At $34,454/yr net price, Duke University graduates earn $97,800/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $63,800/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $34,454 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $137,816 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $97,800/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$63,800/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 95.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $13,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $3,295/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $242/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $6,901/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $16,487/yr |
| $110,001+ | $54,375/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| International Business. | Master | $213,978 | $117,357 |
| Law. | Doctoral | $168,098 | $158,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $148,189 | $80,630 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Certificate | $138,342 | $98,014 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Doctoral | $116,541 | $105,069 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $106,898 | $13,500 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $97,071 | $89,495 |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $97,071 | $14,500 |
| Engineering-Related Fields. | Master | $91,078 | $42,568 |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $90,856 | $13,187 |
The Risk Factor
95.8% of students at Duke University graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
Duke University delivers strong financial returns, with graduates earning a median $97,800 ten years after graduation despite a net price of $34,454 annually. The 95.8% graduation rate and low $13,000 median debt create favorable conditions for most students to see positive returns on their investment.
International Business leads Duke's earnings potential at $213,978 annually, though this comes with $117,357 in debt that requires careful consideration. Business Administration follows at $148,189 with more manageable $80,630 debt levels. Law graduates earn $168,098 but carry $158,000 in debt, creating a longer payback period despite high salaries. Health and Medical Administrative Services and Nursing both exceed $115,000 in earnings but require substantial debt loads above $98,000.
The school's biggest financial risk stems from its selective aid distribution. Only 12.74% of students receive aid, meaning most families pay close to full price. If you don't qualify for Duke's need-based aid, you face nearly $140,000 in total costs with limited merit scholarship options to offset expenses.
Duke works financially for students from wealthy families who can pay without borrowing, and for low-income students who qualify for substantial need-based aid. Middle-class families often get squeezed with minimal aid despite the high sticker price. The school's strong alumni network and brand recognition in finance, consulting, and healthcare justify the investment for students targeting high-earning careers in these fields.
You should look elsewhere if your family income falls in the aid gap and you're considering lower-earning majors not represented in Duke's top programs. The school's focus on pre-professional tracks means liberal arts students may not see the same return on investment as their business and pre-med classmates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Duke University worth the high cost of tuition?
Duke graduates earn a median of $97,800 ten years after graduation, which is strong but may not justify the cost for all programs. The school's top-paying programs like international business ($213,978) and law ($168,098) show excellent returns, while other fields may leave graduates struggling to pay back loans.
How much debt do Duke University students typically graduate with?
Duke students graduate with a median debt of $13,000, which is relatively low compared to many private universities. The school's generous financial aid helps keep debt manageable, with a net price of $34,454 after aid.
Which Duke University programs offer the best return on investment?
Duke's business and law programs deliver the strongest financial returns, with international business graduates earning over $213,000 and law graduates earning $168,000. Healthcare administration and nursing programs also perform well, though nursing salaries ($116,541) may not justify the full cost of attendance.
Does Duke University provide enough financial aid to make it affordable?
Duke reduces costs significantly through financial aid, bringing the average net price down to $34,454 from the full sticker price. However, this still represents a substantial investment that works best for students pursuing high-earning career paths.