Analysis
DePaul's history graduates start modestly at $36,889 but see strong earnings growth to $48,623 by year four—a 32% jump that outpaces most liberal arts programs. While the school ranks solidly in the 60th percentile among Illinois history programs, it's worth noting the starting salary lands below regional competitors like Illinois State ($40,465) and even some smaller state schools. However, the $27,000 debt burden is exceptionally manageable, placing in just the 5th percentile nationally—meaning 95% of history programs leave students with more debt.
The real story here is trajectory combined with affordability. That first-year salary won't impress anyone, but nearly $49,000 by year four represents genuine career momentum, and the debt load won't constrain early-career choices the way $40,000+ in loans would. For a humanities degree from a private Chicago university, this represents reasonable value, particularly for students who need the accessibility of DePaul's 74% admission rate but want better outcomes than most history programs deliver.
One significant caveat: the sample size is small, meaning these figures could swing considerably year to year. For families comfortable with that uncertainty and prioritizing low debt over immediate earning power, this works. Those expecting DePaul to compete with Northwestern ($50,161) or University of Chicago will be disappointed.
Where DePaul University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all history bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How DePaul University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| DePaul University | $36,889 | $48,623 | +32% |
| University of Chicago | $46,616 | $65,148 | +40% |
| Northwestern University | $50,161 | $60,884 | +21% |
| Loyola University Chicago | $31,079 | $58,572 | +88% |
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | $26,436 | $49,323 | +87% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Illinois
History bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Illinois (47 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 DePaul UniversityChicago | $44,460 | $36,889 | $48,623 | $27,000 | 0.73 |
 Northwestern UniversityEvanston | $65,997 | $50,161 | $60,884 | $15,917 | 0.32 |
 University of ChicagoChicago | $66,939 | $46,616 | $65,148 | — | — |
 Illinois State UniversityNormal | $16,021 | $40,465 | $44,568 | $23,125 | 0.57 |
 Northeastern Illinois UniversityChicago | $12,383 | $39,102 | $41,203 | $19,176 | 0.49 |
 University of Illinois SpringfieldSpringfield | $12,252 | $33,297 | $39,070 | $23,892 | 0.72 |
| National Median | — | $31,220 | — | $24,000 | 0.77 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with history graduates
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
History Teachers, Postsecondary
Historians
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Archivists
Curators
Museum Technicians and Conservators
Managers, All Other
Regulatory Affairs Managers
Compliance Managers
Loss Prevention Managers
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At DePaul University, approximately 31% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 20 graduates with reported earnings and 23 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.