The Benefits of a Duke Degree
Why is paying around $300k for a slip of paper worth it?
Some people would say it’s not.
I think it depends on how you create value from your experiences on campus and how you use the resources available to you.
The following is a list composed of feedback from friends who graduated, personal experiences, and comments from conversations I’ve had with friends who are still around.
If you need funding, you’ll probably find it.
For whatever research project or internship or club or house event you wish to pursue, there’s a very high probability you’ll be able to find funds for it.
Intellectual conversations
College here is one of the rare times when a bunch of intellectuals will be together. Some of the most intellectually stimulating conversations are ones that I’ve had with other students and professors.
Smaller class sizes
Some professors are able to personalize their courses and provide more individualized attention towards their students. This helps you feel as though someone else is also invested in your education. Finding a mentor at Duke can be invaluable. Most professors have a vested interest in seeing their students grow and succeed.
Learn to fail and recover from rejection — without dire consequences.
Failing now during a time when you aren’t necessarily paying your own bills or attending to a family of your own is much better. You learn to build resilience.
All the resources you could ask for — and more!
From learning specialists to healthcare providers to screen printing machines and 3D printers, students have access to so much. It’s just a matter of knowing who to contact for whatever issue you may have.
Skill-building
Time management, work-life balance, critical analysis, networking, leadership skills, and more — some of what you learn goes beyond your studies. They’re life skills that can help you succeed as an adult.
Access to a vast alumni network
Duke grads are often more than willing to help each other out. Duke is tough, and people know that. They’ll more readily empathize and connect with you knowing you’ve been through similar experiences.
Strong support system
From DukeReach to my own dean, a lot of people within higher administration genuinely care about student welfare. On the off chance you get to speak to administration directly, you may find that they’re often receptive to your feedback.
Free trips
DukeEngage, the Focus program, and Leadershape were three of the programs I participated in. Through these programs, I was able to travel to China, throughout the Southern US, and to Beaufort without having to pay a dime. The experiences I had were some of the most formative ones I’ve had, to this day.
Adaptability
One of my friends said that if you can survive Duke, you can thrive wherever else you choose to go to after college.
I’m sure this list isn’t exhaustive. And I know too well the many challenges students face due to mental or physical health issues, as well as how Duke could certainly improve its facilities for those who are disabled.
Some students adamantly believe that Duke’s culture is toxic — and in some ways it most certainly is. I do believe if you can find genuine, supportive relationships with the people around you, you can combat the aspects of student life that you dislike and create a better college experience for yourself.
