DePaul University
The Vibe Check
DePaul feels like a vibrant, urban campus where the city of Chicago is an extension of the classroom. It’s a place where students are career-focused and socially conscious, blending Jesuit values with the hustle of a major metropolis. You’ll find a community that’s both academically driven and deeply engaged in the arts and culture around them.
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
SAT Score Range
ACT Score Range
Admissions Tips
Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard
Can I Get In?
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⚠️ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.
Academics & Majors
DePaul's academic strengths lie in its highly-ranked programs in business, computer science, and the arts, with a strong emphasis on experiential learning. The university is known for its dedicated faculty who bring real-world industry experience into the classroom. Students have abundant research opportunities, particularly through the university's various institutes and partnerships with Chicago-based organizations.
Popular Majors
Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education
By The Numbers
Return on Investment
Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)
Student Diversity
Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body
Financial Aid & Cost
Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education
Life in Chicago
Student life at DePaul is deeply intertwined with Chicago, offering endless opportunities for exploration beyond the campus. Students enjoy world-class museums, diverse food scenes, iconic music venues, and professional sports games, all accessible via the city's extensive 'L' train system. Weekend activities often involve exploring different neighborhoods, attending festivals, or taking advantage of student discounts at cultural institutions.
Local Rent Check
Reality Check
Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).
Post-Grad Monthly Payment
Impact on Est. Salary ($68,751):
0.0% of net income
Safety Check
DePaul's Lincoln Park and Loop campuses are generally considered safe, with robust campus security including the DePaul Public Safety department and well-lit pathways. However, like any urban campus, students should remain aware of their surroundings, particularly when traveling on public transit or in the surrounding neighborhoods at night.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Unbeatable access to Chicago's internship and job market.
- ✓ Strong, well-regarded programs in business, arts, and computer science.
- ✓ A diverse and inclusive student body with a global perspective.
Cons
- ✗ The tuition is high for a private university, even with substantial aid.
- ✗ Urban setting means no traditional 'college town' campus feel.
- ✗ Commuting and navigating the city can be an added expense and logistical challenge.
Notable Alumni
Frequently Asked Questions
DePaul University is particularly well-known for its highly-ranked College of Computing and Digital Media, its School of Cinematic Arts, and its nationally recognized Kellstadt Graduate School of Business. As the largest private university in Chicago, it is also renowned for its strong ties to the city's business, tech, and arts communities, offering students extensive experiential learning opportunities.
DePaul has an acceptance rate of 73.53%, making it generally accessible. While the admissions process is holistic, the middle 50% of admitted students have an SAT score between 1150 and 1350. Strong grades and a compelling personal statement are key, especially for competitive programs like business and computer science.
Campus life at DePaul is dynamic and urban, spread across two main campuses in Chicago. The Lincoln Park campus offers a more traditional college feel with residence halls and athletic facilities, while the Loop campus is a professional hub in the heart of the city. With over 400 student organizations, a vibrant arts scene, and D1 athletics, students are encouraged to engage both on campus and throughout the city.
For many students, DePaul is worth the cost due to its strong ROI, with median 10-year earnings of $68,751. The value is significantly enhanced by the unparalleled access to internships and jobs in a major global city like Chicago. The combination of a practical, career-oriented education and a powerful alumni network can lead to a successful and financially stable career.
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Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.
University Facts
- Founded 1898
- Type Private
- Setting Urban
- Undergrad 15,856
- In-State Tuition $44,460
- Zip Code 60604
Gender Ratio
The Money Talk
With a sticker price of over $44,000, DePaul is a significant investment, but the average net price of $29,141 is closer to what many students actually pay after aid. The 10-year median earnings of $68,751 for graduates suggest a solid return on investment, especially for those in high-demand fields like business and tech. The university's location in a major economic hub provides valuable networking and internship opportunities that can significantly boost early career prospects.
📅 Typical Deadlines
Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.