Computer Engineeringat Duke University
Graduates earn $111,145/yr in their first year — about 41.0% above the national Computer Engineering average. Base-case 10-year earnings $1,572K; scenarios range from $1,087K to $1,708K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Duke University
Duke's computer engineering program positions you squarely within highly competitive national and regional tech pipelines. The university's elite academic standing and rigorous engineering curriculum attract significant attention from leading tech firms, both those in Silicon Valley and major players within the Research Triangle Park. You'll find graduates excelling in foundational hardware design, advanced software architecture, and the crucial intersection of both, often quickly moving into leadership roles due to the program's emphasis on complex problem-solving. This strong recruitment and the program's reputation are key drivers for your early career trajectory. While AI's influence is growing in many technical fields, your Duke education prepares you for the higher-level design and strategic roles less susceptible to automation. Focus on interdisciplinary projects and leadership opportunities to differentiate yourself.
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 Computer Engineering
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 Computer Engineering offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Computer Engineering trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Computer Engineering at Duke University
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.