About DePauw University
The sticker price reaches $73,120 annually, but most families pay far less after aid. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $12,267 net price on average. Even middle-income families earning $75,000-$110,000 typically pay $24,646 after grants. Graduates earn a median $70,527 ten years after graduation while carrying manageable debt loads of $27,000. The math works: monthly loan payments average $286 against solid career earnings.
DePauw fields 19 Division III sports teams with 582 student-athletes competing without athletic scholarships. The campus houses 1,286 students in residence halls that reinforce the tight-knit community feel. Nearly 90% of freshmen return for sophomore year, and 96.1% of graduates find employment. The college's rivalry with nearby Wabash College energizes campus spirit throughout the year.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 10:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 85.4%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 79.6%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 80.0%
- Retention Rate
- 89.2%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $70,527
- Carnegie Classification
- Liberal Arts College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $66,941 |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $57,860 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $43,054 |
| Political Science and Government. | Bachelor | $42,682 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $38,289 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $38,289 |
| Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies. | Bachelor | $36,745 |
| Sociology. | Bachelor | $36,312 |
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics. | Bachelor | $35,416 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $25,967 |
Campus Life
Winter coats are essential for Indiana's cold months, but spring brings beautiful weather to the tree-lined campus. The famous Honor Code shapes daily interactions, creating an atmosphere of trust where students leave laptops unattended and take unproctored exams. Greek life dominates the social scene, with many students joining fraternities and sororities housed in historic mansions around campus. Weekend activities revolve around DePauw's 19 varsity sports teams, especially basketball games against rival Wabash College. The Four-One-Four calendar system includes a unique January term where students pursue internships, study abroad, or take experimental courses. With 96.1% employment rates, career networking starts early through alumni connections and small class discussions.
- Setting
- Town-Distant
- Housing Capacity
- 1,286 beds
- Calendar System
- Four-One-Four
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1837
Campus Safety (2023)
42 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dating Violence | 8 | 6 | 1 | 0 |
| Rape | 4 | 4 | 1 | 0 |
| Burglary | 5 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| Fondling | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| Stalking | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 16°–34°F
- July Avg
- 61°–84°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 45.5"
- Annual Snowfall
- 23.0"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 50.4%
- Women
- 49.6%
- White
- 57.6%
- Black
- 5.8%
- Hispanic
- 7.8%
- Asian
- 2.4%
- In-State Students
- 35.6%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 15.8%
Location
- Address
- Greencastle, Indiana 46135-1772
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $70,527
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $65,357
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $43,900
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 81.8%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $286/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $27,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at DePauw University?
DePauw University accepts 65.80% of applicants, making it moderately selective. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1140-1360 on the SAT, reflecting the school's commitment to enrolling well-prepared students who can thrive in its rigorous liberal arts environment.
How much does DePauw University cost after financial aid?
While DePauw's sticker price is $73,120 annually, the average net price drops to $24,546 after financial aid. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $12,267 on average, demonstrating the school's commitment to making its education accessible despite the premium liberal arts experience.
What is the student-faculty ratio at DePauw University?
DePauw maintains a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, ensuring intimate classroom discussions and personalized attention. With only 1,804 students total, the university delivers on its promise of close mentoring relationships that are central to the liberal arts tradition.
What do DePauw University graduates earn after college?
DePauw graduates earn a median of $70,527 ten years after graduation, reflecting strong career outcomes from the school's alumni network and reputation. With an impressive 96.1% employment rate and notable alumni including former Vice President Dan Quayle, the university opens doors in business, politics, and public service.
Where is DePauw University located and what is campus life like?
DePauw sits in Greencastle, Indiana, a small college town that creates a tight-knit community atmosphere. With housing capacity for 1,286 students and 582 student-athletes competing in 19 Division III sports, campus life revolves around academic and athletic traditions that have defined the school since 1837.
Does DePauw University have an Honor Code?
Yes, DePauw is well-known for its Honor Code, which creates a culture of trust and academic integrity throughout campus. This tradition, combined with the school's Four-One-Four calendar system, allows students to take academic risks and pursue independent study projects that define the liberal arts experience.
