Computer Software and Media Applications at DePaul University

DePaul's computer software program graduates earn $54,859 within their first year—about $11,000 more than the typical Illinois program in this field and ranking in the 80th percentile statewide. That's solid positioning in a state where Chicago's tech sector offers genuine opportunities, though graduates should understand they're entering application development rather than traditional software engineering roles. The $23,249 in median debt translates to a 0.42 debt-to-earnings ratio, manageable for tech-adjacent work.

The catch here is sample size: fewer than 30 graduates in this cohort means one exceptional outcome or one struggling graduate dramatically shifts these numbers. That said, DePaul's urban location and industry connections in Chicago create real advantages for students targeting corporate technology departments, digital media firms, or enterprise software implementation roles. The debt level sits well below both state and national medians for this program.

For families comfortable with some statistical uncertainty, this looks like a reasonable path into technology work without the extreme debt some Illinois programs carry. Just recognize this isn't computer science—it's more focused on using and implementing software tools than building them from scratch. If your student wants that specialized niche and values DePaul's professional network in Chicago, the economics work.