study begins in Fall (August), continues through Spring, and offers a 10-week capstone project over Summer I and Summer II semesters. Students present their MA final in late July. In some cases, students need to graduate early, and their capstone projects need to shift to accommodate an early July completion. They are still registered during Summer II, in this case, but their project is completed earlier in the term.
We also have a Spring intake, in which students start during Spring semester (January), do their capstone during Summer I and Summer II, and then complete the program in the Fall.
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Tuition and Fees
2025-2026 Estimated Cost of Attendance
(excluding scholarships and workstudy)
| FY25 | FY26 | Total | ||||
| Monthly | Fall 2025 | Spring 2026 | Smmr I 2026 | Smmr II 2026* | 12 months | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $33,862 | $33,862 | $16,931 | $16,931 | $101,586 | |
| Health Fee | $504 | $504 | $187 | $187 | $1,382 | |
| Transcript Fee | $120 | $120 | ||||
| Activity Fee | $19 | $19 | $38 | |||
| Graduate Student Serv Fee | $13 | $13 | $26 | |||
| Recreation Fee | $195 | $195 | $390 | |||
| Health Insurance (estimate) | $3,751 | $3,751 | ||||
| Total – Tuition/Fees w/ health insurance | $38,464 | $34,593 | $17,118 | $17,118 | $107,293 | |
| Books, Course Materials, Supplies & Equipment | $330 | $330 | $330 | $330 | $1,320 | |
| Estimated Loan Fee | $888 | $888 | $200 | $200 | $2,176 | |
| Housing | $1,538 | $6,152 | $7,690 | $1,538 | $3,076 | $18,456 |
| Food | $480 | $1,920 | $2,400 | $480 | $960 | $5,760 |
| Transportation | $232 | $928 | $1,160 | $232 | $464 | $2,784 |
| Miscellaneous | $486 | $1,944 | $2,430 | $486 | $972 | $5,832 |
| Total – Living Expense | $2,736 | $10,944 | $13,680 | $2,736 | $5,472 | $32,832 |
| T/F/Insurance | $38,464 | $34,593 | $17,118 | $17,118 | $10,7293 | |
| Living Expense/Books/Loan Fees | $12,162 | $14,898 | $3,266 | $6,002 | $36,328 | |
| Total Cost of Attendance (w/ health insurance) | $50,626 | $49,491 | $20,384 | $23,120 | $143,621 | |
Scholarships and Research Assistantships
Science & Society Merit Scholarship Pool
Science & society has created a merit scholarship pool of funds available to all students admitted to the program. Generally, this funding averages 20% of tuition. Upon admission, all applications will be reviewed by the S&S Scholarship Committee. No additional paperwork or application is required. Applicants will receive an award letter via email from Science & Society usually within 2 weeks of admission.
Science & Society Leadership Award
The Science & Society Leadership Award is presented to an applicant who demonstrate great potential to become a leader in making scientific or technological advancements more accessible, just, and better integrated into society. Read More
Research Assistantships
MA in Applied Ethics & Policy students may apply for Research Assistantships with either S&S faculty or with faculty around Duke. These opportunities allow students to apply their studies to research projects while attaining funds to supplement living expenses. Students may work up to 19.5 hours per week, and earn ~$16.50 per hour. Students may apply via US Federal work/study, but this is not required.
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Program Extension
The Master’s in Applied Ethics & Policy was designed to be completed in one full year (three semesters—including Fall, Spring, and Summer). Duke Science & Society offers students the opportunity to continue their studies at Duke for an additional semester at a $2,000 tuition cost plus fees and insurance. Students will notify their academic advisor during their third semester if they will delay graduation and extend their stay.