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Mathematics · Mathematics Rank #25 of 253

Mathematicsat Duke University

Graduates earn $121,088/yr in their first year — about 138.0% above the national Mathematics average. Base-case 10-year earnings $1,036K; scenarios range from $805K to $1,109K depending on AI disruption.

Durham, NC Private nonprofit Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score
69 SOLID
70
Optimistic
65
Pessimistic
Earnings
$121,088
1-year post-graduation
ROI
4.0x
Earnings : tuition
10-yr Base
$1,036K
Cumulative base-case earnings
AI Risk
Very High
63% task exposure
Program Analysis

What this degree looks like at Duke University

A Duke Mathematics degree is a powerful credential, opening doors far beyond traditional academic roles. Your rigorous training in abstract reasoning and complex problem-solving from such an elite institution is highly sought after across diverse industries. Top employers in quantitative finance, tech, and high-level consulting actively recruit Duke graduates, valuing your analytical prowess. The university's strong alumni network and reputation for academic excellence contribute significantly to these robust career outcomes, often placing you in high-demand roles across major financial and tech hubs.

While some analytical tasks are indeed becoming more augmented by AI, your Duke education emphasizes the *design* and *interpretation* of mathematical models, not just rote calculation. The "AI risk" often reflects the evolving nature of entry-level tasks, pushing you towards more strategic roles in algorithm development, data architecture, or advanced research where human insight remains irreplaceable. To truly leverage this foundation, focus on interdisciplinary studies, perhaps combining math with computer science or economics, to apply your skills to real-world data challenges.

AI Outlook Integration

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.

Pessimistic
Mass Automation
$805K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score65/100
Earnings Multiple3.1x
Base Case
Moderate Integration
$1,036K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score69/100
Earnings Multiple3.9x
Optimistic
AI Augmentation
$1,109K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score70/100
Earnings Multiple4.2x
Earnings Trajectory

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.

Career Paths

Where Mathematics graduates typically work

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.

1
Natural sciences managers
+3.7% 10-yr growth · 8,500 openings/yr
$161,180/yr
High
2
Mathematicians
-0.7% 10-yr growth · 100 openings/yr
$121,680/yr
Very High
3
Data scientists
+33.5% 10-yr growth · 23,400 openings/yr
$112,590/yr
High
4
Statisticians
+8.5% 10-yr growth · 2,000 openings/yr
$103,300/yr
High
5
Mathematical science teachers, postsecondary
+2.3% 10-yr growth · 4,400 openings/yr
$79,350/yr
High
6
Mathematical science occupations, all other
+4.0% 10-yr growth · 300 openings/yr
$71,490/yr
Very High
Source: BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics, May 2024. AI exposure from OpenAI GPTs-are-GPTs and Felten AIOE research.
Compare & Explore

Peer schools offering Mathematics

How Duke University stacks up against other schools offering this major.

Highest earnings
Tufts University
MA · Private nonprofit
56
DW Score
$111K
1-yr earn
3.1x
ROI
Top score
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
MA · Private nonprofit
72
DW Score
$109K
1-yr earn
8.4x
ROI
Dartmouth College
NH · Private nonprofit
56
DW Score
$108K
1-yr earn
3.1x
ROI
Vanderbilt University
TN · Private nonprofit
69
DW Score
$104K
1-yr earn
4.5x
ROI
University of Chicago
IL · Private nonprofit
69
DW Score
$100K
1-yr earn
4.5x
ROI
Also at Duke University

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 Mathematics offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.

Compare Mathematics trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →
FAQ

Frequently asked about Mathematics at Duke University

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.