Skip to main content
CollegeHelpGuide
DePaul University logo

DePaul University

Chicago, IL·Private nonprofit·14,283 students
Last updated: March 21, 2026

A good fit for students who want accessible admissions. no major red flags in the data. solid earnings of $60,200 within 10 years; financial aid brings net price below sticker.

74%
Accept
14,283
Students
$29,141
Net Price
70%
Grad Rate
$60,200
Earnings
10 yr
$19,383
Debt

About This School

DePaul University is a private nonprofit institution located in Chicago, Illinois with approximately 14,283 undergraduate students enrolled. DePaul University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 74%. The average net price after financial aid is $29,141 per year. The graduation rate is 70%, and the typical graduate earns $60,200 within 10 years of enrollment.

DePaul University is a private Catholic research university in Chicago, Illinois, United States. Founded by the Vincentians in 1898, the university takes its name from the 17th-century French priest Saint Vincent de Paul. In 1998, it became the largest Catholic university in terms of enrollment in North America. Following in the footsteps of its founders, DePaul places special emphasis on recruiting first-generation students and others from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Located in Chicago with real access to internships and urban career networks, this is a strong option for students who want a large Catholic university experience with a genuine mission toward first-generation and lower-income students. The numbers tell a mostly solid story — median debt of $19,383 is quite manageable, and $60,200 in median earnings at 10 years is respectable — though a 70% graduation rate suggests a meaningful share of students don't finish, which is worth asking about directly. Worth considering if you're drawn to Chicago's job market and want a school where you won't be just a number, but come with a plan to stay enrolled.

Founded
1898
Setting
Large city
Conference
Big East Conference

Popular Programs

Business & Marketing29%
Visual & Performing Arts16%
Communications10%
Computer Science10%
Social Sciences7%
Psychology6%
Health Professions4%
Education3%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Lila DownsGillian AndersonJohn C. ReillyGeraldine PageKarl MaldenRay ManzarekStana KaticLinda HuntPhilip KotlerMichael ShannonMichael RookerJoe Keery

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1254
Reading 75th %ile680
Math 75th %ile660

ACT Scores

Midpoint CompositeN/A

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$44,460
Out-of-State Tuition
$44,460
Avg Net Price
$29,141
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants31%
Median debt at graduation$19,383

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
70%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
87%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$60,200
after enrollment
Median Debt
$19,383
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$19,383
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$46,000
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$60,200
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 3.1x

Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White46%
Black8%
Hispanic/Latino24%
Asian12%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (14,283 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

DePaul University

1 E Jackson Blvd

Chicago, IL 60604

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Illinois

Browse all Illinois schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

All school names, logos, and trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Their use on this page is for identification purposes only and does not imply endorsement or affiliation with CollegeHelpGuide.