With global intentions, financial aid must join the conversation

A long-term discussion about Duke’s international plans and global strategy must include a review of the current admissions policy as it pertains to international students who are not U.S. citizens and request financial aid.

According to a report released a year ago by the International Association, this group of students is not considered on a need-blind basis. This policy impacts the demographics of each admitted class and means that international students who do not apply for aid from the beginning are ineligible to do so throughout their time here, which is problematic in today’s economy.

While establishing a physical existence abroad is important for institutions of higher education moving into the 21st century, the pursuit of internationalization must be balanced with the pursuit of financial accessibility on an international scale. Otherwise, we prioritize Duke’s presence in the world more so than the world’s presence at Duke. While we strive to bring Duke’s reach to more students internationally, we don’t appear to be closer to bringing more socioeconomically diverse international students to Duke.

An initiative to do so is certainly a long-term undertaking. Furthermore, it is impractical to think that the ultimate in admissions equality, full need-blind status for all applicants, will be fiscally possible in the near future. But in the meantime, we can encourage support from international alums and a renewal of commitment from the University in more tangible ways.

This remains relevant amid significant fiscal restraints, as it would enable Duke to maintain its “enduring themes” of internationalization, diversity and affordability and access, as cited in the strategic plan “Making a Difference.” Our capacity to engage in cultural exchange and our position among peer institutions would both benefit, as would perceptions and awareness about Duke beyond the United States.

Brooke Kingsland

Chair, DSG Fin. Aid Advisory Committee

Trinity ’13

Jason Li

President, International Association

Trinity ’13