Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences at Duke University

Durham, NC · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
31 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
32
Optimistic
31
Base Case
30
Pessimistic
Earnings $30,154/yr (-19% vs median)
AI Risk High (46% exposed)
Job Market Large (70,200 openings/yr)
ROI 3.3x earnings multiple
Ranked #35 of 39 Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $885K $862K $729K
Earnings Multiple 3.4x 3.3x 2.8x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 46% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 32 31 30

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
$12,000
4.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$86,703
188% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $30,154/yr fall 19% below the $37,397 national median for Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

An earnings multiple of 3.3x means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition, but not by a dramatic margin. Returns are positive but modest.

Some AI exposure exists in Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences's typical career paths, with 46% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 18% gap from the optimistic case.

At $12,000 in median debt against $30,154 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

Ranked #35 of 39 Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences programs, Duke University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $86,703 show a 188% jump from the $30,154 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About Duke University

Duke University admits 7% of applicants — among the most selective institutions in the country, 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
Health specialties teachers, postsecondary $105,620/yr
Biochemists and biophysicists $103,650/yr
View all 9 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences at Other Schools

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences at Duke University?
A score of 31/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences careers?
With 46% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $729,309 in decade earnings vs $885,247 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences from Duke University?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →