Computer and Information Sciences at DePaul University

DePaul's computer science program starts below both national and state medians at $58,220, but the trajectory matters more than the starting point here. Graduates see robust 31% earnings growth over four years, reaching $76,512—a pattern that suggests the program's Chicago location and industry connections deliver real career acceleration. While this isn't University of Illinois territory, it outperforms most Illinois schools and beats the state median by year four. The 60th percentile ranking within Illinois is meaningful: this is solidly above-average for the state, despite the modest first-year numbers.

The debt picture is reasonable at $24,321—exactly matching the Illinois median and below the national average. That 0.42 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe less than half their first-year salary, which is manageable in a field with solid income growth. The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) suggests data reliability without red flags.

For a student who can't get into Illinois or doesn't want to spend $10,000-15,000 more per year for a top-tier program, DePaul represents a practical path into tech work in Chicago. The earnings trajectory shows the degree opens doors that lead somewhere. Just understand you're paying for access to Chicago's job market and career development resources, not for the prestige that commands six-figure starting salaries.