Historyat Duke University
Graduates earn $60,750/yr in their first year — about 88.0% above the national History average. Base-case 10-year earnings $686K; scenarios range from $612K to $707K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Duke University
A Duke History degree, especially from a highly selective institution like this, consistently demonstrates strong outcomes not because graduates become traditional historians en masse, but due to the rigorous analytical, research, and communication skills you cultivate. Duke's brand and extensive alumni network open doors into diverse fields like consulting, finance, and project management, particularly within the Research Triangle Park's robust tech and healthcare ecosystem, where your ability to synthesize complex information is highly valued. While "historian" is a direct path, many graduates leverage these transferable skills to ascend into management roles across various industries. The high AI risk reflects how automation can impact certain analytical and administrative tasks within those broader management careers, not a direct threat to historical inquiry itself. To thrive, actively seek internships that allow you to apply your critical thinking in dynamic business environments, leveraging Duke's strong career services to bridge your humanities foundation with practical professional experience.
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 History
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 History offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare History trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about History at Duke University
What does a 57/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for History at Duke University?
At 57/100, Duke University's History program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Should I worry about AI if I study History at Duke University?
The 44% 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.
Is Duke University one of the best schools for History?
Among 389 History programs, Duke University's #9 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.