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Biological Sciences · Cell Biology Rank #35 of 39

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.

Durham, NC Private nonprofit Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score
31 AT RISK
32
Optimistic
30
Pessimistic
Earnings
$30,154
1-year post-graduation
ROI
2.3x
Earnings : tuition
10-yr Base
$862K
Cumulative base-case earnings
AI Risk
High
52% task exposure
Program Analysis

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.

AI Outlook Integration

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.

Pessimistic
Mass Automation
$729K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score30/100
Earnings Multiple2.8x
Base Case
Moderate Integration
$862K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score31/100
Earnings Multiple3.3x
Optimistic
AI Augmentation
$885K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score32/100
Earnings Multiple3.4x
Earnings Trajectory

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.

Career Paths

Where Cell Biology graduates typically work

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.

1
Natural sciences managers
+3.7% 10-yr growth · 8,500 openings/yr
$161,180/yr
High
2
Health specialties teachers, postsecondary
+17.3% 10-yr growth · 27,400 openings/yr
$105,620/yr
Moderate
3
Biochemists and biophysicists
+5.8% 10-yr growth · 2,900 openings/yr
$103,650/yr
Moderate
4
Medical scientists, except epidemiologists
+8.7% 10-yr growth · 9,600 openings/yr
$100,590/yr
High
5
Biological scientists, all other
+1.2% 10-yr growth · 4,800 openings/yr
$93,330/yr
Moderate
6
Microbiologists
+4.1% 10-yr growth · 1,700 openings/yr
$87,330/yr
Moderate
Source: BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics, May 2024. AI exposure from OpenAI GPTs-are-GPTs and Felten AIOE research.
Compare & Explore

Peer schools offering Cell Biology

How Duke University stacks up against other schools offering this major.

Highest earnings
Northeastern University
MA · Private nonprofit
42
DW Score
$66K
1-yr earn
1.6x
ROI
Parker University
TX · Private nonprofit
45
DW Score
$54K
1-yr earn
6.7x
ROI
Harvard University
MA · Private nonprofit
48
DW Score
$52K
1-yr earn
2.7x
ROI
California State University-San Marcos
CA · Public
62
DW Score
$50K
1-yr earn
22.4x
ROI
Top score
California State University-Northridge
CA · Public
63
DW Score
$47K
1-yr earn
26.6x
ROI
Also at Duke University

Other top programs at Duke University

Other highest-scoring programs offered at Duke University, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.

FAQ

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.