Duke University

Duke University's program mix is anchored in Computer Science, quantitative social sciences, and policy-oriented fields — a signature that reflects the university's research identity and its strength in analytical disciplines. Social Sciences accounts for 15% of graduates, Engineering accounts for 13%, and other STEM fields accounts for 3%, together forming the core of the institution's degree output.

Across 35 programs serving roughly 2,278 students annually, 18 meet Azimuth's ranking threshold — and several sit near the top nationally. Computer Science is the program that combines the largest cohort scale with strong earnings, making it a central driver of Duke University's overall financial profile.

Azimuth ranks Computer Science #9 nationally for median earnings four years after enrollment among nonprofit four-year institutions, with 370 graduates earning $195,809 — the highest four-year earnings at the institution. Azimuth ranks Computer Engineering #2 nationally for median earnings four years after enrollment among nonprofit four-year institutions, with graduates earning $174,522, and Azimuth ranks Economics #4 nationally for median earnings four years after enrollment among nonprofit four-year institutions, with graduates earning $161,149.

Among the largest programs by cohort, Computer Science program graduates 370 students and Azimuth ranks it #9 nationally for median earnings four years after enrollment among nonprofit four-year institutions, while The Economics program graduates 209 students with median earnings of $161,149. For how Azimuth evaluates individual programs, see the [program-ranking methodology](/analysis/college-program-rankings-how-to-actually-evaluate-programs/).

Several of Duke University's strongest programs are grad-school-dependent pathways — notably Public Policy Analysis and Biology, General — where four-year earnings undercount lifetime trajectory because a meaningful share of graduates continue to medical, law, or doctoral programs. Computer Science and Computer Engineering, by contrast, are high-mobility programs where graduates enter the national labor market directly and four-year earnings more closely reflect workforce outcomes.

The [supply-demand map for college graduates](/analysis/supply-demand-map-college-degrees/) provides context for how these fields align with national wage trends and employer demand. ```

Duke University's published cost of attendance is $87,072, but need-based aid reshapes that figure meaningfully across income levels. Low-income families pay approximately $735 per year in net price — a figure that reflects the university's commitment to meeting demonstrated financial need.

Middle-income families see annual costs around $5,706, while higher-income families pay approximately $54,230. Azimuth ranks Duke University #762 for post-graduation affordability among nonprofit four-year institutions.

The gap between sticker price and what families actually pay can be substantial at institutions with deep aid programs; the [net price illusion](/analysis/is-college-worth-it-part-1-the-net-price-illusion/) is worth understanding before drawing conclusions from the published cost of attendance alone. Duke University's need-based aid structure covers a meaningful share of cost for qualifying families.

The university meets demonstrated financial need for admitted students, and aid packages are built around grants rather than loans for lower-income households, reducing the debt burden for those who qualify. Families apply through the FAFSA and CSS Profile, and the aid program extends across all four years for students who maintain eligibility.

Median federal student loan debt at graduation is $13,000, and families using Parent PLUS borrow a median of $27,998; private or institutional loans may add further borrowing that falls outside these federal-only figures — see the [Parent PLUS risk framework](/analysis/ou-what-happens-when-parents-borrow-too/) for how household context shapes PLUS decisions. For a graduate at the institution's median four-year earnings of $115,722, median federal debt of $13,000 projects to a monthly payment of about $147 under standard ten-year repayment.

For personalized projections across earnings scenarios — including Parent PLUS planning — use [Azimuth's Financial GPS tool](/analysis/financial-gps-framework/).

Graduates of Duke University earn median earnings of $115,722 four years after enrollment, placing Duke University in the 99.7 percentile for median earnings four years after enrollment among nonprofit four-year institutions. That figure runs well above the $67,139 median at comparable institutions (same control and size band).

Graduates earn about $11,170 more than similar students at comparable institutions, placing Duke University in the 87.4 percentile for [earnings beyond expectations](/analysis/a-value-added-approach-to-college-outcomes/) among nonprofit four-year institutions. Azimuth ranks Duke University #7 for return on investment among nonprofit four-year institutions.

The program mix at Duke University is anchored by Computer Science, with Social Sciences accounting for 15% of degrees and Engineering representing 13%. Computer Science combines large cohort scale with strong pay, making it a key contributor to the university's overall earnings profile.

Azimuth ranks Computer Science #9 nationally among nonprofit four-year institutions for median earnings four years after enrollment, with 370 graduates earning median earnings of $195,809 — 1.8x the national benchmark for the field per the [program-ranking methodology](/analysis/college-program-rankings-how-to-actually-evaluate-programs/). The Economics program graduates 209 students and Azimuth ranks it #4 nationally among nonprofit four-year institutions for median earnings four years after enrollment, with graduates earning median earnings of $161,149.

Public Policy Analysis and Biology, General round out the high-earning lineup, with Azimuth ranking them #3 and #10 nationally among nonprofit four-year institutions respectively and graduates earning median earnings of $103,071 and $83,192 four years after enrollment.