Graphic Communications at DePaul University

Chicago, IL · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
12 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
13
Optimistic
12
Base Case
10
Pessimistic
Earnings $19,178/yr (-33% vs median)
AI Risk High (49% exposed)
Job Market Large (32,300 openings/yr)
ROI 3.3x earnings multiple
Ranked #46 of 54 Graphic Communications programs

Program Analysis

While Chicago is a major hub for advertising and digital media, DePaul's Graphic Communications program leans heavily into the technical and production side of the industry—think print operations and prepress technology, not high-concept digital campaigns at major ad agencies. This focus prepares you well for stable jobs in the commercial printing and publishing world, but these roles often have lower salary ceilings than strategic design or animation careers. You'll be competing in a crowded local market with graduates from more art-and-design-focused schools like SAIC for a limited number of high-paying creative agency positions. To boost your prospects, aggressively pursue internships in digital marketing or UX/UI design; this will prove you have the creative and strategic skills that command higher salaries, beyond just technical production expertise.

How AI Changes the Outlook

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

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $598K $584K $525K
Earnings Multiple 3.4x 3.3x 3.0x
Probability of Field Employment 47% 41% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 13 12 10

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
$25,000
15.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$50,382
163% growth from Year 1

About DePaul University

DePaul University accepts 74% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, with a mid-sized student body of 14,283 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

Special effects artists and animators $99,800/yr
Desktop publishers $53,620/yr
Prepress technicians and workers $47,300/yr
View all 6 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Graphic Communications 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

How does DePaul University's Graphic Communications program score?
This program scores 12/100 — on the lower end for Graphic Communications. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Do DePaul University Graphic Communications graduates earn enough to justify the loans?
The debt-to-income ratio of 1.3x suggests an extended repayment window. Whether it's 'worth it' depends on career trajectory, not just first-year pay.
How vulnerable is Graphic Communications to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Graphic Communications careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 49% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Why are Graphic Communications earnings lower at DePaul University?
Lower starting pay at DePaul University may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →