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Computer Software and Media Applications at DePaul University

Chicago, IL · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
64 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
66
Optimistic
64
Base Case
58
Pessimistic
Earnings $54,859/yr (18% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (70% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (262,500 openings/yr)
ROI 4.3x earnings multiple
Ranked #13 of 55 Computer Software and Media Applications programs Top 25%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Computer Software and Media Applications graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption		 Base Case
Gradual AI		 Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $806K $768K $626K
Earnings Multiple 4.5x 4.3x 3.5x
Probability of Field Employment 80% 71% 41%
DegreeOutlook Score 66 64 58

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
$24,999
5.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$80,861
47% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $54,859 at DePaul University come in 18% above the national median of $46,351 for Computer Software and Media Applications programs.

At 4.3x tuition cost in decade earnings, the ROI is moderate. This program pays for itself, but it's not a financial slam-dunk.

The 22% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Computer Software and Media Applications career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

With first-year pay of $54,859 far exceeding the $24,999 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

DePaul University ranks #13 among 55 Computer Software and Media Applications programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

A 47% earnings increase from $54,859 to $80,861 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About DePaul University

DePaul University accepts 74% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, 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 13 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Compare this program → View all 55 schools offering Computer Software and Media Applications →

Computer Software and Media Applications at Other Schools

University of Southern California ($103,071) University of Michigan-Ann Arbor ($98,117) Western Governors University ($95,292) Worcester Polytechnic Institute ($86,193) University of Phoenix-Arizona ($83,476) University of Phoenix-California ($83,476) University of Phoenix-Texas ($83,476) DigiPen Institute of Technology ($81,885)

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) Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications ($61,482) Information Science/Studies ($60,468)

Consider the Trade Route?

Compare Computer Software and Media Applications trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 64/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Computer Software and Media Applications at DePaul University?
At 64/100, DePaul University's Computer Software and Media Applications program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Should I worry about AI if I study Computer Software and Media Applications at DePaul University?
The 70% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Is DePaul University one of the best schools for Computer Software and Media Applications?
Among 55 Computer Software and Media Applications programs, DePaul University's #13 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →