DePaul University
About DePaul University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
DePaul University is a private Catholic university in Chicago, Illinois. It is the largest Catholic university in the United States and offers strong programs in business, communications, computer science, and performing arts across two campuses in Lincoln Park and the Loop.
Founded
1898
Location
Chicago, Illinois
Students
21,112
Institution
Private
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
75.9%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
67.8%
Near national average
Tuition
$45,999
Per year
Avg Net Price
$30,902
After financial aid
SAT Average
1262
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$68,751
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Moderate
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
Free
Early
Nov 15
Regular
Feb 1
DePaul University accepts the majority of applicants at 75.9%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
SAT Scores
1262/ 1600
ACT Scores
28/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Average
67.8% complete their degree within six years
Retention
85.5%
4-Year Grad
58%
6-Year Grad
70%
Teaching Quality
17:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
49.9%
$/Student
$13.9K
Class Size
Medium
While 58% finish in 4 years, 85.5% of freshmen do return for sophomore year. Many students here may take a bit longer, but they stick with it.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$45,999
Annual Tuition
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$19,095
Books & Supplies
$1,104
Total Cost of Attendance
$63,052
After Financial Aid
$30,902
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$27,359
Receive Grants
31.8%
Take Loans
45.9%
The total cost of attendance runs about $63,052/yr, including $19,095 for room and board. After financial aid, the average student pays $30,902.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at DePaul University fund their education.
While in School
31.8%
Get Grants
Free money
45.9%
Take Loans
Must repay
$48,556
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$23,168
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$246/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Students typically graduate with $23,168 in debt, below the national median. That's a manageable amount for most career paths.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends DePaul University.
Gender
55.1%
Female
45%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
14,090
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
7,022
Graduates
30.2%
First-Gen
22 yrs
Avg Age
9.7%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 55% of the student body. 30.2% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Large
Campus Quick Facts
14,090
Students
private
Institution
Medium
Campus Size
R2 Research
Classification
What This College Offers
Quarter calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
DePaul University fields 7 varsity teams with 305 student athletes, about 2% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division I without football
Conference
Big East
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
7
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
305
2% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
46% / 54%
140
Men
165
Women
5
Men's Teams
6
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of DePaul Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$68,751
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Finance and Financial Management Services
$67K
240 grads
1yr Earnings
Film/Video and Photographic Arts
$26K
239 grads
1yr Earnings
Psychology, General
$34K
208 grads
1yr Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations
$49K
164 grads
1yr Earnings
Accounting and Related Services
$69K
155 grads
1yr Earnings
Marketing
$50K
153 grads
1yr Earnings
Earnings grow steadily here: $55K at six years, $53K at eight, and $69K by ten. Well above average at every stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about DePaul University
What is the acceptance rate at DePaul University?▾
How much does DePaul University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at DePaul University?▾
How much do DePaul University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.