In 2005-06, Duke distributed $280 million in grants, loans, and work-study jobs to more than 7,400 students across the university. The university paid approximately $143 million of that cost, and the vast majority of the funds came from Duke's operating budget, which must also support the academic programs that draw people to Duke in the first place. New endowment for financial aid will help the university cover its rising financial aid costs today and sustain its commitment to financial aid in the future.

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