Acceptance Rate
76%
Avg. SAT
1330
75th percentile
“Chicago's Vincentian powerhouse fuses service-minded education with urban access to business, theater, and law in a split-campus setup.”
Chicago, IL
Location
Large City
Campus Setting
DePaul University traces its roots to 1898, when Vincentian priests established it in Chicago to serve immigrant families, embodying St. Vincent de Paul's call to aid the marginalized. Today, it stands as the nation's most populous Catholic university, with students who often seek purpose-driven careers in service-oriented fields like education, nonprofit work, and public policy. You'll thrive here if you value a faith-infused yet inclusive environment that emphasizes real-world application over ivory-tower isolation, though the urban hustle means less of a contained 'campus bubble' and more commuting amid city energy.
The Lincoln Park campus offers green lawns along Lake Michigan, while the Loop campus dives into downtown skyscrapers, letting you bounce between suburban calm and city pulse. Chicago's vibrant neighborhoods provide endless internships and cultural dives, but expect high living costs and winter winds that test your resolve. Students drawn to collaborative, practical vibes fit best; those craving small-town seclusion or rural escapes might feel adrift in the constant urban rhythm.
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Admissions
Acceptance Rate
Test Policy
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Average GPA
Application Fee
Academics
Student-Faculty Ratio
Programs Offered
Full-Time Faculty
Women Faculty
Research Spending
Degree Levels Offered
DePaul shines in professional programs like the Driehaus College of Business and The Theatre School, where hands-on projects mimic Chicago's industries from the start. Classrooms buzz with discussion-based learning in upper levels, though introductory courses in popular majors pack hundreds into lecture halls. Research opportunities abound for undergrads through faculty-led urban studies or performing arts initiatives, fostering a culture of applied intellect over pure theory.
The quarter system accelerates your path, cramming intensity into 10-week bursts that demand focus but leave room for internships. Competitive entry into theater or animation means declaring interests early, and while faculty mentor closely in seminars, the sheer enrollment size limits one-on-one time in gen-eds. You'll graduate with skills honed for city jobs, trading some research depth for street-smart preparation.
Student Body
Total Enrollment
14,188 undergrad • 7,022 grad
Undergraduate
Graduate
International
White
43%
Black / African American
9%
Hispanic / Latino
20%
Asian
11%
Other / Multi-racial
18%
Campus Life
Campus Setting
Chicago, IL
Varsity Athletics
NCAA Athletics
Campus life pulses with over 400 clubs, from urban gardening in Lincoln Park to improv troupes channeling Chicago's comedy scene. Weekends mix dorm parties, Demon basketball games at Wintrust Arena, and Lakeview bar hops, creating a social scene that's welcoming yet commuter-heavy. Traditions like the annual Vincentian service days knit the community, emphasizing volunteerism amid the city's nonprofits.
Housing clusters in Lincoln Park dorms for freshmen, easing the transition, but upperclassmen often snag off-campus apartments amid rising rents. The vibe skews collaborative and ambitious, with winters pushing indoor hangs at cafes or the Ray Meyer Center gym. You'll navigate a blend of Big Ten energy and city sophistication, though the spread-out campuses require planning for events.
Housing
On-Campus Housing
Housing Capacity
Meal Plan Available
Average Room & Board
Athletics
Athletic Association
BIG EAST Conference
ROTC & Veteran Support
Army
Yes
Navy
No
Air Force
No
Veteran’s Programs Available
Yellow Ribbon Program (Post-9/11 GI Bill)
Yes
Credit for military training
Yes
Dedicated point of contact for veteran support services
Yes
Recognized student veteran organization
Yes
Member of DoD Voluntary Educational Partnership MOU
Yes
Cost & Aid
In-State Tuition
Out-of-State Tuition
Room & Board
Estimated Cost
Financial Aid
Students Receiving Aid
Receiving Pell Grants
Average Grant
Average Federal Loan
Net Annual Cost by Household Income
Household Income
Avg. Net Cost
$0 – $30K
$26,226
$30K – $48K
$27,690
$48K – $75K
$27,561
$75K – $110K
$29,405
$110K+
$34,357
Apply for Financial Aid
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Costs shown are before financial aid. Most students receive some form of aid. Complete the FAFSA to see what you qualify for.
Outcomes & Earnings
Retention Rate
86%
4 Years Graduation Rate
60%
6 Years Graduation Rate
69%
Median 10-Year Earnings
$68,751
86% of first-time, full-time students complete their freshman year at DePaul University and return in the fall. 60% of first-time, full-time students graduate in 4 years, and 69% graduate within 6 years.
Graduation Rate
4-year grads
60%
4-5 years
9%
6-8 years
1%
Non-grad
30%
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Key Statistics
Type
Private
Tuition
$42,449
Acceptance
76%
Undergrads
14,188
4-Year Grad Rate
60%
Endowment
$130M
Chicago, IL 60604
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