Outcomes-based program rankings.
Program outcomes at DePaul vary significantly by field of study, with business and technology programs typically delivering stronger earnings than liberal arts fields. The rankings below evaluate programs based on graduate earnings, debt levels, and return on investment—not prestige or reputation.
Use this page to compare how different majors perform in the labor market and align your academic interests with career outcomes.
Analyzing 47 programs with available earnings data.
These highlights surface programs that stand out across earnings, national ranking, and enrollment size.
#31 nationally
$77K median earnings
This bar shows the range of median earnings across all majors at this school.
The tables below compare programs in each category by earnings, rank, debt, and cohort size.
These sections represent the complete set of ranked undergraduate programs at Depaul University.
Technology programs represent DePaul's strongest academic performers, with Computer Game Programming ranking #1 nationally and delivering $77,282 median earnings. Artificial Intelligence graduates earn $76,512, though with smaller cohorts of 58 students.
Both programs combine cutting-edge curriculum with Chicago's growing technology sector, providing excellent career prospects in high-demand fields. These programs require strong technical aptitude and are best suited for students comfortable with intensive programming coursework and seeking careers in software development, gaming, or AI applications.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cloud Computing. | #3 |
Program outcomes vary significantly based on career pathways, industry demand, and graduate school continuation rates. Rankings reflect labor-market results using federal College Scorecard data, measuring graduates 10 years after enrollment with minimum cohort sizes for statistical reliability. Value scores incorporate earnings, debt, and employment rates to assess overall program performance. Some programs primarily serve as preparation for graduate study, where bachelor's degree earnings may understate long-term career potential. Students should consider their career goals, graduate school plans, and personal interests alongside earnings data when selecting majors.
Median earnings 10 years post-enrollment
Debt burden relative to earnings
Institutional contribution to outcomes
Resources, cohort size, and graduation rates
recent graduates
| $82,387★ |
| — |
| 32 |
| Computer Support Specialist. | #11 | $79,863 | — | 26 |
| Computer Game Programming. | #1 🏆 | $77,282 | $64,944 | 159 |
| Artificial Intelligence. | #160 | $76,512 | $54,776 | 58 |
| Information Science/Studies.Small sample | #39 | $71,865 | — | 15 |
| Computer Graphics.Small sample | #18 | $39,009 | — | 19 |
Business programs at DePaul consistently deliver strong outcomes, with accounting and finance leading earnings performance. Accounting Technology ranks #1 in Illinois with graduates earning $80,614, while Banking and Financial Support Services produces $79,506 median earnings with the university's largest program cohort of 283 graduates.
Digital Marketing combines solid earnings of $67,367 with strong national rankings, though Business Administration shows more moderate performance at $62,912. These programs stand out for their practical career preparation and employer connections in Chicago's business district, making them best suited for students prioritizing immediate workforce entry and financial returns.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Information Resources Management. | #31 | $86,686★ | $59,010 | 39 |
| Business/Managerial Economics. | #22 | $81,167 | $44,388 | 33 |
| Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping. | #22 | $80,614 | $35,430 | 245 |
| Banking and Financial Support Services. | #44 | $79,506 | $43,779 | 283 |
| Real Estate.Small sample | #7 | $75,147 | — | 16 |
| Digital Marketing. | #50 | $67,367 | $49,689 | 186 |
| Business Administration and Management, General. | #202 | $62,912 | $47,600 | 94 |
| Actuarial Science. | #67 | $62,488 | $55,224 | 131 |
| Brewery/Brewpub Operations/Management. | #36 | $50,615 | — | 25 |
Health Sciences graduates earn $54,773 with manageable debt levels, ranking #25 nationally among general health programs. The program serves 136 students and provides preparation for various healthcare roles or graduate health programs.
While earnings are moderate compared to business or technology, health programs offer stable career prospects and opportunities for advancement through additional certification or graduate education. This path suits students interested in healthcare delivery and patient services.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General. | #25 | $54,773 | $50,633 | 136 |
Biology graduates earn $56,990, representing typical pre-professional program outcomes where many students continue to graduate or professional school. With 51 graduates in the cohort, the program maintains smaller class sizes typical of science fields.
These programs primarily serve students planning medical, dental, or graduate school pathways where bachelor's degree earnings understate long-term career potential.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Algebra and Number Theory. | #88 | $75,420★ | — | 21 |
| Acoustics.Small sample | — | $69,338 | — | 6 |
| Biology, General. | #175 | $56,990 | $68,500 | 51 |
| Analytical Chemistry.Small sample | — | $43,575 | — | 6 |
Social science programs show moderate earnings outcomes, with Psychology graduates earning $47,752 and American Government and Politics graduates earning $52,563. Psychology enrolls 201 students as one of DePaul's larger programs, indicating strong student interest despite moderate earnings.
These programs typically prepare students for graduate school or public service careers, where long-term earnings may exceed initial post-bachelor outcomes. Best suited for students planning advanced degrees or careers in counseling, social services, or government work.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Applied Economics. | #148 | $60,508★ | — | 29 |
| American Government and Politics (United States). | #182 | $52,563 | $47,081 | 102 |
| Applied/Public Sociology. | #86 | $50,794 | $38,970 | 41 |
| International Relations and Affairs. | #52 | $49,546 | — | 27 |
| Psychology, General. | #133 | $47,752 | $48,207 | 201 |
| Anthropology, General.Small sample | #72 | $40,730 | — | 17 |
Communications programs show mixed performance, with Advertising ranking #15 nationally and producing graduates earning $58,268, while general Communication and Media Studies graduates earn $48,323. The variation reflects different career pathways within the field, from creative advertising roles to broader media positions.
Advertising benefits from DePaul's Chicago location and industry connections, while general communications provides broader preparation. These programs suit students interested in creative industries who prioritize professional networks and practical experience over maximum earnings potential.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Advertising. | #16 | $58,268★ | $50,715 | 189 |
| Communication and Media Studies, Other. | #112 | $48,323 | $42,903 | 168 |
| Broadcast Journalism. | #69 | $48,283 | $72,274 | 42 |
| Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics, and Special Effects. | #7 | $41,537 | $48,293 | 43 |
General Studies ranks exceptionally at #3 nationally with graduates earning $71,435, representing DePaul's most successful liberal arts outcome. This interdisciplinary program allows students to combine interests across fields while achieving strong career outcomes.
The program's success likely reflects its flexibility in allowing students to tailor education to career goals while developing broad critical thinking and communication skills valued by employers.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Studies. | #5 | $71,435★ | — | 141 |
| Commercial Photography. | #47 | $52,942 | $63,635 | 85 |
| Catalan Language and Literature.Small sample | — | $50,296 | — | 9 |
| American History (United States). | #85 | $48,623 | — | 20 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | #149 | $47,156 | $77,825 | 58 |
| Applied and Professional Ethics.Small sample | #48 | $44,104 | — | 17 |
| Cinematography and Film/Video Production. | #21 | $40,247 | $55,500 | 156 |
| Brass Instruments. | #63 | $36,529 | $55,348 | 26 |
| Art History, Criticism and Conservation. | #181 | $35,009 | — | 25 |
| Acting. | #34 | $32,058 | $76,179 | 64 |
Agricultural Teacher Education. leads education with 52K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agricultural Teacher Education. | #60 | $51,978★ | $44,768 | 28 |
| Adult and Continuing Education and Teaching. | #219 | $44,104 | $70,481 | 49 |
Environmental Science. leads agriculture & environment with 42K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Environmental Science. | #127 | $42,412 | $47,114 | 30 |
Other & Interdisciplinary graduates earn 28K on average, with 1 program ranking in the national Top 10.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| African Studies.Small sample | #41 | $49,242★ | — | 11 |
| Architectural Conservation.Small sample | — | $26,353 | — | 15 |
| Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution.Small sample | #9 | $18,771 | — | 12 |
| African-American/Black Studies.Small sample | #91 | $18,029 | — | 11 |
Trajectory from early to mid-career
Why rankings may differ by program: A university's nursing program and business program can have entirely different outcome profiles. Our methodology surfaces these differences so you can evaluate programs — not just institutions.
