Design and Applied Arts at DePaul University

Chicago, IL · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
26 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
27
Optimistic
26
Base Case
36
Pessimistic
Earnings $30,536/yr (-10% vs median)
AI Risk High (38% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (101,000 openings/yr)
ROI 3.6x earnings multiple
Ranked #213 of 290 Design and Applied Arts programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Design and Applied Arts graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $655K $641K $589K
Earnings Multiple 3.7x 3.6x 3.3x
Probability of Field Employment 63% 57% 46%
DegreeOutlook Score 27 26 36

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
$27,000
10.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$61,069
100% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

DePaul University's Design and Applied Arts program produces graduates earning $30,536/yr — within striking distance of the $33,862 national average for this field.

The 3.6x return on tuition is positive but not overwhelming. Financial outcomes depend on keeping costs close to in-state rates.

AI risk is moderate — 38% task exposure — and the 10% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $27,000 debt-to-$30,536 income ratio translates to about 11 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #213 out of 290 programs, DePaul University's financial outcomes for Design and Applied Arts trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth from $30,536 to $61,069 over five years (100% 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, serving 14,283 students 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

Art directors $111,040/yr
Architecture teachers, postsecondary $101,480/yr
Special effects artists and animators $99,800/yr
View all 14 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Design and Applied Arts at Other Schools

Other Majors at DePaul University

Consider the Trade Route?

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

How does DePaul University's Design and Applied Arts program score?
This program scores 26/100 — on the lower end for Design and Applied Arts. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Design and Applied Arts to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Design and Applied Arts careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 38% 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 →