Information Science at DePaul University

Chicago, IL · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Information Science/Studies
67 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
67
Optimistic
67
Base Case
60
Pessimistic
Earnings $60,468/yr (2% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (68% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (221,900 openings/yr)
ROI 4.5x earnings multiple
Ranked #77 of 129 Information Science/Studies programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

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

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $831K $803K $645K
Earnings Multiple 4.7x 4.5x 3.6x
Probability of Field Employment 74% 68% 39%
DegreeOutlook Score 67 67 60

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
$24,000
4.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$87,587
45% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $60,468/yr, Information Science graduates from DePaul University land near the $59,433 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

The 4.5x return on tuition is positive but not overwhelming. Financial outcomes depend on keeping costs close to in-state rates.

AI risk is moderate — 68% task exposure — and the 22% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The median debt load of $24,000 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

At #77 out of 129 programs, DePaul University's financial outcomes for Information Science trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $60,468 to $87,587 shows 45% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About DePaul University

With 74% of applicants admitted, DePaul University prioritizes broad access, 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 7 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Information Science 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 Information Science program score?
A score of 67/100 reflects decent absolute metrics, but DePaul University trails the majority of Information Science programs on relative rankings. Context matters more than the raw number.
How vulnerable is Information Science to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Information Science careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 68% 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 →