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Computer Science at DePauw University

Greencastle, IN · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
73 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
74
Optimistic
73
Base Case
66
Pessimistic
Earnings $70,026/yr (-5% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (72% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (295,800 openings/yr)
ROI 4.4x earnings multiple
Ranked #217 of 345 Computer Science programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

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

Optimistic
No Disruption		 Base Case
Gradual AI		 Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $1,047K $997K $741K
Earnings Multiple 4.6x 4.4x 3.2x
Probability of Field Employment 80% 73% 40%
DegreeOutlook Score 74 73 66

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$228,280
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$98,184
57% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,500
4.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$107,140
53% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

DePauw University's Computer Science program produces graduates earning $70,026/yr — within striking distance of the $73,713 national average for this field.

The 4.4x return on tuition is positive but not overwhelming. Financial outcomes depend on keeping costs close to in-state rates.

AI risk is moderate — 72% task exposure — and the 29% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $26,500 in median debt clears quickly against $70,026 in annual earnings.

At #217 out of 345 programs, DePauw University's financial outcomes for Computer Science trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth from $70,026 to $107,140 over five years (53% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About DePauw University

DePauw University's 54% acceptance rate reflects moderate selectivity, a compact campus enrolling 1,804 students in Greencastle, IN. The average net cost of $98,184 over four years represents a 57% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at DePauw University →

Top Career Paths

Computer and information systems managers $171,200/yr
Computer and information research scientists $140,910/yr
Database architects $135,980/yr
View all 13 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Compare this program → View all 345 schools offering Computer Science →

Computer Science at Other Schools

California Institute of Technology ($173,344) Carnegie Mellon University ($171,264) Massachusetts Institute of Technology ($154,492) Cornell University ($152,656) Harvard University ($152,251) Brown University ($151,065) University of California-Berkeley ($149,866) Princeton University ($146,624)

Other Majors at DePauw University

Economics ($63,395) Political Science and Government ($44,224) Communication and Media Studies ($43,141) Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics ($43,049) Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies ($31,640)

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

Compare Computer Science trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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 DePauw University's Computer Science program score?
A score of 73/100 reflects decent absolute metrics, but DePauw University trails the majority of Computer Science programs on relative rankings. Context matters more than the raw number.
How vulnerable is Computer Science to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Computer Science careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 72% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
How affordable is Computer Science at DePauw University after financial aid?
Sticker price is $228,280, but the average net cost is $98,184 — a 57% discount. For students who qualify for aid, this program is considerably more affordable than it appears.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →