Economicsat DePaul University
Graduates earn $37,151/yr in their first year — about 31.0% below the national Economics average. Base-case 10-year earnings $775K; scenarios range from $659K to $807K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at DePaul University
The financial data here suggests that while an economics degree from DePaul opens doors to diverse analytical roles, the typical early-career path might differ from programs focusing intensely on quantitative finance or top-tier consulting. Many DePaul economics graduates likely find roles within Chicago's broad economic landscape, including business analysis, market research, or project management across various industries, from local tech startups to established service firms and non-profits. The "Economists" or "Data Scientists" roles, while lucrative, often require significant graduate study or specialized skills beyond a general bachelor's, and may represent a smaller segment of alumni. Given the versatility of economics, many graduates likely leverage their analytical skills in roles where the immediate salary growth isn't as steep. To maximize your potential, focus on internships that build specific quantitative or data analysis skills, or consider combining economics with a complementary field like finance, statistics, or computer science.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to DePaul University's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Economics
How DePaul University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at DePaul University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at DePaul University, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Economics offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Economics trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Economics at DePaul University
What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Economics at DePaul University?
A score of 49/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Economics. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Economics careers?
With 56% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $658,994 in decade earnings vs $807,338 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Economics from DePaul University?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.