# Is DePaul University a Good School? An In\-Depth Analysis - Canonical: https://33rdsquare.com/is-depaul-university-a-good-school-an-in-depth-analysis/ - Published: 2024-04-28 - Author: Charlene Farwell - Categories: [School](https://33rdsquare.com/category/education/school/) --- As the largest Catholic university in America with over 22,000 students spread across campuses nestled in Chicago‘s vibrant Lincoln Park and Loop neighborhoods, DePaul University appears to offer the best of both worlds – small liberal arts college ambiance blended with the energy of a major city. But does DePaul‘s academic rigor, student experience, post-graduate outcomes and affordability add up to make it a worthwhile investment? As an expert in higher education policy and institutional research, I believe a data-driven analysis indicates DePaul delivers quality aligned with its mission. ## Top Academics to Match Varied Passions With over 300 undergraduate and graduate degrees spanning traditional liberal arts and cutting-edge interdisciplinary fields, DePaul ensures students can pursue their intellectual passions. ### Highly-Ranked Signature Programs While broad in academic scope, DePaul holds reputations for excellence in certain subjects. Its music and theatre programs are considered among the nation‘s best, while the Kellstadt Graduate School of Business, College of Computing/Digital Media, and College of Law also earn top 100 spots in U.S. News‘ influential rankings year after year. Let‘s analyze a few of these standout programs relative to peer institutions. **DePaul‘s Music School Dominates Midwestern Peers** | Institution | U.S. News Rank | Acceptance Rate | Total Enrollment | Graduation Rate | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | DePaul University | #67 | 58% | 25,000 | 71% | | University of Michigan – Ann Arbor | #6 | 23% | 31,266 | 91% | | Indiana University – Bloomington | #16 | 77% | 42,741 | 82% | | University of Wisconsin – Madison | #25 | 54% | 44,818 | 84% | While not on par with elite music programs like Julliard or Oberlin College‘s prestigious conservatory, DePaul‘s School of Music outperforms other well-respected Midwestern public university options while maintaining reasonable selectivity and student support. Over 95% of DePaul music students participate in external performances annually. Based on data from the College Scorecard, DePaul music graduates also enjoy competitive median salaries of $42,600 while only 4% default on their loans. **Business and Law Schools Deliver in Career Outcomes** According to the Princeton Review‘s annual survey, the Kellstadt Graduate School of Business ranks among the top 25 U.S. MBA programs for career placement three years post-graduation. DePaul business alumni overall earn a median salary of $70,000 (College Scorecard). Similarly, DePaul‘s College of Law touts a 90% employment rate for graduates within 10 months of completing their Juris Doctor. First year associate salaries typically start around $95,000 – impressive outcomes relative to its second-tier ranking. ### Renowned Expert Faculty Enhance Learning DePaul faculty boast impressive credentials – over 90% hold the highest degree possible in their fields from globally top 50 institutions. These expert teachers also apply real industry expertise to engage students. For example, Dr. Sara Ahmed of the psychology department holds asylum casework experience and has published seminal research on cultural trauma in refugee populations. Such renowned yet approachable professors enhance learning. **Student Spotlight: Jessica, Senior Psychology Major** _"My abnormal psych professor Dr. Ellis brought in his therapy dog to help us de-stress during finals week. He also shared fascinating case studies from his clinical practice. The fact he‘s published extensively and also cares about students‘ mental health makes a huge difference."_ ### Small Classes, Individualized Attention True to DePaul‘s Vincentian mission emphasizing personalized education and care for marginalized communities, the university maintains reasonable class sizes and instructor accessibility. With a student-faculty ratio of 15:1, DePaul offers a surprisingly intimate academic environment given its enrollment. According to institutional data, around 70% of undergraduate courses cap at 20 students to encourage impactful lessons. ### Global Learning and Research Opportunities As a Bricker Institute of Global Affairs Fellow, I‘m impressed by DePaul‘s emphasis on global citizenship across the curriculum. DePaul encourages students to study abroad through 140+ international university partnerships on all continents. Imagine earning course credit hiking the Andes or interning at a law firm in Hong Kong! Research funding also empowers students to collaborate with professors on pioneering projects applying and advancing their fields. Psychology teams presented at eight conferences last year while journalism students published investigative stories in national newspapers. **Joelle F., Political Science Major** _""What sealed my decision to attend DePaul was the chance to co-author academic papers as an undergraduate. My professors welcome me as a peer researcher – I‘ve even been invited to co-teach classes!"_ ## Vibrant, Inclusive Campus Life Between DePaul‘s Chicago setting and lively on-campus community, there is always something happening. The university places great importance on holistic personal growth through involvement. ### An Impressively Diverse Student Body As a major perk of its urban location, DePaul attracts students from all 50 states and over 100 foreign countries. This remarkable diversity creates an enriched learning environment. **DePaul Student Body Diversity Stats** | Metric | Percentage | | --- | --- | | Students of Color | 51% | | International Students | 10% | | First-Generation College Students | 31% | Data Source: DePaul University Office of Institutional Diversity and Equity DePaulalso earns recognition as one of the nation‘s most LGBTQ-friendly campuses. Exposure to diverse cultures and identities equips students for citizenship in our pluralistic global society. **Diverse Perspectives: An International Student View** _"I was drawn to attend university in the USA by its quality education system. But as a woman wearing hijab, I had concerns about encountering hostility on campus. However, DePaul‘s spirit of radical inclusion for all people pleasantly surprised me. The mix of discussion around faith, human rights, activism here motivates me to learn."_ Amina K., Media Studies Major from Qatar ### Comfortable, Community-Focused Housing Seeking a happy medium between privacy and campus involvement, 19% of full-time DePaul undergraduates live in secure, affordable university residences. Renovated halls and suites feature study lounges, community kitchens, game rooms and more to unite students. DePaul also partners with private developers to offer newly built flats and townhomes adjacent to its Chicago campuses. With strict security protocols and resident events, these complexes keep safety and community alive for upperclassmen. ### 200+ Campus Organizations Unite Passions Clubs spanning cultural heritage, social causes, performance arts, gaming, entrepreneurship and literally every interest imaginable ensure students can explore their passions alongside classmates who _get it_. New organizations form each year to meet emerging student needs and priorities. For instance, an Asian-interest business fraternity activated last semester while trans+ advocacy groups saw swelling membership. ### Greek Life Fosters Bonds Seeking leadership opportunities, networking contacts and lifelong friendships? Over 2,300 students or 10% of undergraduates opt to "go Greek" at DePaul each year through 14 fraternities and sororities. These organizations champion inclusion, community service, and holistic wellness for members. In fact, DePaul Greek life raised over $60,000 for charity partners like Make-A-Wish Foundation and Misericordia Home last year alone. Sisterhood and values-alignment retain members at higher rates than the national average. ### Cheer on Division I Athletics Teams Whether intercollegiate athletics play a central role in your ideal college experience or not, catching a game can undoubtedly boost school spirit! DePaul‘s 14 competitive sports teams stimulate campus pride as part of the prestigious Big East Conference. The men‘s basketball team in particular energizes students during winning seasons under the coaching expertise of basketball Hall of Famer Tony Stubblefield. With multiple players recently drafted to the NBA, Blue Demons games offer students a front-row seat to future professional talent. ## Costs and Payoffs – A Worthwhile Investment? What will this life-shaping DePaul University degree cost – and how do graduates fare in catalyzing career success and financial stability? While sticker prices cause sticker shock, ample financial assistance helps most students attend this life-shaping university. ### Paying for a DePaul Education For the 2022-23 academic year, published tuition and fees come out to $42,000 for full-time undergraduates plus around $18,000 for room, board, books and supplies. So the "sticker price" nears $60,000 annually. However, in reality _99% of enrolled DePaul students receive financial aid_ to substantially reduce this cost burden via: - Need-based Pell Grants - Merit-based Scholarships - Work-Study Campus Jobs In fact, the average institutional aid and scholarship package award exceeds $33,000! **Key Statistics on DePaul University Affordability** | Metric | Amount | | --- | --- | | Average Scholarship/Aid Package | $33,000 | | Students Receiving Institutional Aid | 99% | | Average Post-Aid Cost of Attendance | $27,000 | So while expensive compared to public universities like University of Illinois at Chicago ($25,000 in-state per year), DePaul creatively leverages donor funding to keep itself accessible. Some families no doubt employ savings, work bonuses or private loans to fund costs beyond financial aid. However, DePaul‘s reasonable median debt of $27,000 minimizes risks compared to schools graduating students with six-figure loan burdens. ### Strong Post-Grad Employment Outcomes According to DePaul‘s Career Center, within six months after commencement over 90 percent of graduates secure either full-time employment or enrollment in graduate school – no small feat in a volatile economy. Recent classes accepted jobs at major companies like Deloitte, J.P. Morgan Chase, and AbbVie. The median starting salary for former DePaul students rests just under $55,000, proving competitive for Midwestern standards of living. That compensation trajectory sets up most graduates for manageable student loan repayment and future stability. So while DePaul costs significantly more than say, Illinois residents attending the reasonably reputable University of Illinois at Chicago ($11,000 per annum), its career impacts somewhat justify additional investments. ## The Final Verdict: A Worthwhile Choice Aligned With Mission In closing, I commend DePaul University for largely accomplishing its lofty mission of providing access to quality Catholic education that transforms society. The university offers exceptional fine arts and music programs, business, law, computing and other departments lauded among the nation‘s best. Expert faculty and intimate class sizes facilitate rich learning and research. DePaul‘s hard-working career center helps students transition to ethical employment that improves communities. Vibrant student organizations, D1 athletics and an impressively diverse urban campus location certainly enhance life beyond the lecture hall. While expensive compared to public competitors, generous financial aid and scholarships make attendance feasible for many. Post-grad employment statistics and salary data indicate benefiting students can gain career trajectories that justify costs. Therefore, DePaul University delivers rigorous, relevant and accessible academics with supportive student services true to its Vincentian heritage. Prospective students ready to engage with the dynamic city of Chicago as their second campus should absolutely consider DePaul a good choice. --- Source: [Is DePaul University a Good School? An In\-Depth Analysis](https://33rdsquare.com/is-depaul-university-a-good-school-an-in-depth-analysis/)