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Computer Networking at DePaul University

Chicago, IL · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications
70 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
71
Optimistic
70
Base Case
64
Pessimistic
Earnings $61,482/yr (6% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (68% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (258,000 openings/yr)
ROI 5.2x earnings multiple
Ranked #31 of 41 Computer Systems Networking programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Computer Networking graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption		 Base Case
Gradual AI		 Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $958K $917K $712K
Earnings Multiple 5.4x 5.2x 4.0x
Probability of Field Employment 80% 73% 42%
DegreeOutlook Score 71 70 64

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
$22,166
4.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$96,261
57% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

DePaul University's Computer Networking graduates start at $61,482/yr — above the $58,164 national average, though not by a wide margin.

The earnings-to-cost ratio of 5.2x signals a solid financial return — projected decade earnings comfortably exceed the tuition investment.

Some AI exposure exists in Computer Networking's typical career paths, with 68% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 26% gap from the optimistic case.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $22,166 in median debt clears quickly against $61,482 in annual earnings.

Ranked #31 of 41 Computer Networking programs, DePaul University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $96,261 show a 57% jump from the $61,482 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

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

Computer and information systems managers $171,200/yr
Computer and information research scientists $140,910/yr
Database architects $135,980/yr
View all 10 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Compare this program → View all 41 schools offering Computer Networking →

Computer Networking at Other Schools

Rochester Institute of Technology ($73,367) Weber State University ($71,941) Park University ($71,601) Wentworth Institute of Technology ($68,056) University of Minnesota-Twin Cities ($68,047) Illinois State University ($66,801) University of Wisconsin-Stout ($66,623) University of Phoenix-Arizona ($65,474)

Other Majors at DePaul University

Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities ($84,066) Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management ($79,863) Computer Programming ($72,234) Accounting and Related Services ($69,250) Management Information Systems and Services ($68,769) Finance and Financial Management Services ($66,863) Information Science/Studies ($60,468) Computer and Information Sciences, General ($58,220)

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

Compare Computer Networking trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Computer Networking at DePaul University?
This program scores 70/100 — a respectable number in isolation, but it ranks in the bottom half of Computer Networking programs nationally. The field is competitive, and stronger options exist.
Will AI replace Computer Networking careers?
With 68% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $711,606 in decade earnings vs $957,896 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →