DePaul University: Rankings, Academics, and Campus Life
DePaul University, a private Catholic research university located in Chicago, Illinois, has a rich history and a strong commitment to academic excellence, inclusivity, and community engagement. Founded in 1898 by the Vincentians, DePaul has grown into one of the largest Catholic universities in the United States, offering a wide range of programs to a diverse student body. This article delves into DePaul University's rankings, academic offerings, campus life, and other essential aspects.
Academic Reputation and Rankings
DePaul University is recognized as a well-respected and academically challenging institution. U.S. News & World Report ranked DePaul #169 in National Universities in the 2026 edition of Best Colleges. Furthermore, it holds the #58 spot in Best Undergraduate Teaching.
- Overall Ranking: #169 in National Universities (U.S. News & World Report, 2026)
- Undergraduate Teaching: #58 (U.S. News & World Report, 2026)
In addition to its overall rankings, DePaul has received recognition for its online programs. U.S. News & World Report has acknowledged the university's commitment to online education, particularly within the School of Continuing and Professional Studies (SCPS).
- DePaul ranks 20th in Newsweek’s “American’s Top Online Schools” list.
- DePaul’s online bachelor’s degree in Psychology places in the top 25.
- School of Computing online information technology master’s degrees rank 69th.
- Overall, DePaul’s online programs placed 84th in the country out of 350 ranked sets of programs nationwide.
Tatum Thomas, the dean of SCPS, highlights that the U.S. News & World Report ranking reflects the impact of the school’s learner engagement approach, leveraging online modalities to facilitate an orientation to learning, ensuring students harness intellectual curiosity and demonstrate important future ready skills.
Academic Programs and Colleges
DePaul University comprises various colleges and schools offering a diverse array of programs:
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- College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences
- The Theatre School
- School of Music
- College of Education
- College of Science and Health
- Driehaus College of Business
- College of Computing and Digital Media (CDM)
- College of Law
- School of Continuing and Professional Studies
- School of Public Service
Driehaus College of Business
The Driehaus College of Business is a prominent part of DePaul University, known for its comprehensive business programs. In 2023-24, the college enrolled 5,265 students. Entrepreneur magazine has consistently ranked DePaul's entrepreneurship program as one of the best in the U.S., as reported by U.S. News & World Report.
Renowned professors include Werner DeBondt, the Richard H. Driehaus Professor of Behavioral Finance; James Shilling, the Michael J. Horne Professor of Real Estate; and Harold P. Welsch, the Coleman Professor of Entrepreneurship. In 2010, the undergraduate program was named one of BusinessWeek's best 'Return On Investments' for Private Schools.
College of Computing and Digital Media (CDM)
The College of Computing and Digital Media (CDM), located in the Loop, is organized into three schools:
- School of Cinematic Arts (animation and cinema programs)
- School of Computing (computer and information science programs)
College of Law
The College of Law at DePaul University has an application deadline of April 1. For the full-time program, the tuition is $54,218 and for the part-time program, it is $35,402. The student-faculty ratio is 7.4:1.
The College of Law offers programs/courses in:
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- clinical training
- dispute resolution
- environmental law
- health care law
- intellectual property law
- international law
- business/corporate law
- constitutional law
- contracts/commercial law
- criminal law
It also offers joint degree programs such as:
- JD/MA in International Studies
- JD/MBA
- JD/MPP
- JD/MS International Public Service
- JD/MS in Computer Science
- JD/MS in Public Service Management
- JD/Masters International & European Business Law
Online Programs
DePaul University has expanded its offerings to include a variety of online programs, catering to the needs of today’s learners. The School of Computing has offered online degrees for more than two decades. These degrees focus on preparing tech graduates to meet the needs of organizations.
Ljubomir Perkovic, professor and director of the school, emphasizes the commitment to making careers in tech accessible to all, offering master’s degrees with onramps for students with any undergraduate major, available in-person, online, and in Flex format.
Campus Life and Facilities
DePaul University has two main campuses: the Lincoln Park Campus and the Loop Campus.
Lincoln Park Campus
The Lincoln Park Campus is the older and larger of the two, offering a traditional university environment on 36 acres in Chicago's historic Lincoln Park neighborhood. Approximately 2,400 students live on campus in DePaul's twelve residence halls, including Belden-Racine Hall, Ozanam Hall (formerly Clifton-Fullerton), Corcoran Hall, Munroe Hall, Seton Hall, and University Hall.
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The Lincoln Park Campus is home to:
- College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences
- The Theatre School
- School of Music
- College of Education
- College of Science and Health
- Schmitt Academic Center
- Wish Field
- John T. Richardson Library
The John T. Richardson Library, opened in 1992, features study and small-group spaces, an automated reference center, a technological help center, and a Resource Center for Career Development. DePaul opened its new Theatre School building in September 2013, which includes the Watts Theatre and the Sondra & Denis Healy Theatre. Other recent additions include the Sullivan Athletic Center containing McGrath-Phillips Arena, and the Ray Meyer Fitness and Recreation Center. The Monsignor Andrew J. McGowan Environmental Science and Chemistry Building (McGowan South) is connected to the William G. McGowan Biological and Environmental Sciences Center (McGowan North).
Loop Campus
DePaul's Loop campus is located in downtown Chicago's Loop, close to the financial district and the Art Institute of Chicago. The DePaul Center (DPC) is located in the building that formerly housed the A. M. Rothschild & Company Store and the Goldblatt's Department Store. The College of Law is based in the Lewis Center and O'Malley Place. The College of Computing and Digital Media is located across the street. In 2008, DePaul purchased the 18-story 14 East Jackson Boulevard Building, now the Richard M. and Maggie C. Daley Building.
DePaul partnered with Roosevelt University and Columbia College Chicago to build the University Center of Chicago, an 18-story residence hall housing 1,700 students.
Student Life and Activities
DePaul University offers a vibrant student life with numerous opportunities for involvement:
- Student Organizations: A wide variety of clubs and organizations cater to diverse interests.
- Athletics: DePaul's intercollegiate athletic teams, the Blue Demons, compete in the Big East Conference.
- Cultural Events: The university hosts numerous cultural events, including theater performances, concerts, and art exhibitions.
- Volunteer Opportunities: DePaul encourages students to engage in community service and social justice initiatives.
DePaul is among the top producers for both Fulbright award winners and Peace Corps volunteers every year.
Admissions and Financial Aid
In 2024, DePaul University accepted 73.5% of undergraduate applicants. The university has a test-optional admissions policy.
- Tuition and Fees: $47,676
- Average Need-Based Aid Package: $35,516
- Average Net Price for Federal Loan Recipients: $29,430
Sixty-six percent of first-year students receive need-based financial aid.
A History of Growth and Adaptation
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. In 1907, it re-chartered as DePaul University, offering its courses to men and women of any religious background. DePaul began admitting women in 1911.
Throughout its history, DePaul has adapted to changing times, including mobilizing for both World War I and World War II. The G.I. Bill significantly boosted enrollment after World War II.
Challenges and Controversies
Like any institution, DePaul University has faced its share of challenges and controversies:
- The Dershowitz-Finkelstein Affair (2007): This involved a tenure dispute and raised questions about academic freedom.
- Milo Yiannopoulos Event Disruption (2016): This event sparked debate about free speech on campus.
- Firing of Adjunct Professor (2024): This incident raised concerns about academic freedom in relation to discussions about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
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