DePaul University: Rankings, Courses & Admissions

DePaul University operates two distinct campuses in Chicago: the Lincoln Park Campus and the Loop Campus. Both campuses are fully integrated into the city, providing students with direct access to Chicago’s academic, professional, and cultural opportunities. 

Here are the unique features of each DePaul campus:

1. Lincoln Park Campus

• Houses the College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences, College of Science & Health, School of Music, Theatre School, and College of Education.
• Features 12 residence halls, the John T. Richardson Library, Ray Meyer Fitness Center, and DePaul Art Museum.
• Traditional campus setting with a quad, green spaces, and proximity to Lake Michigan.
• Active student life with career fairs, cultural events, and easy access to local restaurants, music venues, and public transit.

2. Loop Campus

• Home to Driehaus College of Business, College of Law, College of Communication, and College of Computing and Digital Media.
• Key facilities include the DePaul Center, Lewis Center, and O’Malley Place.
• Ideal for internships, networking, and professional development due to its central location.
• Easily accessible via multiple CTA train lines and bus routes, connecting students to the entire city.

Next, let's understand how the institution is recognized globally and nationally on ranking platforms. 

DePaul University’s rankings reflect both its academic strengths and recent trends across national and global evaluators. In the US News & World Report National Universities category, DePaul ranked #165 in 2025.

DePaul’s business programs are placed in the 601–650 band by QS World University Rankings by Subject.

Here is a detailed overview of DePaul University’s rankings from major ranking organizations:

Next, let's look at the subject-wise ranking of the DePaul University to understand its academic strength and industry relevance across disciplines.

Top Course-wise Ranking 2025/26

DePaul University stands out in several national and international subject rankings, with high placements in business, entrepreneurship, film, game design, and law. 

Its MBA in Entrepreneurship, film school, and game design programs are consistently recognized among the best in the U.S., while business and arts programs also achieve strong national rankings.

Below is a table of DePaul University’s top course-wise rankings for 2025/26:

If you’re planning to apply to DePaul University for 2025, understanding the latest admissions criteria and process is essential for a successful application.

DePaul University’s admissions process is competitive, with a focus on academic achievement, extracurricular involvement, and alignment with the university’s values. 

Applicants must submit an online application, transcripts, standardized test scores (optional for most programs), and supplemental materials as required by specific colleges. Early action and regular decision deadlines vary by program.

Let’s break down the key requirements for your DePaul University admissions:

Admission Requirements

Applicants must submit official high school or college transcripts, a completed Common Application or DePaul online application, and a personal statement (250–650 words) addressing academic and personal goals. 

SAT or ACT scores are optional for most undergraduate programs, but required for select honors or direct entry tracks. International students must provide TOEFL iBT (minimum 80), IELTS (minimum 6.5), or Duolingo English Test (minimum 115) scores as proof of English proficiency.

Next, let’s have a look at the academic qualifications you’ll need to be eligible:

Academic Qualification

Undergraduate applicants must have a recognized high school diploma (or equivalent) with a recommended minimum GPA of 2.8 for general admission (some competitive programs may require higher).

Graduate applicants must possess a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) from an accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 3.0 (higher for competitive programs).

Below is a table with detailed academic qualification requirements:

Note: Requirements vary by course. Please check the official website for more details

Next, let’s review the language proficiency requirements for DePaul University admissions.

Language Proficiency

DePaul University requires international applicants to submit recent, official English proficiency test scores. For direct undergraduate admission, you must have a TOEFL iBT score of at least 80 (no subscore below 17), an IELTS band score of 6.5 overall, a Duolingo English Test score of 115, or a PTE score of 53.

Here are the detailed language proficiency requirements: 

Note: Test requirements can vary by department or program; always check individual program pages for the most current standards.

Competitive Exams

DePaul University requires standardized test scores for select undergraduate honors tracks and specific graduate programs. Most undergraduate programs are test-optional, but graduate admissions often mandate GRE or GMAT, especially for business, computing, and select science programs. 

Here are the detailed standardized exam requirements: 

Visa Requirements 

To study at DePaul University, international students must secure an F-1 student visa by meeting specific documentation and financial requirements. The process begins after admission and requires a university-issued Form I-20, proof of financial support, and several official documents for the visa interview.

Here are more student visa details: 

Staying on top of DePaul University’s application deadlines is crucial to ensure your application is considered for your preferred intake.

Admission Dates and Deadlines

DePaul University offers multiple intakes throughout the year, with specific deadlines for each course type and program. Undergraduate applicants can choose between Early Action and Regular Decision, while graduate programs operate on a rolling admissions schedule, with deadlines varying by department. 

Here’s a summary of key application deadlines and intakes:

Note: Always check your specific program's page for the most current deadline information, as some courses may have unique or earlier cut-offs.

Let’s explore the range of academic options available at DePaul University.

DePaul University offers over 300 undergraduate and graduate programs across 10 colleges and schools, making it one of the largest private universities in the US. The curriculum is designed to provide hands-on learning, industry connections, and strong career outcomes across diverse fields.

Here are some of the most popular programs at DePaul University:

• MS in Business Analytics: Provides advanced training in data analysis, predictive modeling, and business intelligence for high-demand analytics roles.
• MBA (Master of Business Administration): Offers concentrations in marketing, entrepreneurship, and management, with flexible evening and weekend options.
• MS in Computer Science: Advanced coursework in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and software engineering, with research and internship opportunities.
• MFA in Film and Television: Combines creative production with technical skills, leveraging DePaul’s partnerships with Chicago’s film industry.
• BS in Computer Science: Focuses on software development, algorithms, and data structures with opportunities for internships in Chicago’s tech sector.
• BBA in Finance: Covers investment analysis, risk management, and corporate finance, preparing students for roles in banking and financial services.
• BA in Communication: Emphasizes media studies, public relations, and digital communication with access to Chicago’s media industry.

As you narrow down your program choices at DePaul University, it’s important to review the exact tuition fees for each course to plan your finances accurately.

Program Fees at the DePaul University

DePaul University’s tuition fees vary by program and degree level, with undergraduate programs typically ranging from $45,195 to $46,605 (INR 37.44L–38.75L) per year and graduate programs from $16,032 to $55,080 (INR 13.67L–46.97L) per year. Fees for specialized programs such as MBA, MS, and MFA can differ significantly based on the college and course structure. 

Below is a table of annual tuition fees for DePaul University's popular courses: 

Note: 

• Fees may vary depending on the specialization. Please check the official University website for the most up-to-date information.
• The currency conversions are based on the current exchange rate.

Understanding the real cost of your education is important for planning your academic journey at DePaul University.

DePaul University’s tuition fees vary by program, the cost of bachelor’s degrees  averaging $45,195–$46,605 (INR 37.35L–38.66L) per year and postgraduate programs ranging from $16,032–$55,080 (INR 13.67L–46.97L) annually, depending on specialization and credit load. 

Specific programs such as MS, MBA, and MFA have detailed fee bands, and additional costs include consolidated student fees, health insurance, and living expenses, which are billed separately.

Here’s a breakdown of average tuition fees for popular courses:

Note: Salary conversions are based on the current exchange rate.

Beyond tuition, budgeting for daily life in Chicago is crucial for DePaul students.

Cost of Living 

The average annual cost of living in the USA for a DePaul University student in Chicago ranges from $17,000–$21,000 (INR 14.20L–17.54L), depending on lifestyle and housing choices. This estimate covers on-campus accommodation, meal plans, transportation, health insurance, and personal expenses.

Here’s a breakdown of typical annual living expenses:

Note: Salary conversions are based on the current exchange rate.

Understanding the cost of studying in the US is a major concern for many students, but DePaul University’s scholarships make a high-quality education more accessible.

DePaul University awards over $57 million in scholarships annually, with 97% of incoming freshmen receiving some form of scholarship or grant. First-year students can receive up to $25,000 (INR 21.37L) per year in merit-based awards, and transfer students are eligible for up to $23,000 (INR 19,66L) per year. 

International students, including those from India, are automatically considered for merit scholarships upon application.

Let’s break down the types of scholarships available:

Internal Scholarships

As an incoming undergraduate, you’re automatically considered for major merit-based scholarships, such as the Presidential, Deans’, DePaul Scholars’, and St. Vincent DePaul Scholarships, when you submit your application, with awards reaching up to $25,000 (INR 21.37L) per year.

Below are some popular scholarships to study in the USA.

Apart from DePaul’s own awards, you can also explore a variety of vetted external scholarships.

External Scholarships

External scholarships at DePaul are thoroughly vetted and promoted by the university’s Office of Financial Aid, ensuring you have access to competitive funding opportunities beyond institutional awards.

For example, the Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship is available to honor society members transferring to DePaul.

Here's a complete detail about the key external fully-funded scholarships in USA:

Now that you have explored the financial aspects of studying at DePaul University, let's check out the institute’s placement outcomes and professional opportunities.

DePaul University has a placement rate of over 93% for undergraduates and 94% for graduate students within six months of graduation, with a median starting salary of $45,000 (INR 38.49L) for bachelor’s and $61,484 (INR 52.58L) for master’s graduates. 

The university’s Career Center partners with hundreds of top employers and posts thousands of jobs and internships annually, ensuring you have direct access to Chicago’s growing job market and beyond.

Explore the many internship and co-op programs available to you:

• Academic Internship Courses: You can earn academic credit for internships by enrolling in dedicated courses within your major, supported by faculty advisors and the Career Center.
• On-Campus Internships: DePaul’s Campus Job Board lists paid and unpaid internships in university offices, giving you hands-on experience while engaging with the campus community.
• Community Partner Internship: If you’re eligible for federal work-study, you can apply for the Egan Office Community Partners Internship, a year-long, paid placement with Chicago non-profits.
• Micro-Internships & Project Work: Through platforms like Parker Dewey, you can complete short-term, paid professional projects to build skills and explore career paths before committing to longer internships.
• Industry-Specific Internship Boards: Colleges such as the College of Communication maintain exclusive internship boards and work with hundreds of employers to match you with positions aligned to your field of study.

Now, let's explore the companies that hire graduates from DePaul University.

Top Recruiters

DePaul University’s strong industry connections in Chicago and beyond ensure that graduates are recruited by leading employers in high-demand jobs in the USA. 

Top recruiters consistently look for DePaul talent for roles in technology, finance, consulting, and creative industries, reflecting the university’s reputation for producing job-ready professionals.

Here are some of the top recruiters and the specific job roles they offer:

• Deloitte: Offers consultant positions in strategy, technology, audit, tax, and business advisory, as well as risk and financial advisory roles.
• Google: Hires DePaul graduates for software engineering, data analytics, and user experience design roles.
• JPMorgan Chase & Co.: Recruits for positions such as investment banking analyst, risk analyst, and financial associate.
• Accenture: Offers technology consulting, cybersecurity analyst, and management consultant roles.
• United Airlines: Provides opportunities for revenue analysts, data scientists, and operations managers.
• AbbVie: Hires for pharmaceutical sales representative and clinical research associate positions.
• Northern Trust: Offers portfolio analyst, compliance specialist, and wealth management associate roles.

Next, let’s understand the campus culture and unique opportunities that define the DePaul University experience.

Student life at DePaul is centered in the heart of Chicago, offering you access to over 350 student organizations, Division I Blue Demons athletics, and leadership programs like the Vincentian Service Scholars.

Nearly 60% of students participate in internships, and DePaul’s Office of Student Involvement hosts more than 1,000 campus events annually.

Here are the highlights of student life at DePaul:

• Student Organizations & Clubs: Choose from 350+ organizations, including the DePaul Activities Board, Black Student Union, and Women in Cybersecurity.
• Campus Housing & Dining: Live in themed accommodations like the Honors Living Learning Community or University Center, and enjoy diverse dining options including kosher, vegan, and halal menus.
• Athletics & Recreation: Compete or cheer for 15 NCAA Division I teams, access the Ray Meyer Fitness and Recreation Center, and join club sports like rugby, ultimate frisbee, and eSports.
• Arts, Culture & Media: Attend performances at the Theatre School, exhibits at the DePaul Art Museum, and film screenings hosted by the School of Cinematic Arts.
• Leadership & Service: Engage in service-learning through programs like Vincentian Service Day, or develop leadership skills in the DePaul Emerging Leaders Program.
• Career & Professional Development: Benefit from Chicago Quarter classes, on-campus career fairs, and the EDGE (Education and Development Grant for Employability) program, which integrates applied projects.
• Diversity & Inclusion: Participate in multicultural events, join identity-based organizations, and access resources at the Center for Identity, Inclusion and Social Change.
• Urban Access & Transportation: Utilize the U-Pass for unlimited CTA rides, making it easy to explore Chicago’s neighborhoods, internships, and cultural events from either campus.

Whether you’re interested in business, technology, the arts, or public service, DePaul University’s alumni have made a significant impact across various industries.

DePaul University has a global alumni network of over 209,000 graduates, with more than 124,000 living and working in the Chicago metropolitan area alone. This powerful community includes leaders in entertainment, business, government, sports, and technology, reflecting the university’s commitment to professional success.

Let’s take a closer look at some of DePaul’s most distinguished alumni and their leadership across industries:

Choosing the right university in the USA can be challenging. let’s break down how DePaul University, Arizona State University, and Pace University stack up across key factors.

DePaul University offers over 230 programs and is known for strong business, computer science, and arts programs, with a US News ranking of #165. Arizona State University (ASU) is a large public research university, ranked #179 QS, with a lower tuition fee and robust STEM offerings.

Pace University is recognized for business and performing arts, with a US News ranking of #249 and higher tuition fees.

Here’s a detailed comparison to help you make an informed decision:

Note: The tuition fee is calculated as the average for top courses.