Cell Biologyat Duke University
Graduates earn $30,154/yr in their first year — about 19.0% below the national Cell Biology average. Base-case 10-year earnings $862K; scenarios range from $729K to $885K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Duke University
A Duke degree in Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences signals a rigorous scientific foundation, often positioning you for competitive paths beyond a bachelor's. The initial earnings trajectory reflects that many graduates pursue advanced degrees in medicine or research, where immediate post-undergrad salaries are typically lower or non-existent during further schooling. You're entering a field deeply integrated with the world-class Duke Health system and the vibrant Research Triangle Park biotech ecosystem, offering unparalleled research and industry exposure through internships at companies like Biogen or within university labs.
While the AI risk is noted as high, this highlights the evolving nature of biological research, demanding adaptability and a focus on computational skills alongside traditional wet lab techniques. Your Duke education provides a potent springboard into diverse roles, from R&D in pharmaceuticals to academic research, but understand that significant financial returns often materialize after securing a master's, PhD, or MD. Plan your academic and career strategy with this long-term vision in mind, actively leveraging Duke's extensive research opportunities and alumni network from day one.
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 Cell 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.
Frequently asked about Cell Biology at Duke University
What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Cell Biology at Duke University?
A score of 31/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Cell Biology. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Cell Biology careers?
With 46% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $729,309 in decade earnings vs $885,247 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Cell Biology from Duke University?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.