Home › Duke University › Mathematics

Mathematics at Duke University

Durham, NC · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
69 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
70
Optimistic
69
Base Case
65
Pessimistic
Earnings $121,088/yr (138% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (65% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (104,900 openings/yr)
ROI 3.9x earnings multiple
Ranked #25 of 253 Mathematics programs Top 10%

How AI Changes the Outlook

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

Optimistic
No Disruption		 Base Case
Gradual AI		 Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $1,109K $1,036K $805K
Earnings Multiple 4.2x 3.9x 3.1x
Probability of Field Employment 73% 65% 40%
DegreeOutlook Score 70 69 65

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
$9,500
0.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$131,658
9% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $121,088 put Duke University's Mathematics program 138% above the national median of $50,797 — one of the higher-earning programs in this field.

At 3.9x tuition cost in decade earnings, the ROI is moderate. This program pays for itself, but it's not a financial slam-dunk.

The 27% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Mathematics career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

With first-year pay of $121,088 far exceeding the $9,500 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

At #25 of 253 programs, this Mathematics program outperforms the majority of its peers. The top 10% ranking reflects consistently above-average outcomes.

The limited growth from $121,088 to $131,658 over five years suggests earnings in this field plateau relatively early in one's career.

About Duke University

Duke University's 7% admission rate places it in the top tier of selectivity nationally, 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

Natural sciences managers $161,180/yr
Mathematicians $121,680/yr
Data scientists $112,590/yr
View all 7 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Compare this program → View all 253 schools offering Mathematics →

Mathematics at Other Schools

Tufts University ($110,512) Massachusetts Institute of Technology ($109,288) Dartmouth College ($108,255) Vanderbilt University ($103,812) University of Chicago ($100,421) Bowdoin College ($90,213) Georgetown University ($88,081) Cornell University ($87,251)

Other Majors at Duke University

Computer Science ($133,356) Computer Engineering ($111,145) Economics ($98,649) Statistics ($97,197) Mechanical Engineering ($89,938) Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($77,288) Biomedical/Medical Engineering ($69,873) History ($60,750)

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

Compare Mathematics trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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 69/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Mathematics at Duke University?
At 69/100, Duke University's Mathematics program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Should I worry about AI if I study Mathematics at Duke University?
The 65% 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 →