Computer Programming at DePaul University

DePaul's Computer Programming degree launches graduates into solid tech careers with first-year earnings of $72,234—44% above the national median for this program. That's impressive positioning, especially from a school with a 74% acceptance rate. The $25,497 in median debt translates to a comfortable 0.35 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates owe about four months' salary. With only three Illinois schools offering this specific bachelor's degree, DePaul sits right at the state median for both earnings and debt, suggesting it's delivering typical value for the Chicago market.

The trajectory looks stable if not spectacular, with earnings climbing to $77,282 by year four—a modest 7% gain that keeps pace with inflation but doesn't suggest rapid career acceleration. For context, top computer programming programs nationally push past $72,000 in starting salary, so DePaul graduates are entering at that threshold rather than needing years to reach it. The relatively low debt load (25% below the national median) gives graduates breathing room that many tech degree holders don't have.

For parents, this represents straightforward value: reasonable debt, immediate earning power in Chicago's tech scene, and a clear path to financial independence within the first year. The program won't catapult your child into elite tech circles, but it opens doors without the financial burden that often comes with computer science degrees at private universities.