<p>D has been accepted but financial aid is bare minimum offered to any NC resident. Do any current students or their "financial support systems" (parents/ grandparents, etc) have advice regarding how realistic it might be to find additional sources of aid over the four years at Duke? I am torn between "having faith" that we'll find other ways to cut into what is just an unachievable parental contribution vs moving on to 'college choice # 2'. We live close to Duke so will try to schedule some time with the financial aid office (this week isSpring Break), so trying to do some reality check and data capture before we meet with them.</p>
<p>As many of the folks who watch this list can attest, Duke seems to be a special place with a unique character. I personally (as a parent) have been so impressed by the character and maturity of students who post on this list (esp contrasted to posts on other schools threads) as well as the students and administration we have met while visiting campus. The feel of the campus and its people as well as the more objective factors like strength of programs, research, and student advicisng/support make it clear that this is an obvious best fit for all but affordability. Any guidance would be most appreciated</p>
<p>Congratulations to your S first and foremost. Just a few thoughts on the FA at Duke:</p>
<p>1) I am sorry to say this, but Duke’s FA isn’t really known for being incredibly flexible. However, over the years I’ve definitely appreciated their honesty, openness, and willingness to talk things through with me. So you should try to get in contact with them to explore your options no matter what. </p>
<p>2) FA is calculated using primarily tax documents and self reported financial figured from the past year. So if there has been a significant change in your household finances since then, definitely let them know. This is particularly true if you anticipate a decrease in income for the current year for example. Duke is and has been willing to consider present circumstances instead of past tax returns and do a recalculation. </p>
<p>3) You can look into student loans, Obama just signed a reform bill that will allow direct federal government loans to students and capping of repayments at 10% of student’s discretionary income after graduation with forgiveness after 20 years without default. That’s probably cold comfort though.</p>
<p>There are many scholarships available to undergraduates at Duke, most are merit. My friend who goes to Duke also works in a lab with one of his professors and is paid. </p>
<p>Basically, you just need to know where to look.</p>
<p>^^ regarding above, if you aren’t offered a merit scholarship when you enter, then the chances of you receiving a Duke merit scholarship decreases almost exponentially. As for working, I can say (after having worked for 5 semester at Duke) that jobs on campus will almost never suffice if you are trying to make up a difference of $2000+ in aid. They just don’t pay that much and you won’t have time to work all that many hours anyway. It’s good for spending money, not really meant as tuition.</p>