Computer Science at Duke University

Durham, NC · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
80 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
81
Optimistic
80
Base Case
74
Pessimistic
Earnings $133,356/yr (81% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (72% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (295,800 openings/yr)
ROI 6.7x earnings multiple
Ranked #143 of 345 Computer Science programs Top 50%

How AI Changes the Outlook

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

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $1,881K $1,754K $1,155K
Earnings Multiple 7.1x 6.7x 4.4x
Probability of Field Employment 80% 73% 40%
DegreeOutlook Score 81 80 74

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
$13,500
1.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$201,846
51% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $133,356 per year, Computer Science graduates from Duke University significantly outpace the $73,713 national average for this major, reflecting strong employer demand for this program's graduates.

A 6.7x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

Career paths for Computer Science carry above-average AI exposure (72% of tasks). The 39% scenario spread means the difference between optimistic and pessimistic outcomes is substantial.

The median debt load of $13,500 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

A #143 ranking among 345 Computer Science programs places Duke University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $133,356-to-$201,846 earnings arc over five years reflects a 51% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Duke University

With just 7% of applicants admitted, Duke University ranks among the nation's most selective schools, 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

Computer and information systems managers $171,200/yr
Computer and information research scientists $140,910/yr
Database architects $135,980/yr
View all 13 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Computer Science at Other Schools

Other Majors at Duke University

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 80/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Computer Science at Duke University?
At 80/100, this is a high-performing program. The DegreeOutlook Score combines earnings, AI resilience, and ROI — and this program delivers on all three.
Should I worry about AI if I study Computer Science at Duke University?
The 72% 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 →