“a politically liberal Roman Catholic university devoted to experiential learning”
DePaul University offers a unique environment in which students can learn and grow, one focused on students gaining field experience before graduation. Though it is the largest Roman Catholic university in the nation, DePaul has a reputation for being politically liberal and diverse.
DePaul has two campuses: Lincoln Park is set in a fashionable Chicago neighborhood and houses the colleges of liberal arts and social sciences, science and health, education, and theater and music, while the Loop campus (20 minutes away by “the El”), is home to the colleges of business and communications, digital media, computing, and law, as well as the School for New Learning.
Here are a few quick facts about DePaul:
4-year Graduation rate:58%, 6-year: 71%
DePaul University Acceptance Rate: 70.2%
Freshman retention: 83%
Freshmen out of state: 36%
Most popular DePaul University majors: accounting, public relations/advertising, finance, psychology
Student Community Diversity: 8% Black, 19% Latino, 3% International
All freshmen must take either Discover Chicago or Explore Chicago to learn more about the city and complete courses in composition and quantitative reasoning. Sophomores all take a course on multiculturalism in the United States, and every DePaul undergraduate participates in an experiential learning program that requires an internship, research, study abroad, or a service-learning experience.
The School of Cinematic Arts partners with Cinespace Chicago, the city’s premier movie studio, to give students in those programs film and television production experience. Game design and animation are two other popular programs. DePaul offers a 6-year bachelor’s/law degree and a number of other 5-year bachelor’s/master’s programs.
Class sizes are often small; 41% of classes have fewer than 20 students. Professors teach at all levels, and clerics teach some courses and celebrate Mass every day. Mass is optional for students, and students have the opportunity to join student organizations that represent all different faiths, ethnicities, and backgrounds.
DePaul University Academic Calendar
It should come as no surprise that with the number of concert venues, sporting events, clubs, restaurants and bars in Chicago (and such a small percentage of students living on campus), that most of the social scene happens away from campus. Fraternities and sororities attract only 5% of men, and 11% of women, respectively. In the warmer months, Lake Michigan is a popular spot, and the annual outdoor Fest concert draws large crowds from both DePaul campuses.
DePaul’s Blue Demons compete in the Big East Conference in 15 Division I sports, with men’s basketball being the biggest headliner. Men’s track and field, and women’s basketball, tennis, and softball have all won Big East tournaments recently. While Loyola is DePaul’s oldest rival, the games against Notre Dame draw the largest crowds.
DePaul has traditionally been a commuter school, with only 18% of students living in university housing. Lincoln Park’s campus has 6 co-ed dorms and 6 townhouse and apartment buildings, while the Loop campus boasts a 1,700-student residence hall that includes a rooftop garden, fitness center, as well as music, art, and study rooms. Campus food choices are limited, especially for students who eat a strictly vegan diet.
DePaul takes safety very seriously. Campus security is visible, patrolling both in cars and on foot. All dorms are accessible only by swiping a student ID at two doors (and in some dorms, three).
DePaul offers both need-based, as well as non-need-based merit scholarships and a small number of athletic scholarships. The average percent of need met is 71%, with 14% being fully met. Although the tuition and fees are $61,000, the average financial aid package is $21,100. 91% of students receive scholarships.
Similar colleges to consider:
University of Illinois at Chicago, Loyola University Chicago, University of Indiana at Urbana-Champaign
Chicago - (708) 725-0782
Columbus - (614) 618-3335
