Psychology at Duke University

Durham, NC · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Psychology, General
33 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
34
Optimistic
33
Base Case
32
Pessimistic
Earnings $33,559/yr (6% vs median)
AI Risk High (49% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (125,000 openings/yr)
ROI 2.6x earnings multiple
Ranked #530 of 926 Psychology, General programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

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

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $716K $697K $611K
Earnings Multiple 2.7x 2.6x 2.3x
Probability of Field Employment 51% 47% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 34 33 32

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
$15,415
5.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$72,515
116% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $33,559 per year, Psychology graduates from Duke University earn slightly above the $31,705 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

At 2.6x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The 15% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Psychology career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

The median debt load of $15,415 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

A #530 ranking among 926 Psychology programs places Duke University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $33,559-to-$72,515 earnings arc over five years reflects a 116% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Duke University

With just 7% of applicants admitted, Duke University ranks among the nation's most selective schools, 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

Managers, all other $136,550/yr
Psychologists, all other $117,580/yr
Industrial-organizational psychologists $109,840/yr
View all 6 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Psychology at Other Schools

Other Majors at Duke University

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 33/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Psychology at Duke University?
At 33/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Psychology programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Psychology at Duke University?
The 49% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →