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Biology at Duke University

Durham, NC · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Biology, General
28 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
29
Optimistic
28
Base Case
28
Pessimistic
Earnings $30,939/yr (-4% vs median)
AI Risk High (40% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (113,000 openings/yr)
ROI 2.6x earnings multiple
Ranked #700 of 822 Biology, General programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Biology graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption		 Base Case
Gradual AI		 Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $704K $690K $617K
Earnings Multiple 2.7x 2.6x 2.3x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 45% 35%
DegreeOutlook Score 29 28 28

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$263,220
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$137,816
48% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$12,500
4.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$70,605
128% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Duke University's Biology program produces graduates earning $30,939/yr — within striking distance of the $32,219 national average for this field.

At 2.6x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The 12% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Biology career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $12,500 in median debt clears quickly against $30,939 in annual earnings.

A #700 ranking among 822 Biology programs places Duke University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $30,939-to-$70,605 earnings arc over five years reflects a 128% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Duke University

Only 7% of applicants gain admission to Duke University, reflecting elite selectivity, enrolling 6,417 students in Durham, NC. After financial aid, the average student pays $137,816 over four years — 48% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at Duke University →

Top Career Paths

Natural sciences managers $161,180/yr
Medical scientists, except epidemiologists $100,590/yr
Biological scientists, all other $93,330/yr
View all 10 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Compare this program → View all 822 schools offering Biology →

Biology at Other Schools

University of San Diego ($54,223) Trinity College ($52,179) Worcester Polytechnic Institute ($51,711) Edgewood College ($51,134) Shepherd University ($49,165) Roger Williams University ($47,799) Barnard College ($47,329) Curry College ($46,736)

Other Majors at Duke University

Computer Science ($133,356) Mathematics ($121,088) Computer Engineering ($111,145) Economics ($98,649) Statistics ($97,197) Mechanical Engineering ($89,938) Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($77,288) Biomedical/Medical Engineering ($69,873)

Consider the Trade Route?

Compare Biology trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 28/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Biology at Duke University?
At 28/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Biology programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Biology at Duke University?
The 40% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →