At $29,141/yr net price, DePaul University graduates earn $68,751/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $34,751/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $29,141 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $116,564 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $68,751/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$34,751/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 70.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $23,168 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $23,758/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $24,181/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $26,576/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $30,294/yr |
| $110,001+ | $35,894/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $100,096 | $52,402 |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. | Master | $99,547 | $55,664 |
| Computer Science. | Master | $96,644 | |
| Taxation. | Master | $93,076 | $47,833 |
| Information Science/Studies. | Master | $86,867 | $54,516 |
| Computer Software and Media Applications. | Master | $86,550 | $47,832 |
| Computer Programming. | Master | $85,206 | $61,500 |
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications. | Master | $84,653 | |
| Computer Engineering. | Master | $84,653 | |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Doctoral | $82,440 |
The Risk Factor
70.0% of students at DePaul University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 30% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
DePaul University delivers solid financial returns for business and technology students but disappointing outcomes for most other majors. The school's Chicago location gives graduates access to strong job markets in finance, consulting, and tech, which explains why business administration graduates earn over $100,000 annually despite carrying $52,000 in debt.
Computer science and information technology programs also generate strong returns, with graduates earning $96,000 to $99,000. These tech-focused degrees benefit from Chicago's growing startup scene and corporate headquarters. However, debt loads run high across these programs, often exceeding $50,000.
DePaul's biggest financial risk lies in its many programs that don't appear among the top earners. With a net price of $29,000 annually, you'll likely graduate with significant debt if you choose majors outside business, computer science, or taxation. The 70% graduation rate means three in ten students leave without completing their degree, making debt without credentials a real concern.
You should consider DePaul if you plan to study business or technology and can leverage Chicago's job market. The school works best for students who secure merit aid or have family financial support, since only 31% of students receive need-based aid. Avoid DePaul if you're pursuing liberal arts or social sciences, where the debt burden likely outweighs earning potential.
The school's urban setting means higher living costs that aren't reflected in tuition alone. Factor in Chicago housing and transportation when calculating your total investment. DePaul makes financial sense for career-focused students in high-paying fields, but represents poor value for those exploring less lucrative majors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is DePaul University worth the cost?
DePaul's ROI depends heavily on your major. Business and computer science graduates earn $86,000-$100,000 annually, which justifies the $29,141 yearly cost, but many other programs don't deliver strong enough earnings to offset the investment.
What are the highest paying majors at DePaul University?
Business Administration leads at $100,096 average salary, followed by IT Management at $99,547 and Computer Science at $96,644. These tech and business programs offer the best financial returns for DePaul graduates.
How much debt do DePaul University students graduate with?
The median debt is $23,168, which is manageable compared to many private schools. However, 30% of students don't graduate within six years, meaning some take on debt without earning a degree.
Does DePaul University provide good financial aid?
The net price of $29,141 represents significant aid off the sticker price, but this is still expensive for a school with average academic selectivity. Students should compare aid packages carefully against potential earnings in their chosen field.