Communication and Media Studies at DePaul University

DePaul's Communication and Media Studies program starts slowly but builds momentum that matters. While graduates earn just $34,453 in their first year—below both state and national medians—they see 40% earnings growth by year four, reaching $48,323. That trajectory outpaces most communication programs and suggests graduates are gaining traction in Chicago's media market, even if entry-level opportunities pay less than expected for a city with its cost of living.

The challenge is surviving those early years. At 40th percentile among Illinois communication programs, DePaul trails not just Northwestern's elite outcomes but also several smaller schools like Lake Forest and Elmhurst. The $22,916 in debt is manageable relative to first-year earnings, but it means budgeting carefully during that initial period when paychecks barely cover urban living costs. Students who can access family support or maintain low expenses during those first two years will be better positioned to benefit from the upward earnings curve.

For families comfortable with a longer runway to financial stability, this program delivers solid mid-career prospects in a major media market. But if your student needs immediate post-graduation earning power—or lacks a financial cushion for lean early years—consider whether the 40th percentile start justifies the DePaul brand over less expensive alternatives.