Duke University offers unlimited Yellow Ribbon spots with full tuition coverage, making this top-10 research university completely free for eligible veterans.
School Overview
| Location | Durham, North Carolina |
| Type | Private Research University |
| Total Enrollment | 17,000+ |
| Student-Faculty Ratio | 6:1 |
| Acceptance Rate | 6% |
| US News Ranking | #7 National Universities |
Tuition & Costs (2024-2025)
| Annual Tuition | $63,450 |
| Room & Board | $19,338 |
| Fees | $2,100 |
| Total Cost of Attendance | $84,888 |
Yellow Ribbon Benefits
| Yellow Ribbon Participant | Yes |
| Number of Spots | Unlimited |
| School Contribution | Full remaining tuition |
| VA Match | Matches school contribution |
| Programs Covered | All undergraduate and graduate programs |
| Veteran’s Out-of-Pocket Cost | $0 for tuition |
GI Bill Housing Allowance
Durham provides a moderate housing allowance with lower cost of living than coastal cities:
- Monthly BAH Rate: $1,704/month
- Annual Housing Benefit: $15,336 (9 months)
- Book Stipend: $1,000/year
Total 4-Year Benefit Value
Full tuition coverage plus housing equals approximately $320,000+ in total benefits.
Veteran Services
- Duke Student Veterans organization
- Office of Veterans Services
- Veteran-specific housing community
- Career services with Research Triangle employer network
- Connection to nearby military bases (Fort Liberty, Camp Lejeune)
Notable Programs
- Fuqua School of Business – Top MBA with strong veteran recruiting
- Duke Law School – Top-10 law school, full Yellow Ribbon
- Duke Medicine – Top-ranked medical school
- Sanford School of Public Policy – Popular with military officers
- Engineering – Top-25 nationally
Why Duke For Veterans
Duke’s location in the Research Triangle provides access to one of the country’s top tech and biotech hubs. Veterans benefit from proximity to Fort Liberty (formerly Bragg) while accessing Duke’s research opportunities and strong alumni network in business, law, and medicine.
How To Apply
- Apply through Duke’s regular admissions process
- Submit your Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
- Contact Office of Veterans Services for Yellow Ribbon enrollment
- Benefits are automatic for eligible Post-9/11 veterans
Official Website: duke.edu
Veteran Services: Duke Veterans
