DePaul demonstrates well above average return on investment, ranking at the 85.6th percentile nationally. Graduates earn $2,779 beyond expectations compared to similar students at comparable institutions, placing DePaul in the 66.6th percentile for value-added performance. The median earnings of $68,751 rank in the 85th percentile nationally, while debt levels remain at the peer median of $23,168, creating favorable conditions for return on educational investment. DePaul graduates earn $7,820 less than the peer median of $76,571, though this gap is offset by net prices that average $4,390 below peer levels. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.34 supports comfortable loan repayment and long-term financial stability. This combination positions DePaul as delivering solid returns through controlled costs and above-average earnings, particularly in business and technology programs that drive institutional performance.
DePaul graduates demonstrate steady earnings growth throughout their careers, with median earnings rising from $54,695 six years after enrollment to $62,341 at eight years and $68,751 at ten years, representing 25.7% growth from the six-year mark. These outcomes are based on substantial cohorts of 4,879 graduates at six years, 5,321 at eight years, and 5,554 at ten years, providing high confidence in the reported figures. Graduates earn $2,779 beyond expectations compared to similar students nationally, placing DePaul in the 66.6th percentile for earnings uplift. Low-income graduates earn $54,900, demonstrating the institution's effectiveness in supporting economic mobility for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. The earnings distribution spans from $42,705 at the 25th percentile to $101,987 at the 75th percentile, reflecting program diversity and varied career trajectories. Approximately 23.3% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, indicating balanced preparation for both workforce entry and advanced education pathways.
Latest FE earnings field: 10-year
Lower quartile, 10-year field
Upper quartile, 10-year field
Earnings outcomes show meaningful variation reflecting program diversity and career pathways. The distribution from $42,705 at the 25th percentile to $101,987 at the 75th percentile creates a 2.4:1 ratio, indicating substantial upside potential for students in high-demand fields. Low-income graduates earn $54,900, demonstrating DePaul's effectiveness in supporting economic mobility. The earnings spread indicates students can achieve strong returns through strategic program selection while maintaining reasonable floor outcomes across different academic interests.
Earnings outcomes at DePaul show meaningful variation reflecting the institution's diverse program portfolio and career pathways. The gap between the 25th percentile ($42,705) and 75th percentile ($101,987) represents a 2.4:1 ratio, indicating substantial upside potential for students in high-demand fields while maintaining reasonable floor outcomes. Computer Game Programming graduates lead with median earnings of $77,282, while Accounting Technology graduates earn $80,614 and Banking and Financial Support Services graduates earn $79,506. Business programs dominate the highest-earning tracks, with Digital Marketing graduates earning $67,367. The trajectory shows steady acceleration, with 25.7% growth between the six-year and ten-year marks, suggesting continued career advancement for graduates.
Financial justification for the investment.
Earnings outcomes show meaningful variation reflecting program diversity and career pathways. The distribution from $42,705 at the 25th percentile to $101,987 at the 75th percentile creates a 2.4:1 ratio, indicating substantial upside potential for students in high-demand fields. Low-income graduates earn $54,900, demonstrating DePaul's effectiveness in supporting economic mobility. The earnings spread indicates students can achieve strong returns through strategic program selection while maintaining reasonable floor outcomes across different academic interests.
Approximately 23.3% of DePaul graduates continue to graduate or professional study, based on program mix analysis with high confidence. This moderate continuation rate suggests most graduates enter the workforce directly, making the reported earnings figures representative of typical career outcomes rather than delayed entry patterns seen at institutions with higher graduate school rates.
Program mix and student pathways explain much of the earnings story.
DePaul's strongest returns concentrate in business and technology programs that drive institutional performance. Accounting Technology delivers $80,614 earnings with high value scores, while Banking and Financial Support Services produces $79,506 earnings across large cohorts. Computer Game Programming ranks #1 nationally with $77,282 earnings, and General Studies achieves $71,435 earnings with a #3 national ranking. These programs demonstrate DePaul's effectiveness in career-focused education that translates directly to workforce success. The concentration of top-performing programs in practical fields explains the institution's strong return on investment profile, while diverse program offerings in arts and liberal arts provide pathways for students with different career interests despite more moderate earnings outcomes.
See which programs drive the strongest earnings and career trajectories
