DePaul University
Chicago, Illinois · Private Nonprofit · 75.9% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 68/100 · Fair Value
DePaul University
Fair ValueQuick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $45,999/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $45,999/yr |
| Average net price | $30,902/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $123,608 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $68,751 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $46,000 |
| Median debt at graduation | $23,168 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $246 |
| Estimated payback period | 7.8 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 67.8% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 14,090 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $27,359 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $25,950 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $28,687 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $31,057 |
| $110,001+ | $37,092 |
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at DePaul University with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Finance and Financial Management | $93,719 | B+ |
| Film/Video and Photographic Arts | $46,969 | D |
| Psychology | $55,664 | D |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $74,847 | C+ |
| Accounting | $93,592 | B |
| Marketing | $78,164 | C+ |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication | $71,045 | C |
| Communication and Media Studies | $56,014 | C |
| Computer Programming | $101,315 | B |
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General | $62,693 | D |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at DePaul University is $45,999/year. But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $30,902/year, or roughly $123,608 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $27,359/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $37,092/year.
The median graduate leaves with $23,168 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $246 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $68,751 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.50 - within the recommended range but worth monitoring.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 68.2% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 72.9% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 66.4% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 70.8% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 75.9% |
| SAT Math (25th-75th) | 560-660 |
| SAT Reading (25th-75th) | 580-670 |
| ACT Composite (25th-75th) | 25-31 |
| Enrollment | 14,090 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 31.8% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $12,717 |
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| DePaul University (this school) | 68 | $30,902 | $68,751 |
| Pace University | 68 | $30,892 | $70,378 |
| Augustana College | 67 | $22,736 | $62,971 |
| Bellevue University | 65 | $17,550 | $61,289 |
| National University | 64 | $22,878 | $67,548 |
| School of the Art Institute of Chicago | 21 | $49,790 | $40,151 |
The Verdict: A Reasonable Bet - With Caveats
DePaul University offers fair financial value, though the ROI depends heavily on individual circumstances. The net cost of $30,902 per year leads to $123,608 over four years, while graduates earn a median of $68,751 a decade out. The payback period of 7.8 years is about average - not bad, but not a standout either.
Median debt of $23,168 against $68,751 in earnings is reasonable, though major choice matters significantly. Students in higher-earning programs will see better returns.
Rankings & Links
Guides & Tools
Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.