Department of Defense Tuition Assistance Benefits

Military Tuition Assistance (TA) is a benefit paid to eligible members of the Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard. Each military branch administers eligibility criteria, processes, and limits to TA funds. Information on TA can also be obtained by contacting the respective branch of service (Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines, or Navy).

Duke University refrains from providing commissions, bonuses, or other incentive payment based directly or indirectly to persons or entities engaged in student recruiting, admission activities, or making decision regarding the award of financial assistance. This includes securing any forms of federal financial aid, including Tuition Assistance (TA) from student enrollment.

Eligibility of Duke University Programs

Duke University is approved for students to utilize TA benefits for bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Certificate programs that are "stand alone" or do not have to be earned concurrently with a degree may also be approved. Contact the Office of the University Registrar to confirm a program's eligibility.

Admission and Academic Advising at Duke 

Admission to Duke University programs is decentralized and within each school or program. Students are encouraged to check admission and financial aid information on the webpages of the program in which they wish to apply and enroll in.

Academic advising is decentralized and done through faculty and advisers in each program. Applicants should inquire about the program by visiting the admission webpages for each program. The financial aid webpages for each school/program direct students to appropriate staff to assist with any funding questions.

Tuition Assistance Process

  • Obtain approval to use TA from your Educational Services Officer (ESO) or counselor within their Military Service prior to enrolling in a program. 
  • Complete your TA request online through your military branch’s educational portal. You may be required to submit an education plan. 
  • Email a copy of your approved TA Authorization form to veteranseducation@duke.edu. 
  • Veterans Education Benefits team will process your TA authorization in accordance with established procedures.

Dropping Courses or Withdrawing

The Department of Defense (DoD) Memorandum of Understanding requires Duke University to return unearned TA funds on a prorated basis through 60% of an academic course.

Resources

Duke University offers many resources to all students, including those using military affiliated benefits See the Additional Resources section of this webpage.