Duke University ROI Analysis
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
Quick answer
USACollegeData.com ROI analysis (College Scorecard data): four years at Duke University costs about $263,220 in in-state tuition, and graduates earn a median of $85,792 five years after graduation — the investment breaks even in roughly 5.2 years (20-year ROI: 286%).
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$263,220
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$50,792/yr
above high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
5.2 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
286%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
Duke University's high tuition cost of $65,805 is offset by strong earnings potential for graduates. One year after graduation, the median salary is $74,497, exceeding the tuition cost. Five years post-graduation, earnings increase to $85,792, and after ten years, graduates earn a median of $97,800. The median debt for Duke graduates is $13,000, and 16.3% of students receive financial aid.
The debt-to-income ratio for Duke graduates is favorable. With a median debt of $13,000 and a starting salary of $74,497, the debt represents a small fraction of annual earnings. The break-even point, or the time it takes to earn back the tuition cost, is less than one year based on the one-year post-graduation earnings.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$65,805
Median Debt at Graduation
$13,000
Median Earnings (5yr)
$85,792
Graduation Rate
96%
Receive Financial Aid
16%
Avg Aid Amount
N/A
Program-Level ROI
Peer Comparison
Financial Aid Impact
Before Aid
After Aid (Estimated)
Frequently Asked Questions
Methodology
ROI calculations are based on data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. The earnings premium is calculated as the difference between median graduate earnings and the national average earnings for high school diploma holders ($35,000).
The 20-year ROI formula: ((Earnings Premium x 20) - Total Cost) / Total Cost x 100. Break-even point: Total Cost / Annual Earnings Premium. All figures use in-state tuition and do not account for inflation, opportunity cost, or financial aid variations.