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Music at DePaul University

Chicago, IL · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $19,155/yr (-32% vs median)

AI Risk High (47% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (101,600 openings/yr)

ROI 2.8x earnings multiple

Ranked #226 of 240 Music programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

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

	Optimistic No Disruption	Base Case Gradual AI	Pessimistic Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings	$498K	$497K	$462K
Earnings Multiple	2.8x	2.8x	2.6x
Probability of Field Employment	35%	31%	24%
DegreeOutlook Score	16	16	12

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

$22,379

14.0 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$40,267

110% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

DePaul University's Music graduates start at $19,155/yr, trailing the $28,116 national average by 32%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

At 2.8x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The 7% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Music career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At a 1.2x debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio, loan repayment extends well beyond graduation. Financial aid and income-driven plans become important considerations.

A #226 ranking among 240 Music programs places DePaul University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $19,155-to-$40,267 earnings arc over five years reflects a 110% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

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, drama, and music teachers, postsecondary $80,190/yr

Sound engineering technicians $66,430/yr

Secondary school teachers, except special and career/technical education $64,580/yr

View all 6 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Music 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 does a 16/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Music at DePaul University?

At 16/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Music programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.

What's the payoff timeline for a Music degree from DePaul University?

At $22,379 in median debt, graduates carry 14 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.

Should I worry about AI if I study Music at DePaul University?

The 47% 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 a good choice for Music despite lower starting pay?

Starting salary is one data point. If DePaul University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →