Program Analysis
At $89,938 per year, Mechanical Engineering graduates from Duke University significantly outpace the $70,527 national average for this major, reflecting strong employer demand for this program's graduates.
An earnings multiple of 4.2x means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition, but not by a dramatic margin. Returns are positive but modest.
Some AI exposure exists in Mechanical Engineering's typical career paths, with 53% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 23% gap from the optimistic case.
The median debt load of $10,000 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.
Ranked #206 of 320 Mechanical Engineering programs, Duke University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.
Earnings grow from $89,938 to $125,085 over five years — a 39% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.