About DePaul University
Students pay an average net price of $29,141 after financial aid, less than the $44,460 sticker price. Graduates earn a median of $68,751 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $23,168 manageable with monthly payments around $246. About 31% of students receive Pell Grants, and the university provides institutional grants averaging $26,004 to nearly 20% of students. The financial return appears solid given Chicago's job market.
DePaul's Blue Demons compete in the Big East Conference across 11 varsity sports, though athletics take a backseat to academics at this research-focused institution. The student body tilts 55% female and reflects Chicago's diversity, with significant Hispanic and Asian populations. An 87% retention rate suggests most students find what they're looking for in this urban Catholic environment.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 17:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 50.1%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 69.7%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 70.0%
- Retention Rate
- 86.7%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $68,751
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral University (R2)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $100,096 |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. | Master | $99,547 |
| Computer Science. | Master | $96,644 |
| Taxation. | Master | $93,076 |
| Information Science/Studies. | Master | $86,867 |
| Computer Software and Media Applications. | Master | $86,550 |
| Computer Programming. | Master | $85,206 |
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications. | Master | $84,653 |
| Computer Engineering. | Master | $84,653 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Doctoral | $82,440 |
Campus Life
The quarter system keeps academics moving fast, with 86.69% of students returning each year despite the intense pace. Students often head to Lincoln Park Zoo, the lakefront, or explore Chicago's music and food scenes on weekends. The Blue Demons compete in 11 Division I sports in the BIG EAST Conference, though with only 232 total athletes, most students focus on academics over athletics. DePaul's Catholic identity influences campus culture but doesn't dominate daily life. The diverse student body reflects Chicago's demographics, with 24.23% Hispanic students and significant representation across ethnic groups. Students frequently intern downtown, taking advantage of the city's business and cultural opportunities.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 2,736 beds
- Calendar System
- Quarter
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1898
Campus Safety (2023)
163 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 4 | 0 | 0 | 40 |
| Robbery | 4 | 0 | 0 | 33 |
| Domestic Violence | 5 | 5 | 0 | 11 |
| Burglary | 8 | 4 | 2 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 3 | 0 | 0 | 10 |
| Fondling | 6 | 4 | 0 | 2 |
| Dating Violence | 5 | 4 | 0 | 2 |
| Rape | 2 | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| Stalking | 3 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Arson | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 20°–31°F
- July Avg
- 67°–81°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 44.3"
- Annual Snowfall
- 38.8"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 44.9%
- Women
- 55.1%
- White
- 45.9%
- Black
- 7.7%
- Hispanic
- 24.2%
- Asian
- 12.1%
- In-State Students
- 67.2%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 30.7%
Location
- Address
- Chicago, Illinois 60604
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $68,751
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $70,714
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $46,000
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 62.0%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $246/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $23,168
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at DePaul University?
DePaul accepts 70% of applicants, making it moderately selective for a Catholic research university. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1070 and 1300 on the SAT. As the largest Catholic university in the United States with 14,283 students, DePaul attracts a diverse applicant pool to its Chicago campus.
How much does DePaul University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $29,141 after financial aid, well below the sticker price of $44,460 for tuition. About 31% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating strong support for lower-income families. Graduates leave with a median debt of $23,168, which is manageable given the school's location in Chicago's job market.
What is DePaul University known for academically?
DePaul operates on a quarter system with a 17:1 student-faculty ratio, allowing for smaller class sizes than many large universities. The university maintains strong ties to Chicago's business and arts communities, reflecting its urban setting. About 87% of freshmen return for sophomore year, indicating solid student satisfaction with academic programs.
What are the career outcomes for DePaul University graduates?
DePaul graduates earn a median salary of $68,751 ten years after graduation, reflecting the value of a Chicago-based education. The employment rate reaches 94%, benefiting from the university's location in America's third-largest city. Notable alumni include actor John Goodman and McDonald's founder Ray Kroc, showcasing the diverse career paths available to Blue Demons.
Where do students live at DePaul University?
DePaul houses 2,736 students on campus, though most of the 14,283 total students live off-campus in Chicago neighborhoods. About 67% of students come from Illinois, drawn to the urban setting and proximity to home. The university's two main campuses in Lincoln Park and the Loop provide different flavors of the Chicago experience.
Does DePaul University compete in Division I athletics?
The Blue Demons field 11 varsity sports in the BIG EAST Conference with 232 total athletes. The athletic program awards $7.15 million in scholarships annually, supporting competitive Division I athletics. DePaul basketball has historically been the flagship program, though the university emphasizes the scholar-athlete model consistent with its Catholic mission.
