Yale vs. Duke: Which university offers merit scholarships?

The key difference is that Yale does not award merit scholarships at all, while Duke offers merit awards. At Yale, academic strength, national awards, leadership, and exceptional extracurricular accomplishments can strengthen admission but do not produce a merit-based financial award. Yale’s undergraduate aid is entirely need-based and is designed around a family’s demonstrated financial circumstances.

Duke has several named merit scholarship programs. These awards look beyond grades and test scores for intellectual engagement, leadership, service, character, and meaningful impact. Some Duke awards include more than tuition, such as funding for summer experiences, research, or leadership programming.

At Duke, many applicants are considered for certain university merit scholarships through the regular undergraduate application. Being admitted to Duke does not mean receiving merit aid.

For a student specifically hoping that exceptional achievement could lower the cost regardless of family income, Duke is the only one of these two institutions that provides that path. Yale can still be very affordable for a student with demonstrated financial need, but it should not be treated as a merit-scholarship option.