Want to learn about Duke’s finances? Here’s how

July 30, 2026 - 03:22

Duke University's fiscal year wrapped up on June 30, bringing a fresh batch of financial filings and reports into the public eye. While The Chronicle has already sifted through some of these documents to highlight key trends and numbers, there is plenty more data available for those who want to take a closer look. Whether you are a student curious about tuition spending, a faculty member tracking research grants, or a community member interested in the university's investment strategies, the raw information is out there. Here is a straightforward guide to navigating it.

Start with Duke's official financial statements, which are typically posted on the university's finance and administration website. These include the annual report and the audited financial statements, covering everything from endowment performance to operating expenses. Look for the section on revenue sources, which breaks down income from tuition, research funding, and gifts. On the expense side, you can see where money goes, such as instruction, research, and administrative costs. For a deeper dive, the IRS Form 990 for Duke University and its affiliated entities offers a detailed look at executive compensation and program spending. This form is publicly available through nonprofit databases. Just remember that the fiscal year data is a snapshot, and comparing it to previous years often reveals the most interesting trends about where the university is heading financially.