Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences at Duke University

Duke's cellular biology program shows a puzzling pattern that warrants careful scrutiny, though the limited sample size (under 30 graduates) means these figures may not represent typical outcomes. First-year earnings of $30,154 land below both the national median and tie for the NC state median—surprising for one of the nation's most selective universities. However, by year four, earnings jump to $72,902, suggesting many graduates pursue additional education or training before entering higher-paying careers. This dramatic 142% growth is actually typical for pre-medical and pre-research tracks, where graduates often work in labs or healthcare support roles before advancing their degrees.

The $12,000 debt burden is genuinely exceptional—placing this program in the 95th percentile nationally (meaning only 5% of comparable programs have lower debt). For families paying Duke's full cost of attendance, this likely reflects generous financial aid, though the low Pell grant percentage (13%) suggests most students come from higher-income backgrounds who may not need loans at all.

Here's what matters: if your child is pre-med or planning graduate school, that first-year number isn't alarming—it's part of the path. But if they're planning to enter the workforce directly with a bachelor's, those early earnings are genuinely low for a Duke degree. The small sample makes it impossible to know which scenario is more common among graduates, so you'll need to dig deeper into career outcomes and alumni destinations before committing.