Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering at Duke University

Duke's electrical engineering program faces a data puzzle: the Department of Education suppresses outcomes when graduate cohorts are too small, leaving families to estimate based on peer programs. The estimated $75,000 first-year salary mirrors the North Carolina state median but trails what NC A&T and NC State graduates actually report earning. At one of the nation's most selective universities (7% admission rate), this suggests either Duke produces fewer engineers than its public competitors or those graduates scatter into varied career paths that don't neatly show up in the data.

The estimated $26,000 debt load looks manageable against projected earnings—a 0.35 ratio means roughly four months of pre-tax income to cover what graduates owe. That compares favorably to the national engineering median and positions Duke near typical debt levels for its peer schools. Combined with the university's strong reputation and alumni network, the financial foundation seems solid for students who can afford Duke's hefty sticker price (note that only 13% of students receive Pell grants).

The practical takeaway: if your child has admission offers from both Duke and NC State, the engineering salary data doesn't justify a significant premium for Duke's brand. However, if Duke's financial aid makes the net cost comparable to in-state public options, the investment carries acceptable risk based on what similar engineering programs typically deliver.