Biologyat Duke University
Graduates earn $30,939/yr in their first year — about 4.0% below the national Biology average. Base-case 10-year earnings $690K; scenarios range from $617K to $704K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Duke University
A Duke Biology degree positions you uniquely, leveraging the university's formidable research infrastructure and its location within the bustling Research Triangle Park. While initial career earnings might not always outpace the national average for general biology programs, this often reflects a common trajectory towards advanced degrees like medical school or PhDs, or entry into foundational research roles within pharma and biotech companies like those in RTP. These paths, though sometimes lower-paying initially, build a strong foundation for significant long-term growth and leadership in scientific fields.
To navigate the increasing AI risk in biological sciences, focus on developing strong computational and data analysis skills alongside your core biological knowledge. Duke's resources provide ample opportunities to engage in cutting-edge interdisciplinary research. Actively seek out lab experiences that integrate bioinformatics or machine learning, ensuring your skillset remains highly relevant and competitive in a rapidly evolving scientific landscape.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Duke University's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Biology
How Duke University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Duke University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Duke University, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Biology offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Biology trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Biology at Duke University
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.