Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at DePaul University

DePaul graduates with liberal arts degrees start their careers earning $84,066—double the national median and nearly double what similar programs in Illinois produce. That 95th percentile ranking isn't an accident: this program clearly channels students into high-paying Chicago professional roles that most liberal arts graduates never access. Even with above-average debt of $42,350, the first-year debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.50 is remarkably manageable for a humanities degree.

The concerning pattern emerges after graduation: earnings drop 15% by year four, falling to $71,435. While still well above both national and state benchmarks, this reverse trajectory suggests graduates may be taking high-paying entry positions—perhaps in consulting, finance, or tech—that don't lead to sustainable career growth. It's worth investigating whether DePaul's urban location creates access to lucrative temp or contract work that doesn't translate into long-term advancement.

Despite the earnings decline, the math still works strongly in this program's favor. At the four-year mark, graduates are still earning 70% more than the typical Illinois liberal arts graduate and managing debt loads similar to peers elsewhere who earn half as much. The premium Chicago market access combined with DePaul's professional networks appears to overcome the usual financial challenges of humanities degrees, even if the initial career momentum doesn't fully sustain.