Journalism at DePaul University

Chicago, IL · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
28 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
28
Optimistic
28
Base Case
23
Pessimistic
Earnings $37,388/yr (9% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (64% exposed)
Job Market Large (50,500 openings/yr)
ROI 3.1x earnings multiple
Ranked #132 of 178 Journalism programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

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

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $557K $548K $499K
Earnings Multiple 3.1x 3.1x 2.8x
Probability of Field Employment 53% 46% 31%
DegreeOutlook Score 28 28 23

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
$21,666
7.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$55,947
50% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $37,388/yr, edging above the $34,417 national average for Journalism — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.

At 3.1x tuition cost in decade earnings, the ROI is moderate. This program pays for itself, but it's not a financial slam-dunk.

The 10% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Journalism career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $21,666 against $37,388/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #132 ranking among 178 Journalism programs places DePaul University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 50% earnings increase from $37,388 to $55,947 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About DePaul University

DePaul University has a 74% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, 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

Communications teachers, postsecondary $77,800/yr
Editors $75,260/yr
Writers and authors $72,270/yr
View all 8 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Journalism at Other Schools

Other Majors at DePaul University

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 28/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Journalism at DePaul University?
At 28/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Journalism programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Journalism at DePaul University?
The 64% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →