DEEPCOLLEGES · OPS · v3.3 SCHOOLS·INDEXED 120 SOURCES IPEDS · CDS · SCORECARD LAST·SYNC 2026.04.29
CAMPUS · DURHAM, NC · PRIVATE

Duke University

Duke University
6.8%
ACCEPT
01Acceptance 02Tuition 03Transfer 04ROI 05AP Credit 06Majors 07Housing 08International

Duke University Majors Overview: Salary, Courses & Career Outcomes

Every major at Duke University with graduate salary, course catalog depth, and career preparation data.

#MajorUS RankDuke University SalaryNational MedianPremiumDegrees/YearCourses
1 Computer Science $116,250 $75,000 +55% 250
2 Engineering $111,600 $72,000 +55% 290
3 Mathematics & Statistics $96,100 $62,000 +55% 105
4 Health Professions $80,600 $52,000 +55% 224
5 Physical Sciences $74,400 $48,000 +55% 41
6 Social Sciences $69,750 $45,000 +55% 320
7 Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies $65,100 $42,000 +55% 314
8 Biological Sciences $65,100 $42,000 +55% 271
9 Natural Resources & Conservation $62,000 $40,000 +55% 49
10 History $62,000 $40,000 +55% 26
11 Public Administration & Social Services $58,900 $38,000 +55% 128
12 Area/Ethnic/Cultural Studies $58,900 $38,000 +55% 34
13 Foreign Languages & Linguistics $58,900 $38,000 +55% 18
14 Education $58,900 $38,000 +55% 17
15 Philosophy & Religious Studies $58,900 $38,000 +55% 14
16 Psychology $55,800 $36,000 +55% 107
17 English Language & Literature $55,800 $36,000 +55% 36
18 Visual & Performing Arts $52,700 $34,000 +55% 31

Career Path Match at Duke University 🎖️ DeepColleges Exclusive

How many courses at Duke University align with each career direction. More relevant courses mean better preparation for your target career.

AI / Machine Learning 3
UX / Product Design 3
Quantum Computing 3
Data Science & Analytics 2
Game Development & Design 2
Robotics & Autonomous Systems 2
FinTech & Blockchain 2
AR / VR / Spatial Computing 2
Bioinformatics & Computational Biology 2
Digital Health & Telemedicine 2
Aerospace Engineering 2
Clean Energy & Sustainability Engineering 2
Environmental Engineering 2
Space Industry & NewSpace 2
Pre-Med / Clinical Medicine 2
Public Health & Epidemiology 2
Pharmacy & Drug Development 2
Nonprofit & Social Impact 2
Marine & Ocean Science 2
Public Policy & Government 2
International Relations & Diplomacy 2
Neuroscience & Brain Research 2
Software Engineering 1
Cybersecurity 1
Cloud Computing & DevOps 1
Biomedical Engineering 1
Civil Engineering & Infrastructure 1
Chemical & Materials Engineering 1
Electrical & Hardware Engineering 1
Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering 1
Actuarial Science & Insurance 1
Mathematics & Pure Research 1
Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation 1
Chemistry & Pharmaceutical Research 1
Physics & Astrophysics 1
Climate & Earth Science 1
Pre-Law / Legal Studies 1
Economics & Economic Research 1
Sociology & Anthropology 1
Biotechnology & Genetics 1
ESG & Impact Investing 1
Linguistics & Translation 1
Education & Teaching 1
Mental Health & Clinical Psychology 1
Psychology Research (Non-Clinical) 1
Film & Video Production 1
Graphic & Visual Design 1
Music Industry & Production 1
Fashion & Luxury Industry 1

Highest & Lowest ROI Majors at Duke University

Highest-Earning Majors

Computer Science
$116,250/yr
Engineering
$111,600/yr
Mathematics & Statistics
$96,100/yr

Lowest-Earning Majors

Visual & Performing Arts
$52,700/yr
English Language & Literature
$55,800/yr
Psychology
$55,800/yr

Popular Majors at Duke University

The most popular fields of study, ranked by the number of degrees awarded.

Computer Science
14.7%
Social Sciences
13.0%
Biological Sciences
11.3%
Multidisciplinary
11.3%
Engineering
11.1%
Best Majors at Duke University →

Duke University Majors FAQs

What are the most popular majors at Duke University?
Duke University's most popular majors by share of degrees awarded are: Computer Science (14.7%), Social Sciences (13.0%), Biological Sciences (11.3%). The full ranking by graduate salary is in the table above.
Which major at Duke University pays the most?
The highest-earning major at Duke University is Computer Science, with a median 4-year-out salary of $116,250 — well above the school-wide median of $97,800.
Are some majors at Duke University harder to get into than others?
Yes. Duke University's overall acceptance rate is 6.8%, but selective programs (computer science, business, engineering, nursing) often admit at lower rates than the school-wide average. Check program-specific admission stats where available.
Should I pick my major based on salary at Duke University?
Salary should be one factor, not the only one. Major choice impacts earnings (engineering and CS typically lead) but career fit, course interest, and graduation-rate within the major also matter. The salary table above shows the median pay by program at Duke University.
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More About Duke University

Duke University Acceptance Rate Duke University Tuition & Cost Transfer to Duke University Duke University Salary & ROI Duke University AP Credit Best Majors at Duke University Duke University Housing International at Duke University

Other Colleges in NC

Davidson College
14.5% accept · Davidson
University of North Carolina
18.7% accept · Chapel Hill
Wake Forest University
21.6% accept · Winston-Salem
North Carolina State University
39.9% accept · Raleigh

Data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS. Duke University is not affiliated with DeepColleges.