Neuroscience at Duke University

Durham, NC · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Neurobiology and Neurosciences
30 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
31
Optimistic
30
Base Case
29
Pessimistic
Earnings $37,208/yr (15% vs median)
AI Risk High (48% exposed)
Job Market Large (37,400 openings/yr)
ROI 2.6x earnings multiple
Ranked #52 of 97 Neurobiology and Neurosciences programs

Program Analysis

Your Duke neurobiology degree benefits significantly from the university's top-tier research infrastructure and its proximity to the vast biotech and pharmaceutical ecosystem of the Research Triangle Park. This environment creates robust pipelines for internships and early-career positions in both academic research and industry, often in roles focused on discovery and development. The rigorous curriculum, coupled with opportunities at Duke Health, prepares you for advanced study or specialized scientific roles demanding analytical depth and leadership potential. While some aspects of scientific work face increasing automation, the program's emphasis on complex problem-solving and critical inquiry positions you well for roles at the forefront of innovation. To truly excel, actively seek out interdisciplinary projects that build a unique skill set beyond core lab work.

How AI Changes the Outlook

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

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $711K $691K $609K
Earnings Multiple 2.7x 2.6x 2.3x
Probability of Field Employment 53% 48% 35%
DegreeOutlook Score 31 30 29

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
$12,645
4.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$73,810
98% growth from Year 1

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

Natural sciences managers $161,180/yr
Medical scientists, except epidemiologists $100,590/yr
Biological scientists, all other $93,330/yr
View all 5 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Neuroscience at Other Schools

Other Majors at Duke University

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Duke University's Neuroscience program score?
This program scores 30/100 — on the lower end for Neuroscience. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Neuroscience to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Neuroscience careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 48% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →