Information Science/Studies at DePaul University

Chicago, IL · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
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/Studies 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/Studies 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/Studies 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/Studies 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/Studies program score?
A score of 67/100 reflects decent absolute metrics, but DePaul University trails the majority of Information Science/Studies programs on relative rankings. Context matters more than the raw number.
How vulnerable is Information Science/Studies to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Information Science/Studies 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 →