Looking beyond all of the numbers, the purpose of Duke's Financial Aid Initiative is simple. It's about investing in talented people so they can go on to make their own investments in society. President Brodhead said it best in his words of welcome to a recent incoming class:

• Since Duke looks for students with the intellect and character to make a contribution to the world and since such people are found in every human setting, you'll have classmates from every state and global region, every ethnic origin, every income level, every religion, every political persuasion. Let me take this occasion to say to each of you, wherever you come from and whatever you believe:

  This is your place. You are all equally welcome to Duke, and equally entitled to all its benefits.