DePaul University Athletics

DePaul competes in NCAA Division I, the highest level of college athletics with full scholarships and national television exposure. The Blue Demons field 11 varsity teams with 232 total athletes, meaning just 1.6% of the student body participates in varsity sports. DePaul awards $7.2 million annually in athletic scholarships across all programs. The university competes in the strong BIG EAST Conference alongside basketball powerhouses like Villanova and Georgetown. DePaul basketball once dominated under coach Ray Meyer, reaching the Final Four twice in the 1940s and maintaining a strong program through the 1980s. The men's basketball team plays at Wintrust Arena in downtown Chicago, though recent seasons have been rebuilding years. The Blue Demons name reflects the school's fierce competitive spirit despite their Catholic identity.