Top Ranked Programs
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. ```