The starting point
A highly selective private university that awards approximately 48 full-cost-of-attendance merit scholarships per year across six named programs, all through competitive holistic selection with no separate application required (except Robertson Scholars). Only about 1.3% of freshmen receive non-need institutional merit aid. Duke meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students.
Selection beyond grades and scores. These awards are not recorded as automatic on grades and scores. Read each award's selection rules, application steps and dates. Meeting a minimum is not an award offer.
Awards to discuss
First 3 of 7 recorded awards, in chapter display order. This is a selection, not a ranking. Read the full chapter for all awards. Amounts retain the original units and conditions; confirm the entering year with the school.
Robertson Scholars Leadership Program
Full tuition, room, board, and most mandatory fees for eight semesters, plus generous funding for up to three summer experiences, conference funding during the academic year, and support for two semesters of study abroad · Variable or qualified amount
Not recorded as automatic on grades and scores. Read the selection rules.
Eligibility: Requires a separate application to the Robertson Scholars Leadership Program by November 15. Must also apply for undergraduate admission to Duke and/or UNC-Chapel Hill. Selection is based on outstanding academic achievement, intellectual curiosity, force of moral character, purposeful leadership, and collaborative spirit. First round of decisions is made from the Robertson application alone, without reference to university applications.
Renewal: Renewable for four years (eight semesters) of full-time study. Scholars spend a semester in residence on the opposite campus (UNC or Duke) during sophomore year.
Other terms: Joint program between Duke University and UNC-Chapel Hill. This is the only Duke merit scholarship that requires a separate application. Scholars take courses at both schools and build a cross-campus community. Founded in 2000 by Julian and Josie Robertson.
https://ousf.duke.edu/merit-scholarships/robertson-scholars-program/
Angier B. Duke Memorial Scholarship
Full cost of tuition, room, board, and mandatory fees for four years of undergraduate education, plus funding for enrichment activities including research, conferences, and domestic and international learning experiences. Includes an Oxford University summer study experience before sophomore year at no cost. · Published coverage or package
Not recorded as automatic on grades and scores. Read the selection rules.
Eligibility: No separate application required. Eligibility is determined from the Duke admissions application. Finalists are notified via email in the spring and interview with scholarship selection committees. Seeks students who demonstrate intellectual accomplishment and exceptional potential for academic leadership.
Renewal: Renewable for four years (eight semesters) of full-time study. No specific renewal GPA threshold is published on duke.edu.
Other terms: Approximately 12 awards per year (Class of 2029). Duke's oldest merit scholarship, established in 1925 by Benjamin N. and Sarah P. Duke to honor their son, Angier Buchanan Duke. Alumni include Marshall and Rhodes Scholars and Pulitzer Prize winners.
https://ousf.duke.edu/merit-scholarships/ab-duke-scholars-program/
Benjamin N. Duke Memorial Scholarship
Full cost of tuition, room, board, and mandatory fees for four years of undergraduate education, plus leadership development activities and two summer programs (one in the Carolinas, one abroad) · Published coverage or package
Not recorded as automatic on grades and scores. Read the selection rules.
Eligibility: Must be a resident of North Carolina or South Carolina. No separate application required. Eligibility is determined from the Duke admissions application. Finalists notified in spring and interview with selection committees. Recognizes students from the Carolinas who excel academically, engage their communities, and aspire to become leaders.
Renewal: Renewable for four years (eight semesters) of full-time study.
Other terms: Approximately 11 awards per year (Class of 2029). Established by The Duke Endowment to honor Benjamin Newton Duke, one of the founders of Duke University. Restricted to Carolina residents.
https://ousf.duke.edu/merit-scholarships/merit-scholarships-incoming-first-year-students/
