How can I compare the affordability of Duke and UCLA as a nonresident student?

For a nonresident, Duke can be less expensive than UCLA when your family demonstrates substantial financial need, despite Duke’s higher published price. Duke uses its own need-based aid program and says it meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for admitted students who apply for aid. UCLA’s nonresident cost includes both standard UC tuition and an additional nonresident supplemental tuition charge.

Duke fits families whose finances may qualify them for significant institutional need-based assistance. Use Duke’s Net Price Calculator with your family’s most recent income, assets, household size, and number of children in college. Treat the result as an estimate, but it is the most useful first indication of whether Duke’s grant aid could bring its net cost below UCLA’s.

UCLA may make more financial sense for families who are unlikely to qualify for need-based aid and can cover the higher nonresident charges, particularly if they value its California location or have outside scholarships that travel with the student. Complete UCLA’s Net Price Calculator as well, but read the aid assumptions carefully: eligibility for federal aid depends on citizenship or eligible noncitizen status.

Compare the two schools using the same four-year worksheet: estimated family contribution from each calculator, tuition and required fees, housing and food, health insurance if needed, travel home, books, and annual cost increases. Separate grants and scholarships from loans and work-study; a package with a low first-year bill may still include borrowing. Also check each school’s policy on whether aid is renewed and what academic or financial conditions apply.