Campus Vibe
Strong graduate outcomes — known for business
DePaul University is a private institution in Chicago with particular strength in business and computer science. With an average SAT of 1254, the school attracts a broad applicant pool.
A large campus of 14.3K undergraduates with a 17:1 student-faculty ratio. The urban location puts students at the center of city life.
70% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $68,751 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $29,141.
Plan Your Visit
News & Alerts
DePaul University Launches New Data Science Minor
Starting Fall 2026, students can pursue an interdisciplinary data science minor combining CS, statistics, and domain courses.
Tuition Increase Announced for 2026-27
The board of trustees approved a 3.2% tuition increase for the upcoming academic year, in line with peer institutions.
Admissions
SAT Score Ranges
Average: 1254
ACT Score Range
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
52.8%
Avg Tuition Increase
3.2%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$19,383
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
109
Peer Average
92
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
24/7 campus police department, blue-light phone network, emergency mass notification system
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Programs (195)
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
87%
- •87% first-year retention rate
- •Active student organizations
- •Engaged campus community
Mental Health Services
Counselor Ratio
1:350
24/7 Crisis Line
Yes
Free Sessions
12 per year
Avg Wait
5 days
Walk-in hours available weekdays
Disability Services
ADA-compliant campus with ongoing accessibility improvements
Dining
Rating
★★★★☆
Score
4/5
Meal Plan
$6,200/yr
Multiple dining halls with farm-to-table options
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Rankings
More About This School
Varsity Sports
History & Fun Facts
- •The church would be dedicated by the Archbishop of Chicago Patrick Feehan in 1897.
- •A 1911 photograph of DePaul University in the Chicago Daily News Originally named St.
- •Vincent's College, DePaul University was founded in 1898 by the Congregation of the Mission priests and brothers, known as the Vincentians.
- •Followers of 17th-century French priest Saint Vincent de Paul, they founded the university to serve children of Catholic immigrants.
- •Student enrollment grew from 70 in 1898 to 200 in 1903 in what is now the Lincoln Park neighborhood of Chicago.
Source: Wikipedia
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Housing and food costs are higher than national average