Computer Engineering at Duke University

Durham, NC · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
76 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
77
Optimistic
76
Base Case
71
Pessimistic
Earnings $111,145/yr (41% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (71% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (167,700 openings/yr)
ROI 6.0x earnings multiple
Ranked #98 of 174 Computer Engineering programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

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

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $1,708K $1,572K $1,087K
Earnings Multiple 6.5x 6.0x 4.1x
Probability of Field Employment 84% 74% 43%
DegreeOutlook Score 77 76 71

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
$14,500
1.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$174,619
57% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates of Duke University's Computer Engineering program earn $111,145/yr in their first year — 41% above the $78,694 national median, a strong market signal for this institution.

A 6.0x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

Career paths for Computer Engineering carry above-average AI exposure (71% of tasks). The 36% scenario spread means the difference between optimistic and pessimistic outcomes is substantial.

At $14,500 in median debt against $111,145 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

A #98 ranking among 174 Computer Engineering programs places Duke University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $111,145-to-$174,619 earnings arc over five years reflects a 57% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Duke University

Duke University admits 7% of applicants — among the most selective institutions in the country, 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

Architectural and engineering managers $167,740/yr
Computer hardware engineers $155,020/yr
Database architects $135,980/yr
View all 7 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Computer Engineering at Other Schools

Other Majors at Duke University

Consider the Trade Route?

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 76/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Computer Engineering at Duke University?
At 76/100, the score looks reasonable — but Computer Engineering is a high-scoring field overall. Compared to peers, this program's earnings and ROI fall below the median.
Should I worry about AI if I study Computer Engineering at Duke University?
The 71% 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 →