DePaul University is a private research university located in Chicago, Illinois. Ranked #169 as per the US News National Universities Ranking, the University boasts an acceptance rate of 74%. For international students, the university offers 4 admission cycles every year: Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. Fall is the most popular intake for international students, offering the majority of courses. Some of the most popular fields of study for the university include Business Administration, Computer Science, Data Science, and Finance.
Additionally, the university offers Longer winter breaks (typically around eight weeks long) than any other University in the USA with no classes on Friday for most of its courses, giving you enough time to explore the city or pursue short-term internships. DePaul University has 2 campuses located in Chicago, Illinois, United States of America. The 2 campuses, the Loop Campus and the Lincoln Park Campus demonstrate cultural diversity with students and faculty from over 100 countries. The university is home to 350 student organizations and 15 NCAA Division 1 Athletic Teams, giving ample opportunities for international students to explore.
Also Check: Student Guide to Study in USA
1.1 Other Rankings
3.1 DePaul University Key Statistics
3.2 DePaul University Graduate Entry Requirements
4.1 nDePaul University Undergraduate Degree Programs Admission Deadlines
Listed below are the DePaul University Rankings trends over the past few years across different ranking platforms:
| Ranking Source | Rank |
|---|---|
| QS Ranking of Business and Management Studies | 601-650 out of 1503 universities |
| US News National Universities Ranking | 169 out of 436 universities |
| US News Best Value Schools | 63 out of 203 universities |
DePaul University holds a respectable position in global and national rankings. With a QS Ranking of 601-650 for Business and Management Studies out of 1,503 universities, DePaul demonstrates a solid academic foundation in this field. On a national scale, DePaul is ranked 165 out of 436 universities in the US News National Universities Ranking, highlighting its strong academic reputation across various disciplines. Furthermore, its impressive #62 position in US News Best Value Schools reflects DePaul’s commitment to offering quality education at an affordable cost, making it a smart choice for students.
DePaul University is not just known for its national and global rankings. It also shines in various specialized programs. Here’s a look at some of its standout achievements:
| Ranking Body | Ranking |
|---|---|
| U.S. News & World Report (2025) | Ranked #118 on Social Mobility Ranking |
| The Princeton Review (2024) | #34 Undergraduate School for Game Design |
| The Princeton Review (2024) | #23 Graduate School for Game Design |
| College Rank (2024) | #10 Best Master’s in Entrepreneurship |
| The Princeton Review (2025) | #15 MBA Entrepreneurship Program in the Nation |
| The Princeton Review (2025) | #12 Undergraduate Entrepreneurship Program in the Nation |
| The Hollywood Reporter (2024) | #11 Film School in the Nation |
| The Princeton Review (2025) | Named one of the Best Midwestern Colleges in the U.S. |
| Wall Street Journal (2025) | Ranked one of the Best Colleges in the U.S. |
| INSIGHT into Diversity Magazine (2024) | Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award |
| Graphic Design USA (2024) | Named a Top Graphic Design School |
The table below highlights some of the popular courses at the DePaul University for international students:
| Course Name | Duration | Tuition Fees (USD) | Tuition Fees (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Arts [M.A] Animation | 2 years | $28,650 | ₹2,495,316 |
| Master of Arts [M.A] International Studies | 2 years | $23,640 | ₹2,055,273 |
| Master of Business Administration [M.B.A] | 15 months | $71,750 | ₹6,242,016 |
| Master of Business Administration [M.B.A] Business Analytics | 2 years | $35,760 | ₹3,114,806 |
| Master of Business Administration [M.B.A] Management Information Systems | 2 years | $35,760 | ₹3,114,806 |
| Master of Science [M.S] Artificial Intelligence | 2 years | $28,650 | ₹2,495,316 |
| Master of Science [M.S] Computer Science | 2 years | $22,920 | ₹2,000,573 |
| Master of Science [M.S] Cybersecurity | 2 years | $28,650 | ₹2,495,316 |
| Master of Science [M.S] Data Science | 2 years | $22,920 | ₹2,000,573 |
| Master of Science [M.S] Finance | 1 year | $35,760 | ₹3,114,806 |
| Master of Science [M.S] Health Informatics | 2 years | $24,330 | ₹2,116,424 |
| Master of Science [M.S] Human-Computer Interaction | 2 years | $28,650 | ₹2,495,316 |
| Master of Science [M.S] Information Systems | 2 years | $28,650 | ₹2,495,316 |
| Doctor of Philosophy [Ph.D] Computer and Information Science | 5 years | $45,614 | ₹3,970,599 |
| Bachelor of Arts [B.A] Composition | 4 years | $46,605 | ₹4,062,695 |
The table below showcases the Tuition fee trend for international students to help them with planning and budgeting for their studies at DePaul University:
| Course Name | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Arts [M.A] Animation | $28,650 (₹2,495,316) | $28,650 (₹2,495,316) | – | $15,876 (₹1,380,703) | $28,224 (₹2,454,337) |
| Master of Arts [M.A] International Studies | $23,640 (₹2,055,273) | $23,640 (₹2,055,273) | $18,192 (₹1,583,698) | $13,122 (₹1,141,548) | $21,870 (₹1,902,263) |
| Master of Business Administration [M.B.A] | $71,750 (₹6,242,016) | $35,760 (₹3,114,806) | $34,380 (₹2,996,057) | $33,060 (₹2,878,823) | $35,264 (₹3,068,268) |
| Master of Business Administration [M.B.A] Business Analytics | $35,760 (₹3,114,806) | $35,760 (₹3,114,806) | – | $33,720 (₹2,933,699) | – |
| Master of Business Administration [M.B.A] Management Information Systems | $35,760 (₹3,114,806) | $35,760 (₹3,114,806) | – | $33,720 (₹2,933,699) | – |
| Master of Science [M.S] Artificial Intelligence | $28,650 (₹2,495,316) | $28,650 (₹2,495,316) | – | $42,189 (₹3,672,825) | – |
| Master of Science [M.S] Computer Science | $22,920 (₹2,000,573) | $28,650 (₹2,495,316) | $15,876 (₹1,380,703) | $22,490 (₹1,958,556) | – |
| Master of Science [M.S] Cybersecurity | $28,650 (₹2,495,316) | $28,650 (₹2,495,316) | $15,876 (₹1,380,703) | $28,224 (₹2,454,337) | – |
| Master of Science [M.S] Data Science | $22,920 (₹2,000,573) | $28,650 (₹2,495,316) | $15,876 (₹1,380,703) | $22,932 (₹2,000,230) | – |
| Master of Science [M.S] Finance | $35,760 (₹3,114,806) | $35,760 (₹3,114,806) | $27,504 (₹2,394,269) | $19,836 (₹1,727,689) | $28,224 (₹2,454,337) |
| Master of Science [M.S] Health Informatics | $24,330 (₹2,116,424) | $24,330 (₹2,116,424) | $15,876 (₹1,380,703) | $28,224 (₹2,454,337) | – |
| Master of Science [M.S] Human-Computer Interaction | $28,650 (₹2,495,316) | $28,650 (₹2,495,316) | $15,876 (₹1,380,703) | $26,460 (₹2,301,004) | – |
| Master of Science [M.S] Information Systems | $28,650 (₹2,495,316) | $28,650 (₹2,495,316) | $28,826 (₹2,507,944) | $22,490 (₹1,958,556) | – |
| Doctor of Philosophy [Ph.D] Computer and Information Science | $45,614 (₹3,970,599) | $45,614 (₹3,970,599) | $10,800 (₹939,632) | $13,230 (₹1,150,075) | – |
| Bachelor of Arts [B.A] Composition | $46,605 (₹4,062,695) | $46,605 (₹4,062,695) | $43,665 (₹3,804,136) | $41,361 (₹3,598,208) | $41,361 (₹3,598,208) |
DePaul University’s tuition fees have seen a mix of stability and changes over the years. Courses like the Master of Arts in Animation and M.B.A. programs have maintained consistent rates, while programs such as the Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence and Master of Science in Finance experienced notable shifts. Despite some fluctuations, DePaul continues to offer a range of programs with tuition fees that balance quality education and affordability.
Also Check: DePaul University Courses and Fees 2025
Depaul University admissions are offered in 4 admission cycles every year: Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. Fall is the most popular intake for the international students. The university also boasts an acceptance rate of 74%, making it moderately selective. Tabulated below is a table highlighting some of the key information based on 2024 statistics for international students:
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Students | 21,210 |
| Undergraduate Students | 14,188 |
| Graduate Students | 7,022 |
| Alumni in Metro Area | 128,150 |
| Student Origin | From 49 states and 136 countries |
| Courses Taught by Professors | 97% |
| Student-to-Faculty Ratio | 16:1 |
| Study Abroad Programs | Available in more than 30 countries |
| Colleges and Schools | 10 |
| NCAA Division 1 Athletic Teams | 15 |
DePaul University admissions in graduate programs are offered in more than 170 disciplines. The popular graduate programs include accountancy, data science, computer science, finance, and software engineering. DePaul University admissions requirements for graduate courses are given below:
Application Portal: DePaul Online Portal
Application Fees: 75 USD or 6,267.04 INR
Admission Requirements:
DePaul University MBA programs are available in online, regular, and weekend modes. DePaul University MBA is offered by the Kellstadt Graduate School of Business. Mentioned below are DePaul University admissions deadlines and requirements for MBA course:
Application Portal: DePaul Online Portal
Application Fees: 60 USD or 5,013.63 INR
Admission Requirements:
DePaul University admissions are offered in more than 130 undergraduate programs. The entry requirements for UG programs are given below:
Application Portal: Common Application
Application Fees: 40 USD or 3,342.42 INR
Admission Requirements:
The following table showcases the DePaul University admission deadline for international students to apply for admission, additionally, international students are advised to start the application process at least 2–3 months before the admission deadline to not fall short of time:
| Application Program | Application Deadline | Decision Date |
|---|---|---|
| Early Action | November 15 | December 15 |
| Regular Notification | February 1 | March 15 |
| School of Music | December 1 | April 1 |
| The Theatre School | January 15 | April 1 |
The enrollment statistics in DePaul University saw a 0.9% decrease as compared to last year. International students applying through the DePaul University admissions portal represent 6% of the entire student body. Given below are DePaul University enrollment statistics for 2024 Fall intake:
Tabulated below are table showcasing a comparison between some of the similar universities for international students to get them arrive at informed decision:
| Parameter | DePaul University | Sacred Heart University | Clark University | University of Illinois |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Collegedunia Score | 4.1/10 | 8.3/10 | 5/10 | 5.4/10 |
| Ranking (Overall) | #151 US News 2024, #1693 US News 2024, #63 US News 2025 | # 410 Center for World University Rankings 2025, #209 US News 2024, #370 Forbes 2019 | #801 Times Higher Education 2026, #1001 QS World University 2026, #21 US News Best University Ranking 2025 | #201 Times Higher Education 2026, #334 QS World University 2026, #82 US News 2025 |
| Subject Strength | #135 for Law (US News 2024) | – | – | #73 for Engineering (US News 2024), #58 for Medicine (US News 2024), #159 for Law (US News 2024) |
| Programs Offered | UG: 134, PG: 98, Doctorate: 1 | UG: 43, PG: 13 | UG: 27, PG: 13, Doctorate: 8 | UG: 89, PG: 58, Doctorate: 1 |
| Acceptance Rate | 69.8% | 57.2% | 54.7% | 73.6% |
| Exam Requirements | IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 80, Duolingo: 110 | IELTS: 6.5, PTE: 62, TOEFL: 80 | IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 85 | IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 80, GMAT: 600, GRE: 299 |
| Cost to Study (UG) | $41,361 (₹3,598,208) | $44,080 (₹3,834,323) | $49,950 (₹4,344,528) | $44,758 (₹3,896,522) |
| Cost to Study (PG) | $28,224 (₹2,454,337) | $35,460 (₹3,088,550) | $49,950 (₹4,344,528) | $28,464 (₹2,479,690) |
| Hostel + Meal Cost | $36,990 (₹3,222,434) | $19,140 (₹1,667,486) | $18,770 (₹1,635,541) | $29,000 (₹2,528,160) |
| Placement (Average Salary) | MBA: $115,000, Doctorate: $140,000, Master of Arts: $100,000, Master of Science: $93,000, Bachelor of Science: $65,000 | MBA: INR 71,03,000, Highest salary: INR 56,25,000, Lowest salary: INR 20,00,000 | MBA: $77,500, 95% of MBA graduates secured employment within six months | MBA: $80,000, MS: $88,000, BSc: $70,000 |
| Application Requirements | Official transcripts, English proficiency test scores, Program-specific requirements | Official transcripts, English proficiency test scores, Program-specific requirements | Official transcripts, English proficiency test scores, Program-specific requirements | Official transcripts, English proficiency test scores, Program-specific requirements, Country-specific conditions |
| CollegeDunia Reviews | 6.1/10 (Read 5 reviews) | 8.3/10 (Read 1 review) | 8.1/10 (Read 9 reviews) | 7.0/10 (Read 6 reviews) |
| Campus Life | 350+ student organizations, DePaul Art Museum with works from Salvador Dali and Andy Warhol, Mental health and health services available | Career fairs and connections with non-profits, Online job postings via Handshake | Offers wellness centers, gallery, and theatre, Over 300 student organizations | Offers multiple student resources including career events, comedy shows, and concerts |
| Hostel Options | On-campus: $19,095, Off-campus: $13,797, Housing + Food Expenses: $14,400 | On-campus: $19,140, Housing + Food Expenses: $14,600 | On-campus: $18,770, Housing + Food Expenses: $14,400 | On-campus: $29,000, Housing + Food Expenses: $14,600 |
| Famous Alumni | Richard Driehaus (CEO), Dan Evans (former VP of LA Dodgers), Jack Greenberg (former CEO of McDonald’s) | Andre Brown (NBA Forward), Stanley Brundy (Basketball Player) | Carol Moseley Braun (Former US Senator), Justin Hartley (Actor) | Bernard Shaw (Journalist), Bobby Rush (US Representative), Joanne McCarthy (Baseball Player) |
| Location | Lincoln Park & Loop area, Chicago | Located in a culturally rich region close to downtown Chicago | Located in Worcester, Massachusetts | Located in Chicago near key cultural and business hubs |
| City Life | Chicago’s vibrant culture, Michelin-starred restaurants, and bustling job market with top corporations like Boeing and McDonald’s | Surrounded by vibrant Chicago neighborhoods with numerous social and cultural events | Offers diverse cultural spaces, museums, and restaurants | Chicago is home to Fortune 500 companies like Boeing, McDonald’s, Walgreens, and Kraft Heinz |
Here’s an overview of the estimated monthly living expenses for students at DePaul University:
| Expense Category | Monthly Range (USD) | Monthly Range (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | $900 – $1,800 | ₹78,336 – ₹156,672 |
| Food | $300 – $600 | ₹26,112 – ₹52,224 |
| Transportation | $100 – $200 | ₹8,704 – ₹17,408 |
| Books and Supplies | $600 – $1,000 | ₹52,224 – ₹87,040 |
| Health Insurance | $1,500 – $2,000/Year | ₹130,560 – ₹174,080/Year |
| Personal Expenses | $150 – $400 | ₹13,056 – ₹34,816 |
| Miscellaneous Expenses | $100 – $200 | ₹8,704 – ₹17,408 |
Also Check: Part-time Jobs in USA for International Students
International students seeking financial assistance from the university can apply for the following scholarships:
| Scholarship Name | Key Insights | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| State Scholar Plus Scholarship | Admitted Fall Freshmen Apply by November 15 Minimum GPA 3.75 (on a 4.0 scale) Rank in the top 10% of graduating class SAT score of 1300 or ACT score of 28 required if class ranking data is unavailable. | Up to $100,000 (Over 4 years) |
| RaiseMe Micro-Scholarships | Freshmen starting from 9th grade Achieve grades, extracurriculars, and leadership achievements Profile update by November 15 deadline Note: Not eligible for School of Music/Theatre students. | Up to $40,000 (Up to $10,000/year) |
| Academic Scholarships and DePaul Grants | Incoming freshman students Automatic consideration upon application submissionNo separate application required Priority given to applications submitted by November 15 | Up to $24,000 annually |
| DePaul Freshman Scholarships | Incoming freshman students Automatically considered for one of four academic scholarships: Presidential Scholarship, Deans’ Scholarship, DePaul Scholars’ Award, St. Vincent DePaul Scholarship | $9,000 – $25,000 annually |
| Art Scholarship | Admitted as a first-year student Declared Art, Media, and Design major Portfolio submission required | $10,000 annually |
| School of Music Award | Apply to the School of Music by DecemberPerformance audition required | Varies |
| Theatre School Scholarship | Apply to The Theatre School Complete an audition or interview | Varies |
For students who aren’t fully confident in their English skills or haven’t scored high enough, there’s no need to worry. DePaul University offers conditional admission to those who meet the academic requirements but need to improve their English. These students will attend the English Language Academy (ELA), an intensive program designed to help them develop the language skills needed for university courses. Once they complete the program and earn the University Bridge Certificate, they’ll meet the English proficiency requirement for their degree program.
Ques: What are the Best Reasons to Attend DePaul University?
| Aspect | Likes (Pros) | Dislikes (Cons) |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Prime urban location with diverse surroundings | Urban setting may feel overwhelming for some |
| Campus Life | Hundreds of student groups for social involvement | Lacks an overall nurturing environment |
| Programs & Faculty | Strong programs in fields like Computer Science and caring faculty in some departments | Inconsistent quality in some programs like Film |
| Athletics | Offers sports programs and recreation | Lesser-known sports programs poorly managed |
| Technology | Modern equipment and facilities | Resource allocation in some programs may feel unfair |
| Cost & Value | Provides good value if you are dedicated and career-focused | High tuition fees with lower post-graduation value without strong connections |
| Career Opportunities | Stronger opportunities for students with defined career paths | Less attractive to recruiters from top companies |
