DePaul Acceptance Rate: Stats and Tips (2026)
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DePaul Acceptance Rate: Stats and Tips (2026)
DePaul University is the largest Catholic university in the United States, enrolling more than 21,000 students across 10 colleges and schools. Founded in 1898 by the Vincentian Fathers, DePaul operates from two distinctive Chicago campuses: the Lincoln Park campus on the city’s North Side, where traditional residential college life and liberal arts programs thrive, and the Loop campus in downtown Chicago’s commercial core, home to business, law, computing, and professional programs. This dual-campus structure gives DePaul students access to both a leafy, neighborhood college experience and the energy of one of America’s great downtowns.
DePaul’s Vincentian mission emphasizes service to the marginalized, and that ethic runs through the curriculum, student organizations, and campus culture. The university enrolls one of the most diverse student bodies of any Catholic institution, and its commitment to access — DePaul has historically served a high percentage of first-generation and low-income students — distinguishes it from many private university peers.
Academically, DePaul’s College of Computing and Digital Media is a standout, offering programs in game design, animation, and cybersecurity that draw students nationally. The Driehaus College of Business, the Theatre School (one of the oldest in the country), and the School of Music also enjoy strong reputations.
DePaul’s acceptance rate sits at approximately ~65%, reflecting its access-oriented mission while maintaining competitive standards for its strongest programs.
Admissions Statistics at a Glance
| Metric | Figure |
|---|---|
| Overall acceptance rate | ~65% |
| Applicant pool (recent cycle) | ~24,000 |
| Enrolled first-year class | ~2,800 |
| Middle 50% SAT (composite) | ~1100–1290 |
| Middle 50% ACT (composite) | ~22–28 |
| Average unweighted GPA | ~3.45 |
| Students from Illinois | ~60% |
| Students of color | ~45% |
| First-generation college students | ~30% |
DePaul is test-optional for the 2026 cycle. The university has been test-optional since 2011 — longer than most peer institutions — and has extensive data confirming that the policy does not disadvantage any applicant group.
What DePaul Looks For
DePaul’s admissions process is holistic and mission-driven:
Academic readiness. DePaul expects a college-preparatory high school curriculum. Four years of English, three years of math (through at least Algebra II), two years of laboratory science, two years of social studies, and two years of a foreign language are standard expectations. The admissions team evaluates transcripts in the context of each student’s school and available opportunities.
Alignment with the Vincentian mission. DePaul’s identity is rooted in service and social justice. Applicants who demonstrate community engagement, empathy, and a commitment to making a difference — whether through formal volunteering, family responsibility, or advocacy — resonate with the admissions committee.
Program-specific preparation. Admission to DePaul is not automatic admission to every program. The College of Computing and Digital Media, the Theatre School, and the School of Music have additional requirements, including portfolios, auditions, or supplementary applications. Theatre applicants must audition; music applicants must submit recordings or audition in person.
Personal statement. DePaul’s essay gives you the chance to share your story. The admissions team values authenticity and self-awareness. If your background includes overcoming obstacles, working to support your family, or navigating first-generation challenges, DePaul wants to hear about it.
Extracurricular involvement. DePaul values sustained engagement over a long list of activities. Work experience is weighted equally with traditional extracurriculars — many DePaul students have held jobs throughout high school.
Recommendations. One counselor and one teacher recommendation are required. Choose recommenders who know you well and can speak to your character, resilience, and academic potential.
Acceptance Rate by Application Type
| Application Round | Deadline | Estimated Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Early Action | November 15 | ~72% |
| Regular Decision | February 1 | ~60% |
| Theatre School (audition-based) | December 1 | ~15% |
| School of Music (audition-based) | January 15 | ~40% |
Early Action is non-binding and provides earlier notification and priority merit scholarship consideration. Audition-based programs like the Theatre School are dramatically more selective than the university overall — the Theatre School’s acceptance rate is comparable to the most competitive performing arts conservatories in the country.
Financial Aid and Cost
| Cost Component | Estimated Annual Figure |
|---|---|
| Tuition and fees | ~$44,000 |
| Room and board (Lincoln Park) | ~$16,000 |
| Total cost of attendance | ~$60,000 |
| Average need-based grant | ~$20,000 |
| Students receiving financial aid | ~90% |
| Average merit scholarship | ~$16,000 |
| Average net price (families < $75K income) | ~$18,000 |
| Average student debt at graduation | ~$30,000 |
DePaul offers substantial merit-based scholarships, including Presidential, Dean’s, and Vincentian Scholarships that can range from $12,000 to full tuition. The university is committed to affordability and serves a high proportion of Pell-eligible students. DePaul also participates in the Illinois MAP grant program, and commuter students — who can attend from either campus — save significantly on housing costs. Chicago’s strong internship market in business, tech, and media allows students to earn while learning.
Key Takeaways
- DePaul’s ~65% acceptance rate reflects its access mission, but selective programs like the Theatre School (~15% admit rate) and the School of Music require auditions and have far lower acceptance rates.
- The dual-campus model — Lincoln Park for residential liberal arts, the Loop for professional programs — gives students two distinct Chicago experiences.
- As the nation’s largest Catholic university, DePaul serves one of the most diverse student bodies in private higher education, with 30% first-generation students.
- Merit scholarships are generous and widely distributed; apply Early Action for priority consideration.
- DePaul has been test-optional since 2011 — longer than most peer institutions — making it a genuine leader in holistic admissions.
Next Steps
Prepare your DePaul application with these resources:
- How to Write a Standout College Essay — Authenticity and mission alignment matter at DePaul more than polish.
- Financial Aid Guide: FAFSA, CSS Profile, and Beyond — File the FAFSA early to maximize your aid package.
- College Application Timeline: Month-by-Month Checklist — Theatre and music applicants need to prepare auditions well in advance.
Verify all admissions data with the institution directly. Acceptance rates and requirements change annually.