The Duke Occupational Therapy Doctorate program understands that financial aid opportunities are a top priority for many students. For scholarship opportunities that are offered through the Duke OTD program, please visit the program websites listed below. Qualified applicants may also be eligible for federal education loan programs. International students do not qualify for federal loans. Tuition and fees are subject to change annually.
For more information about Scholarships and Financial Literacy, visit the Office of Financial Aid and Student Financial Planning
Additional OTD Aid Information
Cost of Attendance
Occupational Therapy Doctorate Program Year 1 Estimated Cost of Attendance 2026/2027
| OTD Year 1 | Start Date | End Date | Months |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall Term | 8/17/2026 | 12/11/2026 | 4 |
| Spring Term | 1/4/2027 | 5/14/2027 | 5 |
| Summer Term | 5/24/2027 | 7/23/2027 | 2 |
| Direct Cost | Fall | Spring | Summer | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $14,333 | $14,333 | $14,334 | $43,000 |
| Health Fee | $524 | $523 | $400 | $1,447 |
| Graduate Student Activity Fee | $19 | $19 | $38 | |
| Graduate Student Services Fee | $13 | $13 | $26 | |
| Health Insurance | $0 | |||
| Recreation Fee | $204 | $204 | $408 | |
| Technology Fee | $1,469 | $631 | $631 | $2,731 |
| Administrative Fee | $700 | $700 | ||
| Wellness Fee | $350 | $350 | ||
| Lab Fee | $1,000 | $1,000 | ||
| Transcript Fee | $120 | $120 | ||
| Total Direct Cost - Tuition/Fees | $18,732 | $15,723 | $15,365 | $49,820 |
| Indirect Cost | Fall | Spring | Summer | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Books & Instruments | $444 | $444 | $444 | $1,332 |
| Estimated Loan Fees | $72 | $72 | $72 | $216 |
| Food | $1,968 | $2,460 | $984 | $5,412 |
| Housing | $6,320 | $7,900 | $3,160 | $17,380 |
| Miscellaneous | $2,000 | $2,500 | $1,000 | $5,500 |
| Transportation | $952 | $1,190 | $476 | $2,618 |
| Total Indirect Cost or Living Expenses | $11,756 | $14,566 | $6,136 | $32,458 |
| Cost of Attendance | Fall | Spring | Summer | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of Attendance Per Term | $30,488 | $30,289 | $21,501 | $82,278 |
ESTIMATED COST OF ATTENDANCE FOR OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY DOCTORATE PROGRAM YEAR 1 $82,278
| Monthly Budget Breakdown | Amount |
|---|---|
| Food | $492 |
| Housing | $1,580 |
| Miscellaneous | $500 |
| Transportation | $238 |
| Total Monthly Budget | $2,810 |
| If a student is charged the Health Insurance fee during the fall term, the amount will be reflected in the Cost of Attendance Budget by end of September. Financial Aid will be updated accordingly, and an updated notification will be sent. |
|---|
| Cost of Attendance | Fall | Spring | Summer | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of Attendance Per Term | $30,488 | $30,289 | $21,501 | $82,278 |
| Estimated Financial Aid Package | Fall | Spring | Summer | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Direct Unsubsidized Loan | $6,833 | $6,833 | $6,834 | $20,500 |
| Total Estimated Financial Aid | $6,833 | $6,833 | $6,834 | $20,500 |
| Net Price after Federal Loans | Fall | Spring | Summer | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $23,655 | $23,456 | $14,667 | $61,778 |
Please review: Federal Student Aid for information regarding but not limited to; loan fees, interest rates and repayment options.
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY DOCTORATE PROGRAM YEAR 2 ESTIMATED COST OF ATTENDANCE 2026/2027
| OTD Year 2 | Start Date | End Date | Months |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall Term | 8/17/2026 | 12/11/2026 | 4 |
| Spring Term | 1/4/2027 | 04/30/2027 | 4 |
| Summer Term | 5/17/2027 | 8/20/2027 | 4 |
| Direct Cost | Fall | Spring | Summer | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $14,333 | $14,333 | $14,334 | $43,000 |
| Health Fee | $524 | $523 | $400 | $1,447 |
| Graduate Student Activity Fee | $19 | $19 | $38 | |
| Graduate Student Services Fee | $13 | $13 | $26 | |
| Health Insurance | $0 | |||
| Recreation Fee | $204 | $204 | $408 | |
| Technology Fee | $432 | $432 | $432 | $1,296 |
| Wellness Fee | $350 | $350 | ||
| Lab Fee | $1,000 | $1,000 | ||
| Total Direct Cost - Tuition/Fees | $16,875 | $15,524 | $15,166 | $47,565 |
| Indirect Cost | Fall | Spring | Summer | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Books & Instruments | $342 | $342 | $0 | $684 |
| Estimated Loan Fees | $712 | $712 | $713 | $2,137 |
| Food | $1,968 | $1,968 | $1,968 | $5,904 |
| Housing | $6,320 | $6,320 | $6,320 | $18,960 |
| Miscellaneous | $2,000 | $2,000 | $2,000 | $6,000 |
| Transportation | $952 | $952 | $952 | $2,856 |
| Total Indirect Cost or Living Expenses | $12,294 | $12,294 | $11,953 | $36,541 |
| Cost of Attendance | Fall | Spring | Summer | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of Attendance Per Term | $29,169 | $27,818 | $27,119 | $84,106 |
ESTIMATED COST OF ATTENDANCE FOR OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY DOCTORATE PROGRAM YEAR 2 $84,106
| Monthly Budget Breakdown | Amount |
|---|---|
| Food | $492 |
| Housing | $1,580 |
| Miscellaneous | $500 |
| Transportation | $238 |
| Total Monthly Budget | $2,810 |
| If a student is charged the Health Insurance fee during the fall term, the amount will be reflected in the Cost of Attendance Budget by end of September. Financial Aid will be updated accordingly, and an updated notification will be sent. |
|---|
| Cost of Attendance | Fall | Spring | Summer | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of Attendance Per Term | $29,169 | $27,818 | $27,119 | $84,106 |
| Estimated Financial Aid Package | Fall | Spring | Summer | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Direct Unsubsidized Loan | $6,833 | $6,833 | $6,834 | $20,500 |
| Direct Plus Loan* | $22,336 | $20,985 | $20,285 | $63,606 |
| Total Estimated Financial Aid | $29,169 | $27,818 | $27,119 | $84,106 |
*Students who have accepted/disbursed a federal loan in 2025/2026 should be eligible to receive the Federal Direct Plus Loan (based on FAFSA and credit criteria)
Please review: Federal Student Aid for information regarding but not limited to; loan fees, interest rates, and repayment options.
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY DOCTORATE PROGRAM YEAR 3 ESTIMATED COST OF ATTENDANCE 2026/2027
| OTD Year 3 | Start Date | End Date | Months |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall Term | 9/7/2026 | 12/11/2026 | 4 |
| Spring Term | 1/4/2027 | 4/16/2027 | 4 |
| Direct Cost | Fall | Spring | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $21,500 | $21,500 | $43,000 |
| Health Fee | $524 | $523 | $1,047 |
| Graduate Student Activity Fee | $19 | $19 | $38 |
| Graduate Student Services Fee | $13 | $13 | $26 |
| Health Insurance | $0 | ||
| Recreation Fee | $204 | $204 | $408 |
| Wellness Fee | $350 | $350 | |
| Total Direct Cost - Tuition/Fees | $22,610 | $22,259 | $44,869 |
| Indirect Cost | Fall | Spring | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Estimated Loan Fees | $834 | $834 | $1,668 |
| Books and Instruments | $100 | $100 | |
| Food | $1,968 | $1,968 | $3,936 |
| Housing | $6,320 | $6,320 | $12,640 |
| Miscellaneous | $2,000 | $2,000 | $4,000 |
| Transportation | $952 | $952 | $1,904 |
| Total Indirect Cost or Living Expenses | $12,174 | $12,074 | $24,248 |
| Cost of Attendance | Fall | Spring | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of Attendance Per Term | $34,784 | $34,333 | $69,117 |
ESTIMATED COST OF ATTENDANCE FOR OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY DOCTORATE PROGRAM YEAR 3 $69,117
| Monthly Budget Breakdown | Amount |
|---|---|
| Food | $492 |
| Housing | $1,580 |
| Miscellaneous | $500 |
| Transportation | $238 |
| Total Monthly Budget | $2,810 |
| If a student is charged the Health Insurance fee during the fall term, the amount will be reflected in the Cost of Attendance Budget by end of September. Financial Aid will be updated accordingly, and an updated notification will be sent. |
|---|
| Cost of Attendance | Fall | Spring | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of Attendance Per Term | $34,784 | $34,333 | $69,117 |
| Estimated Financial Aid Package | Fall | Spring | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct Unsubsidized Loan | $10,250 | $10,250 | $20,500 |
| Direct Plus Loan* | $24,534 | $23,083 | $48,617 |
| Total Estimated Financial Aid | $34,784 | $34,333 | $69,117 |
*Students who have accepted/disbursed a federal loan in 2025/2026 should be eligible to receive the Federal Direct Plus Loan (based on FAFSA and credit criteria)
PLEASE REVIEW: FEDERAL STUDENT AID FOR INFORMATION REGARDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO; LOAN FEES, INTEREST RATES, AND REPAYMENT OPTIONS.
Financial Aid Timeline for Incoming Students
| Financial Aid Timeline 2025-2027 OT-D Year 1 | ||
| May | 1 | Due date for financial aid application (FAFSA) |
| June | 3 | Financial aid awards should be available |
| June | 15 | Access to on-line acceptance of aid open to matriculated students |
| July | 15 | Complete all checklist items on DukeHub (entrance counseling, signing the MPN) |
| July | 15 | Sign up for direct deposit on DukeHub |
| August | 7 | Federal financial aid for fall disburse into student's bursar account |
| August | 17 | Fall term classes begin |
| August | 17 | *Refunds are processed during the first week of class for the Fall term |
| December | 11 | Fall term ends |
| December | 25 | Federal financial aid for spring disburse into student's bursar account |
| January | 4 | Spring term classes begin |
| January | 4 | *Refunds are processed during the first week of class for the Spring term |
| May | 14 | Spring term ends |
| May | 14 | Federal financial aid for summer term disburse into student's bursar account |
| May | 24 | Summer term classes begin |
| May | 24 | *Refunds are processed during the first week of class for the summer term |
| June | 16 | Request for remaining federal loan eligibility due |
| July | 23 | Summer term ends |
| * | Students should add 3 - 5 business days to the "refund - student" transaction date for the refund amount to be deposited into the student's designated direct deposit account |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How and when should I accept my loans?
A: You will accept your loans through Duke Hub under Financials. After accepting your loans make sure that you have completed mandatory Entrance Counseling and signed your MPN (Master Promissory Note) on the studentaid.gov website to complete the process.
A: In order for the loans to show as anticipated aid on your billing statement, you should accept your aid by the week of June 14th. To avoid late fees accept your loans before the billing due date. Once you accept your loans, the Bursar can see that you have anticipated aid and that aid is forthcoming.
Q: My loans are scheduled to disburse after the tuition due date. What should I do?
A: Once you accept your loans, the Bursar can see you have anticipated aid and your billing statement will calculate the amount you need to pay. If you have accepted enough to cover your bill then you will not have to pay the Bursar. The Bursar will send bills for the fall term the week of June 21st with a due date of the first business day in August. For the complete billing schedule visit the Bursar’s website.
Q: What if I don’t know how much loan I need to borrow?
A: Many students do not know what their budget will be at the time loans are accepted. If you are unsure, we recommend you take out the full amount of loan you have been offered. Students have up to 120 days from the date the loan is disbursed to return unneeded funds. There is no interest accrual or penalty if returned within the 120 days. Once you select accept, you may also decrease the amount yourself if you would like to borrow less. Keep in mind the total of your loans will disburse over the number of semesters in your academic year.
Q: How do I return excess loan funds?
A: Email the Office of Financial Aid indicating the amount you would like to return.
Finaid-som@dm.duke.edu Once the loan has been adjusted, you will see the balance due on your Bursar tab-account activity. You can make an e-check payment via the Bursar’s site. https://finance.duke.edu/bursar
Q: What is the contact information for Direct Lending?
A: Sign into your Direct Loan account at https://studentaid.gov/
Q: I received an external scholarship. Who do I report this to and what will happen to my current award?
A: You can notify us through DukeHub or email the School of Medicine Financial Aid Office Finaid-som@dm.duke.edu. Please indicate your student ID, the name of the scholarship, the amount of the scholarship, and if the funds will be for the fall term or the academic year. The funds will first reduce loan in your financial aid package and then need-based scholarship if all loans have been replaced.
Q: How do I find out general information about my bill (when is statement mailed, how do I change billing address, and what should I do if I don’t receive a bill?
A: Bursar FAQ.
Q: Who can help me understand my bill?
A: Bills are prepared by the Bursar, you can contact the Bursar’s Office at 919-684-3531 or visit the Bursar’s website.
Q: When will I get my refund?
A: If a student has a credit on their account after all required tuition and fees have been paid, they will be issued a refund. Refunds are processed the first week of class.
Q: What is the quickest way for me to get my refund?
A: We recommend all students sign-up for direct deposit. Direct deposit information can be found under the Forms & Requests tab on your Duke Hub or visit the Bursar’s website.
Q: How long does it take for me to see the refund once I see it has been refunded on DukeHub?
A: It typically takes up to 5 business days for the funds to show in your bank account after it has been issued. It is important to accept your loan, complete the required Entrance Counseling and sign your MPN (Master Promissory Note), and submit the direct deposit form allowing at least a two week window for processing.
Q: I am running out of money, how can I find out when I will receive my next refund?
A: These dates are listed on your Duke Hub account. Look at Financials and then View Financials Aid make sure to select the aid year.
Q: How do I know if anything is missing so there is no delay in my financial aid disbursing?
A: Track this information on your Duke Hub account under your financial aid “To Do” list.
Q: Where can I get a copy of my financial aid letter for my apartment rental application?
A: You can find a copy of your financial aid award letter in Duke Hub or use the original email with your financial aid information.
Q: Does DukeHub have instructions on how to navigate through the portal?
A: DukeHub has a Financial Aid & Bursar “How To” section that is very helpful.