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Communication and Media Studies at DePaul University

Chicago, IL · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $34,453/yr (-2% vs median)

AI Risk High (55% exposed)

Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)

ROI 3.2x earnings multiple

Ranked #430 of 613 Communication and Media Studies programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Communication and Media Studies graduates.

	Optimistic No Disruption	Base Case Gradual AI	Pessimistic Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings	$583K	$571K	$517K
Earnings Multiple	3.3x	3.2x	2.9x
Probability of Field Employment	46%	40%	29%
DegreeOutlook Score	30	30	23

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$177,840

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$116,564

34% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$20,834

7.3 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$59,525

73% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

DePaul University's Communication and Media Studies program produces graduates earning $34,453/yr — within striking distance of the $35,147 national average for this field.

The 3.2x return on tuition is positive but not overwhelming. Financial outcomes depend on keeping costs close to in-state rates.

AI risk is moderate — 55% task exposure — and the 11% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $20,834 debt-to-$34,453 income ratio translates to about 7 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #430 out of 613 programs, DePaul University's financial outcomes for Communication and Media Studies trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth from $34,453 to $59,525 over five years (73% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About DePaul University

A 74% acceptance rate means DePaul University is accessible to most applicants, with a mid-sized student body of 14,283 in Chicago, IL. The average net cost of $116,564 over four years represents a 34% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at DePaul University →

Top Career Paths

Public relations managers $138,520/yr

Fundraising managers $123,480/yr

Communications teachers, postsecondary $77,800/yr

View all 10 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Communication and Media Studies at Other Schools

Other Majors at DePaul University

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For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does DePaul University's Communication and Media Studies program score?

This program scores 30/100 — on the lower end for Communication and Media Studies. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.

How vulnerable is Communication and Media Studies to AI automation?

AI won't 'replace' Communication and Media Studies careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 55% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →