Economics at DePaul University

Chicago, IL · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
49 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
50
Optimistic
49
Base Case
52
Pessimistic
Earnings $37,151/yr (-31% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (56% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (293,500 openings/yr)
ROI 4.4x earnings multiple
Ranked #330 of 351 Economics programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

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

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $807K $775K $659K
Earnings Multiple 4.5x 4.4x 3.7x
Probability of Field Employment 66% 60% 41%
DegreeOutlook Score 50 49 52

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
$20,000
6.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$77,103
108% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

DePaul University's Economics graduates start at $37,151/yr, trailing the $53,966 national average by 31%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

An earnings multiple of 4.4x means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition, but not by a dramatic margin. Returns are positive but modest.

Some AI exposure exists in Economics's typical career paths, with 56% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 18% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $20,000 represents roughly 6 months of the $37,151 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

Ranked #330 of 351 Economics programs, DePaul University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $77,103 show a 108% jump from the $37,151 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

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

Managers, all other $136,550/yr
Economics teachers, postsecondary $119,980/yr
Economists $115,440/yr
View all 9 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Economics at Other Schools

Other Majors at DePaul University

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

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 Economics at DePaul University?
A score of 49/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Economics. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Economics careers?
With 56% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $658,994 in decade earnings vs $807,338 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Economics from DePaul University?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →