DePaul University
Chicago, United States
DePaul University
Chicago, United States
Founded
1898
Institution Type
Private Catholic
Total Students
21,000+
Acceptance Rate
~70%
Discover DePaul University: Overview & History
Discover DePaul University: Overview & History
DePaul University is a private Catholic research university in Chicago, Illinois, founded by the Vincentian order in 1898. Originally named St. Vincent's College, it was re-chartered as DePaul University in 1907 and has grown to become the largest Catholic university by enrollment in the United States.
With two main campuses in Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood and the downtown Loop, DePaul offers over 300 undergraduate and graduate programs through ten colleges and schools. The university is classified as an R2 Doctoral University with high research activity and maintains a 17:1 student-faculty ratio.
Rooted in Vincentian values of service and access, DePaul places special emphasis on recruiting first-generation students and those from disadvantaged backgrounds. The university's deep integration with Chicago provides students with unparalleled access to internships, cultural institutions, and professional networks.
Key Milestones
- 1898: Founded as St. Vincent's College by the Vincentian Fathers in Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood.
- 1907: Re-chartered as DePaul University, opening all programs to men and women of any religious background.
- 1925: The Theatre School was founded as the Goodman School of Drama, becoming the Midwest's oldest theater conservatory.
- 1998: Celebrated its centennial and became the largest Catholic university by enrollment in the United States.
Academic Structure & Colleges
Academic Structure & Colleges
DePaul University offers more than 300 undergraduate and graduate programs across ten colleges and schools. The academic structure reflects the university's commitment to both liberal arts education and professional preparation, with programs spanning business, law, computing, the arts, and the sciences.
Driehaus College of Business
One of the oldest business schools in the nation, the Driehaus College of Business offers undergraduate and graduate programs including the nationally recognized Kellstadt Graduate School of Business MBA.
- Finance
- Marketing
- MBA (Kellstadt)
College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences
The largest college at DePaul, offering a broad range of programs in the humanities, social sciences, and interdisciplinary studies with a focus on critical thinking and civic engagement.
- Political Science
- Psychology
- English
Jarvis College of Computing and Digital Media
Located on the Loop campus, this college is nationally recognized for programs in computer science, game design, animation, and digital cinema, blending technology with creativity.
- Computer Science
- Game Design
- Animation
College of Science and Health
Offering programs in the natural sciences, health sciences, and mathematics, this college prepares students for careers in research, healthcare, and STEM fields through hands-on laboratory experiences.
- Biology
- Nursing
- Chemistry
The Theatre School
Founded in 1925 as the Goodman School of Drama, The Theatre School is the Midwest's oldest theater conservatory and offers rigorous BFA and MFA programs in acting, directing, and design.
- Acting (BFA)
- Theatre Arts
- Costume Design
College of Law
DePaul's College of Law, established in 1912, is recognized for its focus on social justice, public interest law, and practical legal training in the heart of downtown Chicago.
- Juris Doctor (JD)
- Health Law
- Intellectual Property Law
Admission Requirements
Admission Requirements
Undergraduate Admission
- Application PlatformCommon Application accepted
- GPA RequirementAverage admitted GPA of 3.75+
- SAT/ACT ScoresSAT 1090-1300 / ACT 24-30 (test-optional)
- English ProficiencyTOEFL 80+ or IELTS 6.5+ for international students
- Additional MaterialsPersonal essay, letters of recommendation, official transcripts
Graduate Admission
- Application PlatformDePaul Graduate Application or GradCAS
- Degree RequirementBachelor's degree from an accredited institution
- Standardized TestsGRE/GMAT varies by program; many programs do not require it
- English ProficiencyTOEFL 80+ or IELTS 6.5+ for international applicants
- Supporting DocumentsOfficial transcripts, resume/CV, statement of purpose, letters of recommendation
Non-binding early action deadline for freshman applicants seeking priority consideration and scholarship eligibility.
Priority deadline for submitting the FAFSA to maximize financial aid and scholarship opportunities.
Final application deadline for freshman undergraduate applicants for fall enrollment.
Graduate and professional program deadlines vary by department. Many programs accept applications on a rolling basis.
Tuition & Scholarships
Tuition & Scholarships
As a private university, DePaul charges the same tuition rate for all students regardless of state residency. DePaul awards approximately USD 300 million in scholarships each year, and 92% of enrolled undergraduates receive some form of grants or scholarships.
| Expense Category | Undergraduate (Annual) | Graduate (Annual) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees | USD 47,676 | USD 23,358 |
| Room & Board | USD 19,896 | USD 19,896 |
| Books & Supplies | USD 1,104 | USD 1,104 |
| Personal & Misc. | Varies | Varies |
| Total | ~USD 68,676 | Contact university for estimate |
DePaul Merit Scholarships
DePaul offers a range of merit-based scholarships to incoming freshmen based on academic achievement, with award amounts ranging from USD 5,000 to full tuition per year, renewable for up to four years.
- Award Range: USD 5,000 to full tuition
- Eligibility: Incoming freshmen, based on academic record
- Renewable: Up to 4 years with GPA maintenance
DePaul Global Gateway Scholarship
This scholarship provides partial tuition coverage to international students who demonstrate a strong academic background, helping make a DePaul education more accessible to students from around the world.
- Award Type: Partial tuition coverage
- Eligibility: International students with strong academics
- Application: Automatically considered upon admission
Campus & Facilities
Campus & Facilities
DePaul University operates two main campuses in Chicago, each offering a distinct environment. The Lincoln Park campus provides a traditional residential setting with 36 acres of green space, while the Loop campus places students in the heart of downtown Chicago's business district.
The main 36-acre campus in Chicago's historic Lincoln Park neighborhood, home to liberal arts, sciences, music, and theatre programs.
Located in downtown Chicago, the Loop campus houses business, law, computing, and communication programs with direct access to the city's corporate hub.
A custom-designed five-story facility featuring the Watts Theatre, Healy Theatre, acting labs, and state-of-the-art production workshops.
Housing & Dining
On-Campus Housing
DePaul offers several residence halls on the Lincoln Park campus, including traditional dormitories and apartment-style living for upperclassmen. First-year students are encouraged to live on campus to build community.
- Belden-Racine Hall
- University Hall
- Seton Hall
Dining Options
Students can choose from multiple dining plans, including the All-Access unlimited meal plan. Campus dining facilities offer a variety of cuisines and dietary options across both campuses.
- All-Access Unlimited Meal Plan
- Student Center dining facilities
- Loop campus cafes and eateries
Student Life at DePaul
Student Life at DePaul
DePaul University offers a vibrant student life with over 300 student organizations, cultural events, and community service opportunities. The university's urban campuses provide unique access to Chicago's cultural, artistic, and professional offerings year-round.
Chicago: A City of Opportunity
Chicago: A City of Opportunity
Life in Chicago
Chicago is the third-largest city in the United States and a global hub for finance, culture, technology, and the arts. DePaul's urban campuses immerse students in one of the world's most dynamic cities, providing unmatched access to internships, museums, restaurants, and professional networks.
Cultural Capital
Home to the Art Institute of Chicago, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and a legendary comedy and theater scene, the city offers endless cultural enrichment.
Career Hub
Chicago is headquarters to numerous Fortune 500 companies and a thriving startup ecosystem, providing students with abundant internship and employment opportunities.
Public Transportation
DePaul students receive free CTA transit passes, giving unlimited access to Chicago's extensive bus and L train network connecting both campuses and the entire city.
Lakefront & Recreation
Miles of lakefront trails, beaches, parks, and neighborhoods offer students a rich quality of life beyond the classroom in every season.
Career Outcomes & Alumni Network
Career Outcomes & Alumni Network
Where DePaul Graduates Work
Practical Information
Practical Information
For International Students
DePaul's Office of International Students and Scholars provides visa advising, orientation programs, cultural adjustment support, and immigration compliance assistance for students from over 100 countries.
Students who need to improve their English proficiency can access DePaul's English language programs and academic support resources designed to help international students succeed.
DePaul's career services team offers guidance on CPT and OPT work authorization, resume writing for the U.S. job market, interview coaching, and networking events with Chicago-area employers.
Key Contacts
- +90 5435286292
- +44 7868736984
- corporate@uni4edu.com
- info@uni4edu.com
DePaul University Rankings
DePaul University Rankings
DePaul University is consistently recognized for its academic quality, undergraduate teaching, and commitment to social mobility. While it excels in national rankings, the university is also acknowledged for strong programs in business, computing, and the performing arts.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate Teaching | US News & World Report | #58 |
| Business | EduRank | #137 (US) |
| Computer Science | EduRank | #212 (US) |
| Psychology | EduRank | #194 (US) |
Features
Extensive experiential learning—internships, service learning, and real-world connections embedded into curricula.
Accommodation
Off-Campus Accommodations Students wishing to live off-campus need to research availability on their own, and should arrive well before the start of term to do so.
Work While Studying
See guidelines on working while studying here.
Co-op/Internship Participation
Even if you do NOT meet our minimum English requirement (IELTS or TOEFL), you still can get conditionally accepted in the program of your choice with the condition of completing our English program prior to starting your chosen program.
Featured Programmes
Average Time To Receive Acceptance Letter
September - June
Location
1 E. Jackson Blvd.\nChicago, IL 60604\n(312) 362-8000
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