Software Developmentat DeVry University-Illinois
Graduates earn $32,159/yr in their first year — about 31.0% below the national Software Development average. Base-case 10-year earnings $485K; scenarios range from $462K to $484K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at DeVry University-Illinois
While the career paths listed represent the high end of the tech industry, the earnings data suggests DeVry graduates often land in different entry-level roles. Instead of software engineering at a major Chicago tech firm like Morningstar or Groupon, your first job is more likely to be in IT support, quality assurance testing, or a junior web role at a smaller, non-tech company. This is a common outcome from for-profit programs that prioritize accessibility over the rigorous, theory-heavy curriculum that traditional recruiting pipelines for top-tier software developers demand. The Chicago tech market is competitive, and employers often favor graduates from more selective, research-oriented universities for their core engineering positions.
Your key takeaway: Scrutinize the curriculum and career services closely. Ask for a list of specific companies that hired last year’s graduates for software development roles, not just general IT jobs.
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 DeVry University-Illinois'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 Software Development
How DeVry University-Illinois stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at DeVry University-Illinois
Other highest-scoring programs offered at DeVry University-Illinois, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Software Development offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Software Development trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Software Development at DeVry University-Illinois
How does DeVry University-Illinois's Software Development program score?
This program scores 35/100 — on the lower end for Software Development. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Do DeVry University-Illinois Software Development 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 Software Development to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Software Development careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 70% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Why are Software Development earnings lower at DeVry University-Illinois?
Lower starting pay at DeVry University-Illinois may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.