Outcomes-based program rankings.
Program outcomes at Duke vary significantly by field of study, with substantial differences in earnings, debt levels, and career trajectories. The analysis below evaluates programs based on post-graduation employment outcomes rather than academic reputation or ranking methodologies.
Analyzing 25 programs with available earnings data.
These highlights showcase Duke's strongest programs across different outcome measures and enrollment patterns.
#12 nationally
$76K median earnings
This bar shows the range of median earnings across all majors at this school.
The tables below compare programs in each category by earnings, national rank, debt levels, and enrollment size.
These sections represent the complete set of ranked undergraduate programs at Duke University.
Duke's engineering and technology programs deliver exceptional earnings outcomes with strong national rankings. Computer Science ranks #12 nationally with median earnings of $159,845, while Computer Engineering ranks #4 nationally earning $137,144.
These programs consistently place graduates in high-demand technology roles with substantial earning potential. Students should expect rigorous technical curricula that prepare them for competitive career markets in software development, hardware engineering, and emerging technology sectors.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science. | #12 | $159,845 |
Program rankings and outcomes reflect federal College Scorecard data measuring actual post-graduation employment and earnings rather than academic reputation or subjective assessments. Earnings represent median income of graduates working full-time two years after completion, based on tax records and employment verification. Rankings compare programs nationally within the same field of study, helping students understand how Duke's programs perform relative to similar majors at other institutions. Cohort sizes indicate the number of graduates in recent years, with larger cohorts providing more reliable outcome data. Debt figures represent median borrowing among program graduates, showing field-specific financing patterns. These metrics help students make informed decisions based on career outcomes while recognizing that individual results vary based on career choices, geographic location, and personal preferences.
Median earnings 10 years post-enrollment
Debt burden relative to earnings
Institutional contribution to outcomes
recent graduates
| $48,380 |
| 339 |
| Computer Engineering, General. | #4 | $137,144 | — | 107 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | #6 | $101,532 | — | 91 |
| Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering. | #8 | $100,584 | — | 89 |
Health professions at Duke show varied outcomes depending on program focus and career pathway. Adult Health Nurse/Nursing graduates earn $71,426, reflecting preparation for clinical nursing roles that often emphasize service over compensation.
The program ranks #179 nationally in earnings but provides essential healthcare workforce training. Students should consider long-term career goals and the intrinsic rewards of healthcare service alongside financial outcomes.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Health Nurse/Nursing. | #186 | $71,426★ | — | 133 |
| Behavioral Aspects of Health. | #88 | $37,208 | — | 47 |
Mathematical and statistical programs show strong earnings potential with excellent graduate school preparation. Mathematical Statistics and Probability graduates earn $113,854 and rank #7 nationally, while Algebra and Number Theory produces earnings of $99,927.
These programs serve students pursuing quantitative careers in finance, research, and data analysis, with many graduates continuing to advanced study in mathematics, statistics, or related fields.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematical Statistics and Probability. | #7 | $113,854★ | — | 46 |
| Algebra and Number Theory. | #22 | $99,927 | — | 53 |
| Anatomy. | #3 | $72,902 | — | 30 |
| Neuroanatomy. | #5 | $69,441 | — | 78 |
| Biology, General. | #23 | $62,963 | $51,055 | 165 |
| Analytical Chemistry. | #185 | $27,216 | — | 41 |
Social science programs demonstrate strong versatility in career outcomes and graduate preparation. American Government and Politics ranks #5 nationally with graduates earning $84,950, reflecting preparation for government service, law, and policy analysis.
Behavioral Neuroscience shows different patterns with earnings of $39,359 but ranks #22 nationally, indicating specialized preparation for graduate study in psychology, neuroscience, and medical fields.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Applied Economics. | #1 🏆 | $153,139★ | — | 219 |
| Education Policy Analysis. | #1 🏆 | $97,427 | — | 233 |
| American Government and Politics (United States). | #6 | $84,950 | — | 131 |
| Anthropology, General.Small sample | #3 | $65,916 | — | 12 |
| Applied/Public Sociology. | #82 | $53,607 | — | 45 |
| Behavioral Neuroscience. | #23 | $39,359 | — | 127 |
Humanities programs at Duke achieve exceptional rankings while serving students with diverse career goals. American History ranks #4 nationally with graduates earning $83,943, demonstrating preparation for education, law, journalism, and public service careers.
These programs prioritize critical thinking, communication, and analytical skills that translate across multiple professional pathways, though earnings may be lower than technical fields initially.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American History (United States). | #4 | $83,943★ | — | 63 |
| Applied Linguistics. | #1 🏆 | $76,134 | — | 35 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | #2 | $65,074 | — | 41 |
| Catalan Language and Literature.Small sample | #38 | $59,604 | — | 18 |
Education Policy Analysis at Duke ranks #1 nationally with graduates earning $97,427, reflecting specialized preparation for educational leadership, policy development, and research roles. This program serves students interested in educational reform, administration, and policy analysis rather than traditional classroom teaching, explaining the higher earnings relative to typical education programs.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| International and Comparative Education. | — | $57,321 | — | 35 |
Environmental Science. leads agriculture & environment with 57K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Environmental Science. | #26 | $56,777 | — | 44 |
African Studies. leads other & interdisciplinary with 21K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| African Studies. | #65 | $20,682 | — | 26 |
Resources, cohort size, and graduation rates
Trajectory from early to mid-career
Why rankings may differ by program: A university's nursing program and business program can have entirely different outcome profiles. Our methodology surfaces these differences so you can evaluate programs — not just institutions.
