How It Works
Example 2
Leveling the Playing Field for Low Income Families
“Stephanie” thought there was no way she could afford to attend Duke. Her mother had recently passed away, her father earned $28,000 per year as a cook, and she had two younger sisters at home. Still, the guidance counselor at her high school in Charlotte urged Stephanie to apply.
Duke estimated $44,005 as Stephanie’s total cost of education: $32,601 for tuition and fees, $8,948 for room and board, and $2,456 for personal expenses, including books. (Because her family lives in North Carolina, Duke did not include a travel allowance.) Duke calculated Stephanie’s need as follows:
| Total Cost of Education | $44,005 (Stephanie’s total cost of education) |
| - Parent Contribution | - $0 (Stephanie’s father’s contribution) |
| - Student Contribution | - $1,900 (Stephanie’s contribution from summer earnings) |
| = Demonstrated Need | = 42,105 |
Duke then put together a financial aid package that would meet Stephanie’s full demonstrated need. Because her family’s income was less than $40,000, the size of her base loan differed from Jason’s. In 2005-06, Duke provided Stephanie with a financial aid package that included an $1,800 work-study allocation, a $2,900 loan, and a $37,405 grant.
The following summer, when Stephanie wanted to pursue a summer internship, she contacted the Office of Financial Aid again and was awarded an additional grant to make up for her sophomore year summer earning requirement.