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Public Policy Analysis at Duke University

Durham, NC · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
59 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
59
Optimistic
59
Base Case
54
Pessimistic
Earnings $60,501/yr (30% vs median)
AI Risk High (49% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (107,800 openings/yr)
ROI 3.5x earnings multiple
Ranked #5 of 40 Public Policy Analysis programs Top 25%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Public Policy Analysis graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption		 Base Case
Gradual AI		 Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $957K $918K $770K
Earnings Multiple 3.6x 3.5x 2.9x
Probability of Field Employment 54% 50% 36%
DegreeOutlook Score 59 59 54

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
$10,500
2.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$113,034
87% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Duke University Public Policy Analysis graduates command $60,501/yr out of the gate, well above the $46,424 national median. That 30% premium suggests the program's reputation carries real labor-market weight.

The 3.5x return on tuition is positive but not overwhelming. Financial outcomes depend on keeping costs close to in-state rates.

AI risk is moderate — 49% task exposure — and the 20% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $10,500 in median debt clears quickly against $60,501 in annual earnings.

Ranked #5 out of 40 programs, Duke University's Public Policy Analysis program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.

Earnings growth from $60,501 to $113,034 over five years (87% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About Duke University

Only 7% of applicants gain admission to Duke University, reflecting elite selectivity, with a mid-sized student body of 6,417 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

Political scientists $139,380/yr
Medical and health services managers $117,960/yr
Health specialties teachers, postsecondary $105,620/yr
View all 8 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Compare this program → View all 40 schools offering Public Policy Analysis →

Public Policy Analysis at Other Schools

Cornell University ($77,906) Princeton University ($73,630) Dickinson College ($61,592) University of Chicago ($60,057) Brown University ($58,161) Vanderbilt University ($57,023) Trinity College ($56,902) Hamilton College ($56,158)

Other Majors at Duke University

Computer Science ($133,356) Mathematics ($121,088) 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)

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Duke University's Public Policy Analysis program score?
This program scores 59/100, reflecting respectable but not exceptional financial outcomes for Public Policy Analysis graduates.
How vulnerable is Public Policy Analysis to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Public Policy Analysis careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 49% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Why does Duke University rank so high for Public Policy Analysis?
The #5 ranking out of 40 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable relative to income, and the job market supports the field.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →